Destiny: Lon Chaney Jr. and the Universal Wolf Man Films

Viewed alongside Universal’s classics of the early 30s, 1941’s The Wolf Man could be seen as the underdog – a hugely enjoyable film, but not a masterpiece on the scale of Frankenstein. But when it comes to the franchise, the Wolf Man has the last laugh, the only one of the classic monsters with a consistent character arc, the only one who does not get swallowed into someone else’s story, and the only character always played by the same actor, Lon Chaney jr, in a role he seemed destined to play.

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Films

Summary of the films
The Wolfman: After having spent 18 years in the United States, Larry Talbot returns to his ancestral home in Wales. While staying with his father and trying to make amends with him, he meets an array of new people which he seems to like. Larry expresses his sorrow over the death of his older brother, and heir to the family estate, John. But things take a turn for the worst when he is bitten by a werewolf and becomes one himself. Transformed by the full moon, Larry heads for the forest and a
fateful meeting with his father, Sir John, and Gwen Conliffe.

Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman: Graverobbers open the grave of the Wolfman and awake him. He doesn't like the idea of being immortal and killing people when the moon is full, so he tries to find Dr. Frankenstein, in the hopes that the Dr. can cure him, but Frankenstein is dead and only his
Monster is alive and this one wants to live, not to die like the Wolfman.

House of Frankenstein: Deranged scientist Gustave Niemann (Boris Karloff), escapes from prison and overtakes the director of a traveling chamber of horrors. Pulling the stake out of a skeleton, he revives the infamous Count Dracula (John Carradine) and commands him to kill the man responsible for his imprisonment. He then finds the frozen Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney, Jr.) buried under the ruins of the infamous Frankenstein laboratory. When he
brings them back to life, the Monster is uncontrollable and drags him to a watery grave.

House of Dracula: Dracula arrives at Dr. Edelman's office asking for a cure to his vampirism, but this is a ruse by Dracula to get near Dr. Edelman's beautiful female assistant and turn her into a vampire. Meanwhile, a sincere Lawrence Talbot, AKA the Wolfman, arrives seeking a cure for his lycanthropy. When Dr. Edelman's first attempt fails, Talbot tries to commit suicide by jumping off a cliff, but instead finds a network of underground caves where Frankenstein's Monster is in stasis. Chaos ensues as the three monsters fight for dominance of one another.
Written and presented by Robin Bailes @robinbailes
Directed and Edited by Graham Trelfer
DARK CORNERS OF THIS SICK WORLD:
Destiny Lon Chaney Jr. and the Universal Wolfman Films
#LonChaneyJr #DarkCorners #Wolfman

[kelleyceccato]

Claude Rains' performance here rarely gets the appreciation it deserves. While it's true that Chaney's bravura turn as Larry/ the Wolf Man makes the film, Rains crafts a sympathetic, slightly overwhelmed, ultimately heartbroken figure. Not for nothing is he my favorite actor of the classic era.

[georger]

“Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night,
may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.”

A childhood favorite, and on my Halloweeen watchlist every year. Have a great Halloween eveybody!

[tracybuck]

Before I even begin to watch this video I just want to say thanks to you and all the other monster kids who put this type of content up, any escape from the horror show that has become our modern reality is greatly appreciated.

[TruckSawdust]

Lon Chaney Jr's favourite performance for me has to be in Spider Baby, where he gives a heartfelt performance in spite of the movie's weird premise. Plus, that theme song is solid gold..!

[TomFrichek]

Another triumph, fellas. My favorite non-canine role of Cheney Jr. was in Spider Baby. His pathos works for different reasons and elevates the story.

[shannondore]

One of my earliest memories was being around 3 or 4 years old and I was playing in the back yard in my tree house when my mom said "honey do you want to come in? The Wolf Man's on T.V." I couldn't get down out of that tree fast enough. I think that was the moment I was aware I was a Horror fan.

[walterfechter]

There are scant few horror films which caused me to become sullen, but the end to "The Wolf Man" made me become more than a bit teary-eyed. To my mind, the climax to "The Wolfman" is something akin to Greek tragedy. The look on Sir John's face was an amalgam of disbelief and soul-crushing sorrow. Many thanks for this amazing in-depth review of my favorite monster from the classic Universal lineup. Bravo, Robin!

[verdiguy]

Wolfman had such an incredible cast to support Lon, Claude Rains, a three-time Oscar nominee, Ralph Bellamy, another Oscar nominee, Evelyn Ankers, Bela Lugosi, even though his role is very small and the wonderful Maria Ouspenskaya. It all makes for a tremendous film. Thank you for a terrific and honest retrospective!

[asalways]

Truly a classic performance. Fun little trivia: After Wolfman became a hit, trick or treaters would ask Cheney to do the howl on Halloween

[erocrush]

This was amazing. I love “Son of Dracula” more than most people, but my mother absolutely adored “Mice and Men” - whenever it was on TCM she would recite Chaney’s lines like she was gonna play the role herself.

[OtterPawStudios]

Excellent work! The 1941 film is actually my favorite Universal monster movie, and Chaney is largely responsible for that. This is a great piece of journalism AND celebration.

[thomasthomas]

Thank you for this fine documentary.
You have given Lon Chaney Jr. the respect - and compassion - that has been long overdue.

[kas]

Very happy with this video. Chaney Jr. was a much better actor than he was given credit for in the past. From what I read, in his later years he was considered a real pro of a character actor and someone younger actors looked up to. Excellent video!

[erikramaekers]

The transformation scene in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man is terrific

[ImBatfan]

I remember the first time I watched Roger Corman's "The Haunted Palace" and being so surprised and delighted when Chaney stepped out of the shadows; I legitimately had no idea he was in the movie and it was a thrill getting to watch him alongside Vincent Price

[xTheGregx]

Just finished watching all of the old monster movies, Lon Chaney added so much to the character. I am glad he was the only one to play the wolfman during its time. Wouldn't have worked with anyone else

[OuterGalaxyLounge]

Every frame of The Wolf Man is gorgeous. Black and white at its best will always rule. Your treatment of the character and of Chaney here are truly moving and dignified. You made me think of things I hadn't considered. Another fine effort.

[willamsandell]

Wowow! What a lot of great great work here, the telling of Lon Cheney and his Wolfman! Soooo well done

[JSB]

"The Wolf Man" is my favorite monster for the reason he doesn't want to be a werewolf. Lon Chaney, Jr. was such a good actor and it's too bad he wasn't given more opportunities. He's excellent in "Of Mice and Men" and just his small role in "High Noon". He really seemed like an average Joe and the dog story sounds like something he'd do.

[Hlen]

I adore Chaney and the Wolfman movies. Thank you so much for this masterpiece.