CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF (1961)
Starring Oliver Reed and Yvonne Romain
Films like "Curse of the Werewolf" are a reason so many fans still love the horror that Britain`s Hammer Studios cranked out in the '50s, '60s and '70s. Directed by the great Terence Fisher, it chronicles the origins of a werewolf, from the humble beginnings of his mute mother (who, after spurning an aristocrat is put behind bars and raped by a rabid old beggar) to his own upbringing. Love and affection are the only things that can prevent him from becoming a wolf—and when those two qualities of life aren`t forthcoming during his manhood, trouble comes a knockin`.
Reid is marvelous as the adult wolfman, with Romain as his wealthy love interest. Like all great Hammer films, this one addresses the issue of class around every corner. Reid`s mother is a buxom and mute peasant who is raped after turning down a sadistic rich man. A common laborer, Reed is in love with a rich young lady that society says he can`t have.
The werewolf make-up is saved until the very end and, despite the year the film was produced, looks pretty damn good. Old werewolf makeup definitely had more personality than the CGI crap we witness today. Also, watch for Desmond Llewyn ("Q" from James Bond) in a brief part.