Watch Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror

Werewolf of Washington is a 1973 classic horror movie directed by Milton Moses Ginsberg, starring Dean Stockwell, Katalin Kallay, and Henry Ferrentino. The movie follows a political aide who, while on assignment in Hungary, is bitten by a werewolf. Upon returning to Washington D.C., he begins to experience strange symptoms and gruesome transformations that threaten to derail his career and endanger those around him.

The film opens with a rather eerie and atmospheric sequence, taking place in Hungary, where we see a mysterious figure moving through the fog towards a deer caught in a trap. It is here that we are first introduced to the titular werewolf, who then goes on to attack the political aid and protagonist, Jack Whittier (Dean Stockwell). We follow Jack's journey back to Washington D.C., where he begins his work for the state department under the tutelage of the president's right-hand man, MacIntosh (Clifton James) and recently divorced love interest, Christina (Katalin Kallay).

As Jack settles in and begins to experience some bizarre symptoms like wolf-like hair, uncontrollable itching, and various other oddities, he grapples with managing his double life. His transformations become more frequent and take on a more gruesome tone, leading to him attacking a number of people and leaving a trail of destruction in his path. As he attempts to keep his transformation under wraps, he is forced to come to terms with the devastating consequences of his condition and faces a race against time to find a cure before he loses his mind completely.

The movie is notable for its comedic edge, poking fun at political bureaucracy and satirizing some of the political concerns of the time. However, it also manages to maintain a solid horror foundation throughout. The transformation scenes, in particular, are masterfully done, with impressive practical effects that still hold up today. The film also keeps the violence and bloodshed to a minimum, instead relying heavily on suspense and the power of suggestion to create an atmosphere of dread and uneasiness.

Dean Stockwell's performance as Jack Whittier is commendable, portraying the double life of the character with equal measures of humor and horror. He manages to convey Jack's fear and desperation while still imbuing him with enough charm and wit to keep the audience firmly in his corner. Clifton James and Katalin Kallay both do their bit as supporting actors, providing some much-needed moments of levity while also managing to ground the film in reality.

Werewolf of Washington is a movie that is ahead of its time, anticipated some of the themes and ideas that would later become staples in the horror genre. It manages to balance horror and comedy effectively, creating a unique blend that still feels fresh today. The film's clear messages about the dangers of fear, propaganda, and intolerance, as well as its critique of government bureaucracy, are still as relevant today as they were in 1973. All in all, this is one classic horror movie that has aged gracefully and rightfully deserves its place in the pantheon of horror.

In conclusion, Werewolf of Washington is an engaging and entertaining horror movie that balances comedy and horror elements well. The film's use of practical effects and the power of suggestion creates an atmosphere of suspense and unease throughout, and the performances of the lead actors keeps the audience engaged. The movie's political and social commentary is timely and relevant, which ensures the movie's place in the horror genre.