Moon of the Wolf (Horror, 1972)

Moon of the Wolf is a made-for-TV horror mystery with elements of Southern Gothic and supernatural thriller. It blends classic werewolf lore with a whodunit structure, making it a hybrid of horror and crime drama. Typical of early 1970s TV movies, it leans on atmosphere and suspense rather than graphic violence, fitting the constraints of network television.
Plot
Set in the small, swampy town of Marsh Island, Louisiana, the story begins with the brutal murder of a young woman, Ellie Burrifors, found mauled in the woods. Sheriff Aaron Whitaker (David Janssen) investigates, initially suspecting a wild animal attack or a human killer. The local doctor rules out typical animals like dogs or bears, hinting at something more unusual. Suspicion falls on various townsfolk, including Ellie’s brother Tom, her lover Lawrence Burrifors (a wealthy plantation heir played by Bradford Dillman), and others with murky motives.
As more clues emerge—like strange claw marks and whispers of a "loup-garou" (French for werewolf)—the plot thickens. Townspeople gossip about old legends, and Aaron uncovers tensions tied to class, race, and family secrets. The victim was pregnant, adding a layer of scandal. Eventually, it’s revealed that Lawrence, afflicted by a hereditary curse triggered by a rare drug interaction, transforms into a werewolf under the full moon. In a climactic showdown, Aaron confronts the beastly Lawrence, who dies after a fire breaks out, leaving the sheriff to ponder the strange case.
The film balances a procedural investigation with eerie supernatural undertones, all wrapped in a humid, bayou-soaked setting that amplifies its mood.
Cast
David Janssen as Sheriff Aaron Whitaker: The stoic, no-nonsense lead, known for The Fugitive.

Barbara Rush as Louise Rodanthe: A local woman and Aaron’s understated love interest, bringing a touch of elegance.

Bradford Dillman as Lawrence Burrifors: The charming but doomed plantation heir who harbors a dark secret.

John Beradino as Dr. Druten: The town doctor who provides key forensic insights.

Geoffrey Lewis as Tom Sr.: A rough-edged local with a supporting role, later famous for Clint Eastwood films.

Royal Dano as Tom Sr.’s father: A grizzled figure adding to the rural vibe.

The cast is a mix of TV veterans and character actors, delivering solid performances within the film’s modest scope.
Fun Facts
TV Movie Roots: Airing on ABC as a Movie of the Week on September 26, 1972, it was directed by Daniel Petrie, a prolific TV director, and produced by Filmways Television. Its 74-minute runtime was tailored for a 90-minute slot with commercials.

Source Material: Adapted from Leslie H. Whitten’s 1967 novel of the same name, the film tweaks the book’s pacing and details for TV, emphasizing mystery over gore.

Werewolf Twist: The transformation isn’t shown in classic makeup-heavy style (budget and TV limits), but implied through shadows, growls, and a subtle reveal of Lawrence’s hairy hands—leaving much to the imagination.

Loup-Garou Lore: The film taps into Cajun folklore with the "loup-garou," a regional werewolf legend, giving it a distinct flavor compared to generic monster flicks.

Public Domain Status: As likely public domain (due to an unrenewed copyright), it’s freely available online, preserving its cult status among horror fans.

Critical Reception: Reviews from the time, like Variety’s, praised its atmosphere but noted its tame execution—typical for TV horror then.

Moon of the Wolf remains a quirky relic of 1970s television, blending small-town intrigue with a monster mash, all delivered with a straight face by a capable cast.