Though lacking the advantages of today's CGI, Hammer's only werewolf film is among the finest ever made! The tale of the inherited lycanthropy of Leon Carido, the illegitimate son of a crazed beggar (Richard Wordsworth) and a mute servant girl (Yvonne Romain), builds to an exciting finale of bestial ferocity! A youthful Oliver Reed, in his first major screen role as Leon, effectively conveys the character's anguished desperation, and incarnates one of the screen's most impressive werewolves! The film's outstanding production values include Roy Ashton's magnificent werewolf makeup, and Benjamin Frankel's breathtaking score! Though heavily censored during its original theatrical release, the film has been splendidly restored!
