Moon of the Wolf

Moon of the Wolf, a film that hit the silver screen in 1972, is a suspense-filled drama with a tint of horror, combined with the charm of a Southern Gothic atmosphere. This American thriller, primarily made for TV audiences, proved to become influential within the TV horror genre. The film, skillfully directed by Daniel Petrie, showcases a fine ensemble cast that includes David Janssen, Barbara Rush, and Bradford Dillman.

The film is set in the idyllic, yet secretive southern town of Marsh Island, Louisiana. David Janssen, popularly known for his run in the TV series The Fugitive, is cast as the strong, stoic Sheriff Aaron Whitaker, a respected local lawman. He is tasked with the rather complex and unnerving responsibility of solving an inscrutable series of violent deaths that occur suddenly within his jurisdiction. The victims show signs of being ravaged by a wild beast, injecting a significant amount of intrigue and fear within the town and its populace.

Barbara Rush, playing Louise Rodanthe, adds glamour and enigma to the narrative. She is the last remaining member of Marsh Island's most aristocratic family living in a slowly decaying antebellum mansion. The challenges she faces, including keeping her family’s plantation running and dealing with unwanted attentions, interlocking her character with the film's central mystery. Her stellar performance adds another dimension to the movie, subtly infusing the essence of the Southern belle grappling with hidden shadows of the past.

Bradford Dillman's role as Andrew Rodanthe, the enigmatic brother of Louise, brings an air of disturbing ambiguity and suspense. His stellar portrayal of the character adds a consistent note of dramatic tension which fuels the overall narrative of the movie. The interactions between Whitaker and Andrew, and the eventual revelation of Andrew's secrets, form a crucial part of the storyline.

As the investigation of the grisly deaths unfolds, the town is shrouded in a mixture of fear, mystery, and suspense. Slowly and menacingly, the plot delves into the realm of the supernatural, with whispers of a 'loup-garou' or werewolf permeating through the terrified town. The local folks, deeply rooted in age-old myths and superstitions, take these fears wholeheartedly, contributing to an atmosphere fraught with apprehension and horror. Sheriff Whitaker, however, methodically tries to uncover the truth behind the mayhem, facing the increasingly difficult task of maintaining order amidst the growing fear and paranoia.

Moon of the Wolf artfully mingles elements of suspense with some classic horror tropes, supplemented by elements of a southern tragic romance. The backdrops of the overgrown swamps, Spanish moss-draped decay, and the palatial but crumbling mansion also act as significant characters within the narrative, enhancing its haunting and eerie appeal. As a made-for-television feature, it benefits greatly from Daniel Petrie's experienced direction, ensuring a steady pace and engaging storytelling.

From its opening scenes to its twisted conclusion, Moon of the Wolf excels in keeping audiences on edge with its masterful combination of mystery and horror. Despite transpiring within a seemingly peaceful rural town, the movie successfully projects a constant feeling of unease and impending doom.

Moon of the Wolf remains an entertaining watch for both fans of early 70s horror cinema and enthusiasts of the more contemporary genre fare. It serves up an engaging storyline filled with suspense, tragedy, and supernatural elements packaged within an atmospheric Southern Gothic setting. The terrific leading performances, particularly by David Janssen as the relentless protagonist, add depth to the narrative. With its unique blend of horror and mystery, this movie is an audio-visual treat that leaves viewers simultaneously thrilled, startled, and speculating.