The Curse of the Werewolf is a 1961 British horror film directed by Terence Fisher for Hammer Film Productions.
It stars Oliver Reed in his first starring role, Clifford Evans, and Catherine Feller. It is loosely based on Guy Endore's novel The Werewolf of Paris, although the action is moved to 18th century Spain. The memorable makeup is by Roy Ashton, and the score is by Benjamin Frankel.
This was Hammer Film Productions only film based on lycanthropy. It introduces a few new myths about it, such as the birth of an unwanted child on Christmas Day, which causes the child to become a werewolf unless rescued by love. The use of a silver bullet to destroy the werewolf is maintained.
In Spain, Leon is born on Christmas day to a mute servant girl who was raped by a beggar. His mother dies giving birth and he is looked after by Don Alfredo. As a child Leon becomes a werewolf after having been taken hunting. As a young man, he works in a wine cellar and falls in love with the owner's daughter Cristina. One full moon, he again turns into a werewolf and terrifies the town. Written by Will Gilbert
