The 1935 horror film “Werewolf of London” is a classic of the genre, featuring iconic scenes of transformation and suspense. But where was this seminal movie filmed? Let’s take a closer look.
The Plot
First, let’s briefly summarize the plot of “Werewolf of London.” The film tells the story of Dr. Wilfred Glendon, a British scientist who travels to Tibet in search of a rare flower that only blooms under the light of the full moon.
During his expedition, Glendon is attacked by a mysterious creature and bitten on the arm. Upon returning to London, he discovers that he has been infected with lycanthropy – in other words, he is now a werewolf.
The Filming Locations
So where was this classic horror flick shot? The majority of “Werewolf of London” was filmed on soundstages at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California. However, there were also some exterior shots that were filmed on location in England.
One notable location used in the film was Stonehurst Court in London. This historic mansion served as the exterior for Dr. Glendon’s home throughout the movie. Other notable locations include Hampstead Heath and Hyde Park.
Stonehurst Court
Stonehurst Court is located in Hampstead Garden Suburb and was built between 1900-1901 by James Robertson Reid for himself as his own family home. It’s an impressive Tudor-style house that has been used as a filming location many times over the years due to its grandeur and unique architectural details.
In “Werewolf of London,” Stonehurst Court serves as the exterior for Dr. Glendon’s home – it’s where we see him first transform into a werewolf under the light of the full moon. The house is an important visual element in establishing Glendon’s character and his status as a wealthy and respected scientist.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient park in North London that covers over 790 acres. It’s a popular spot for walking, jogging, and picnicking, and has also been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows over the years.
In “Werewolf of London,” Hampstead Heath is the location of several pivotal scenes. For example, it’s where Glendon first encounters the mysterious creature that infects him with lycanthropy. It’s also where he later hunts for the rare flower that he believes will cure him of his affliction.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London’s most famous parks, covering over 350 acres in the heart of the city. It’s home to many landmarks and attractions, including Speakers’ Corner and the Serpentine lake.
In “Werewolf of London,” Hyde Park is where we see Glendon on his final hunt as a werewolf. This tense sequence takes place at night and features some impressive special effects for its time.
In Conclusion
So there you have it – “Werewolf of London” was primarily filmed on soundstages in Hollywood, but also made use of several iconic locations in England. Stonehurst Court, Hampstead Heath, and Hyde Park all play important roles in establishing the mood and setting of this classic horror film. If you’re ever in London, be sure to check out these locations – you just might feel like you’ve stepped into a horror movie yourself!