This is another winner from the pen of sci-fi master writer Richard Matheson, author of the classic film "The Incredible Shrinking Man," though "Scream of the Wolf" plays more as a murder mystery than as a traditional werewolf flick. Made-for-TV on a limited budget, almost nothing is shown in way of special effects, which on the positive side leaves more room for suspense and less room for gore and guts.
It seems some huge wolf is the culprit in a series of murders taking place in the woods around Byron Douglas'(Clint Walker) lair. As Sheriff Vernon Bell (Philip Carey) investigates he uncovers strange tracks indicating a four-footed creature; then the markings become those of a being walking upright; finally, the prints suddenly end as if erased. When dogs are brought in to trail, the scent changes unexpectedly when the tracks end.
Local hunter, now adventure writer, John Wetherby (Peter Graves) is turned to for assistance. He is unconvinced that a werewolf is to blame, determining that either a monster wolf or a human monster is responsible. When he calls on his former hunting buddy, Byron, to participate in the track down, Byron refuses, maintaining that it's time for his old partner to renew his interest in the pursuit of the kill. John's girlfriend, Sandy Miller (Jo Ann Pflug), is partly accountable for his giving up the hunt. She now helps him to catch the perpetrator of the dastardly deeds, placing herself in death's jaws.
The primary suspect from the beginning is weird glory hunter, Byron. But is he really the killer and if so, is he really a werewolf? Another suspect is Byron's man servant, or is he a red herring? He was hired on the basis of his ability to successfully arm wrestle Byron. Or could it be the star of the show, former trophy hunter John Wetherby?
Clint Walker, usually a wooden actor, gives one of his best performances in a different type role. He is convincing as the macho hunter intent on bringing his erstwhile friend back into the game. Peter Graves makes a good foil for him. The rest of the cast is above average for a TV movie from the 1970's.
A major criticism of Matheson's story is toward the end when "Scream of the Werewolf" almost becomes yet another retelling of Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game." Otherwise, this little movie is a gripping murder mystery filled with thrills and chills, with a few frightening scenes, especially if you're watching alone in the dark with dogs howling outside.
It seems some huge wolf is the culprit in a series of murders taking place in the woods around Byron Douglas'(Clint Walker) lair. As Sheriff Vernon Bell (Philip Carey) investigates he uncovers strange tracks indicating a four-footed creature; then the markings become those of a being walking upright; finally, the prints suddenly end as if erased. When dogs are brought in to trail, the scent changes unexpectedly when the tracks end.
Local hunter, now adventure writer, John Wetherby (Peter Graves) is turned to for assistance. He is unconvinced that a werewolf is to blame, determining that either a monster wolf or a human monster is responsible. When he calls on his former hunting buddy, Byron, to participate in the track down, Byron refuses, maintaining that it's time for his old partner to renew his interest in the pursuit of the kill. John's girlfriend, Sandy Miller (Jo Ann Pflug), is partly accountable for his giving up the hunt. She now helps him to catch the perpetrator of the dastardly deeds, placing herself in death's jaws.
The primary suspect from the beginning is weird glory hunter, Byron. But is he really the killer and if so, is he really a werewolf? Another suspect is Byron's man servant, or is he a red herring? He was hired on the basis of his ability to successfully arm wrestle Byron. Or could it be the star of the show, former trophy hunter John Wetherby?
Clint Walker, usually a wooden actor, gives one of his best performances in a different type role. He is convincing as the macho hunter intent on bringing his erstwhile friend back into the game. Peter Graves makes a good foil for him. The rest of the cast is above average for a TV movie from the 1970's.
A major criticism of Matheson's story is toward the end when "Scream of the Werewolf" almost becomes yet another retelling of Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game." Otherwise, this little movie is a gripping murder mystery filled with thrills and chills, with a few frightening scenes, especially if you're watching alone in the dark with dogs howling outside.