The body of a young girl is found on the property of a wealthy family in a small cajun town in the Louisiana bayou. Sheriff Whitaker played by David Janssen (The Fugitive) tries to solve the mystery of the brutal murder. ... more » The suspense builds as potential murderers are everywhere. Was it her brother Lawrence (Geoffrey Lewis - Every Which Way But Loose) or Dr. Drutten (John Beradino - General Hospital) or the owners of the property Andrew and Louise Rodance? The townspeople believe a pack of wild dogs who can be heard howling at night are to blame. But soon more murders occur and it becomes clear there is more at work here than meets the eye. While searching for clues with Sheriff Whitaker Andrew Rodance (Bradford Dillman) becomes deathly ill while at the back woods house of the girl who was killed. Does this old and respected family have a horrible secret that has been passed down through generations or is there a vicious pack of killer dogs on the prowl? All questions will be answered tonight with the rising of the MOON!System Requirements: Running Time 75 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: HORROR Rating: NR UPC: 787364408191 Manufacturer No: 44081-9« less
Chris Pine's dad and Chips star, Robert Pine is in this if you are a fan!
Elizabeth B. (bethieof96) from NINETY SIX, SC Reviewed on 6/16/2013...
This movie was pretty good but kind of dated. Was made in 1972, must have been one of David Janssens first movies after his The Fugative series. Movie was good and clean and not too scary. 3 1/2 stars.
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Movie Reviews
How's it bayou?
Robert S. Clay Jr. | St. Louis, MO., USA | 06/04/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Based on a novel by Leslie Whitten, this made-for-TV thriller blends a murder-mystery with an old-fashioned werewolf story. David Janssen is the southern sheriff with a string of bloody murders on his hands. An incoherent, bed-ridden old man down on the bayou babbles in a Cajun dialect of something that sounds like "luke-a-ruke." As the victims pile up, the sheriff finally learns that the old man is saying "Werewolf!" (loup garou). This movie is a mixed blessing. Most of the script devotes itself to fathoming the mystery, and red herrings abound. Time is also spent on the subplot of a mild flirtation between Janssen and Barbara Rush. She is of the local gentry, and her brother disapproves of Janssen's attentiveness. About 59 minutes into the 73-minute film, the movie shifts gears and the horror elements finally kick in. The local Larry Talbot suffers a peculiar genetic malady that usually can be controlled by drugs. Things get serious one night when the moon is full, and a young girl is brutally murdered. The fright makeup looks as if it came from a shopping mall Halloween shop. Where is Jack Pierce when you need him? Nevertheless, there is some suspense. As the werewolf pounds on the door, Rush barricades herself into the spooky antebellum mansion. There are no silver bullets to report, but there is a handy pistol with sanctified cartridges that have been blessed. Great foresight on someone's part. The '70s cars and clothes add to the modest budget look of the movie. Die-hard fans of horror thrillers should be pleased. Others beware. ;-)"
A CHILLING SOUTHERN GOTHIC
K. Jump | Corbin, KY United States | 12/31/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Based on the novel of the same name by author Les Whitten, MOON OF THE WOLF is a surprisingly well-crafted made-for-TV thirller from the 70s. Now available in a number of video versions, this is a little-known but quite serviceable production of some merit. Set in the isolated Louisiana marshland, the story revolves around the local Sheriff's efforts to uncover the truth behind a young girl's mysterious and grisly death. Was she killed by wild dogs, or by an ex-lover's revenge? Acting is very good all-around, with David Janssen well-cast as the no-nonsense but likeable sheriff and Barbara Rush as the Southern Belle with a few secrets of her own. The script is good, and the suspense methodically rises as the story progresses. The only real weakness, as is often the case with low-budget horror films, is the monster make-up. The eponymous werewolf doesn't look anything like the creature in the DVD art, but at least the director has the sense to keep the monster in the shadows most of the time so that the viewer's imagination can take up the slack. The climax is something of a surprise, even if you've read the novel, as the hero in the end isn't exactly who you think it's going to be. Splatterpunks won't find what they're looking for here, but those who can enjoy a good mystery or a decent little scary movie should be satisfied. Much better than its rather unfortunate reputation, MOON OF THE WOLF is worth a look."
Mint Juleps, a Mystery, and Great Actors
M, Compulsive Reader | Santa Cruz, CA | 05/21/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Mixed emotions -- fine actors doing fine acting in a surprisingly well-done movie I usualy wouldn't hold still for. Janssen at his classic best a competent sheriff, decent man. Barbara Rush charming as self-confessed heiress raised to do nothing. Well worth watching."
"Tonight on the A.B.C. Monday night movie"
John D. Page | usa | 04/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yeap,found another of the movies I loved as a kid. Well in truth I've had this one for years(and many times over, I have it in at least four different mega movie packs),bit this is the best copy I have of this corny but effective "Werewolf" chiller from the 70's. David Janssen(the Original "Fugitive" and a long time favorite of mine) leads the cast as a southern sheriff looking into a rash of killings in his town. There is a level of carnage about the killings that points more toward an animal than a man. Nothing great here to be sure,but it does have a very sinister feel about the investigation as the leads start pointing to something supernatural, and the attacks step up. As for the cheese factor, sure it's a 70's T.V. movie, it's going to look fake. If you don't want to pay this much buy one of those mega movie packs and get 49 other movies for about $20.00. "
Great Time Passer
twalsh9097 | Roswell, Georgia USA | 11/18/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I originally owned a two-pack VHS of both Moon of the Wolf & Scream of the Wolf, and I recently got both of them on DVD. Moon of the Wolf is a great film to pass the time with, even if the monster looks very similar to Lon Chaney in the "Wolfman". I recomend this movie to anyone who is a fan of early horror movies like myself."