The Wolf Man on Super Mates

[Earth 2 Chris]

Cindy and I are joined by our son Andrew to discuss our favorite Universal Monster ...The Wolf Man! Plus, Spidey meets Werewolf by Night in on whacked out Marvel Team-Up!

Giver her a listen!

http://supermatescomic.blogspot.com/

Chris

[The Toyroom]

Friday has been saved!

[MIB41]

I think what really makes the Wolfman enduring for me is the sympathetic portrayal by Lon Chaney Jr. The story really lacks any great dimension outside of selling that initial idea of the curse. So Chaney's part really has to carry the whole movie. If you don't believe Talbot is tortured and conflicted by this curse, the whole concept collapses. So in effect, you're rooting for him. I think it plays on that same dynamic as the Incredible Hulk series. What made that show work was Bill Bixby. You like him and your sympathetic to his anguish. He makes it feel personal to you, so there's an investment in the character beyond the normal interest tied to the star monster. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Kenneth Johnson wrote the series with that idea in mind. But I think that dynamic is why the Wolfman remains a timeless classic. That's also why the remake fell flat for me. I had some sympathy for Del Toro, but nothing overwhelming like I did for Chaney's portrayal. As an actor, you have to be all in and believe in that role. I don't think Del Toro believed in that character like Chaney did.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Good points, Tom. I've become a real fan of Chaney, Jr. over the last several years. Yes, he took some crappy roles later in his life, but he never phoned anything in. His overly emotive acting style was ahead of his time. James Dean, young Marlon Brando and others would get accolades for the same kind of acting ten years later.

7 years later, when he shows up in Abbott & Costello Meets Frankenstein, his Larry Talbot is still just as sympathetic, if not more worn-down with his torture. It's just a great character/actor combination.

Chris

[madmarva]

Chaney Jr. Is really good in the Inner Sanctum mystery films. They are clearly B productions, but enjoyable mysteries, and his portrayal of Lennie in Of Mice and Men set the bar high for all who have taken the role since.