Moon of the Wolf (1972)

How's it bayou?
Based on a novel by Leslie Whitten, this made-for-TV thriller blends a murder-mystery with an old-fashioned werewolf story. David Janssen is the southern sheriff with a string of bloody murders on his hands. An incoherent, bed-ridden old man down on the bayou babbles in a Cajun dialect of something that sounds like "luke-a-ruke." As the victims pile up, the sheriff finally learns that the old man is saying "Werewolf!" (loup garou). This movie is a mixed blessing. Most of the script devotes itself to fathoming the mystery, and red herrings abound. Time is also spent on the subplot of a mild flirtation between Janssen and Barbara Rush. She is of the local gentry, and her brother disapproves of Janssen's attentiveness. About 59 minutes into the 73-minute film, the movie shifts gears and the horror elements finally kick in. The local Larry Talbot suffers a peculiar genetic malady that usually can be controlled by drugs. Things get serious one night when the moon is full, and a...

A CHILLING SOUTHERN GOTHIC
Based on the novel of the same name by author Les Whitten, MOON OF THE WOLF is a surprisingly well-crafted made-for-TV thirller from the 70s. Now available in a number of video versions, this is a little-known but quite serviceable production of some merit. Set in the isolated Louisiana marshland, the story revolves around the local Sheriff's efforts to uncover the truth behind a young girl's mysterious and grisly death. Was she killed by wild dogs, or by an ex-lover's revenge? Acting is very good all-around, with David Janssen well-cast as the no-nonsense but likeable sheriff and Barbara Rush as the Southern Belle with a few secrets of her own. The script is good, and the suspense methodically rises as the story progresses. The only real weakness, as is often the case with low-budget horror films, is the monster make-up. The eponymous werewolf doesn't look anything like the creature in the DVD art, but at least the director has the sense to keep the monster in the shadows most...

Mint Juleps, a Mystery, and Great Actors
Mixed emotions -- fine actors doing fine acting in a surprisingly well-done movie I usualy wouldn't hold still for. Janssen at his classic best a competent sheriff, decent man. Barbara Rush charming as self-confessed heiress raised to do nothing. Well worth watching.

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