Cry of the Werewolf (1944) | Directed by Henry Levin

Cry of the Werewolf is a horror-mystery film that follows the eerie investigation of a series of murders linked to a mysterious gypsy curse. When a scientist researching supernatural folklore is found dead, his son Paul and a detective begin to uncover the dark secrets of a local Romani tribe, led by the beautiful yet deadly Princess Celeste. As they delve deeper, they realize that Celeste herself may be the source of the killings—able to transform into a werewolf under the light of the full moon. Combining elements of noir, folklore, and classic horror, the film presents an atmospheric tale of terror and suspense.

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Director: Henry Levin

Henry Levin was an American director known for his work in a variety of genres, including adventure, comedy, and science fiction. Starting in the 1940s, he directed a mix of B-movies and big-budget productions, eventually earning recognition for films like Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959). Levin’s ability to create tension and intrigue in his films, even on a limited budget, made him a reliable filmmaker in Hollywood’s golden age.

Star Cast:
- Nina Foch as Princess Celeste
- Stephen Crane as Robert Baldwin
- Osa Massen as Elsa Chauvet
- Blanche Yurka as Madame Petrova
- Barton MacLane as Detective Lt. Barry Lane

Cry of the Werewolf was a lesser-known entry in the 1940s horror genre, overshadowed by Universal’s more famous werewolf films. However, it was notable for featuring a female werewolf at a time when most cinematic werewolf stories centered around male protagonists. The film was praised for its eerie atmosphere, use of shadows, and Nina Foch’s haunting performance as Princess Celeste. Critics noted its budget constraints and lack of transformation effects, which relied more on suggestion than on-screen visuals. While not a major box office success, it has since gained a following among classic horror enthusiasts.

Fun Facts:
- Unlike many werewolf films of the era, Cry of the Werewolf avoided elaborate transformation sequences, relying on lighting and editing to suggest Celeste’s deadly metamorphosis.
- Nina Foch, who played Princess Celeste, later became a respected acting coach and appeared in major films like An American in Paris (1951) and Spartacus (1960).
- The film drew inspiration from Romani folklore, a rarity at the time, though its portrayal was influenced by Hollywood’s romanticized and often inaccurate depictions of Romani culture.
- The story blends horror with detective fiction, making it one of the earlier examples of supernatural noir.
- Though it wasn’t part of Universal’s iconic werewolf series, Cry of the Werewolf is often compared to films like The Wolf Man (1941) due to its gothic themes and suspenseful storytelling.

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