House of the Wolf Man

...for sentimental reasons, but that would have been cheating myself and/or future viewers. What we have here is a competently made 'fan' homage too the last of the Universal Horror films of the 2nd generation. HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944) and HOUSE OF Dracula (1945). HOUSE OF THE WOLFMAN (2009) has the feel of a film made in 1946. With about the same technical competence. Just above that of MR. B.I.G.

The make-up and physical effects are done too the level of that era. The film stock, degraded, is a nice touch, reflecting its alleged age. The miniature back-drops were in line with movie making at that time. Costuming could have been better. Somebody should have informed Emily Hastings (Costume Design) that Womens Stockings of the 1940s' had a prominent Heel, Seam & Sole. Mary Chapel (Sara Raftery) needed a far better wig, one that fit and blended in. The 'Prop Rifle' was not of the period, having almost 21st Century features. Music score good, reflecting the style of Hans J. Salter.

Where the film falls down was the Acting. Starting with Ron Chaney, his name may have had value, but his acting limitations did not. Sara Raftery also was less then competent. The rest of the cast could at best be described as earnest! Playing their roles with a fans enthusiasm. For that is what the film is, a 'super' fan production. Glad it was made and added too our collection, something to pull out twice a year with the rest of the Universal Legacy series.