An American Werewolf In London (BBC Audio Drama)

Two American backpackers suffer a frenzied attack by a vicious creature on the Yorkshire moors. One is killed, but the other survives and soon discovers that the assailant has passed on his terrible curse.
Updating and expanding on the story told in the original 1981 film, this drama aired on BBC Radio 1 in 1997 and features most of the film's stars reprising their original roles.
Based on the film by John Landis
Adapted and Directed by Dirk Maggs
Featuring
Jenny Agutter as Nurse Alex Price
John Woodvine as Dr. Hirsch
Brian Glover as George Hackett
Eric Meyers as David Kessler
and William Dufris as Jack Goodman
Originally aired on BBC Radio 1 copyright©1997
This video is for entertainment purposes only
No copyright infringement is intended

[@danwilliams1920]

Absolutely superb production. Visual effects from the film are fantastically translated to pure audio sweetness. The way they conveyed Jack's undead grossness was just perfect. I'd highly recommend listening to this with earbuds or headphones... soooooo worth it. The stereo is strong here. Also, this is a little different in that it's even more upbeat and a little more lighthearted. The romance aspect is downplayed into more of a romp than a matter of love. The original Brittish cast is right on board for doing it again, and the production shines with everyone involved clearly having a great time with it. You might be disappointed at first with the replacement for David Naughton, but just hold on! This David is actually spot on for this production! This may be my all-time favorite BBC Radio production, and I hope every fan of the film will take the time to listen to this all the way through. Believe me, this is a great love letter to the film, and should leave any fan beaming. A++

[@RaefonB]

Yeah, at times I felt disappointed Eric wasn't able to do nuance as good as David Naughton in some of the line deliveries. But his performance was what the radio production needed, you're right.

[@leeturner8023]

The werewolf sound effects are even more terrifying. It sounds like an unstoppable raging beast.

[@robertbermudez4526]

It feels like came out of a novel like script

[@davesmith7432]

Aside from missing the mark in the wolf’s iconic howl, this production was brilliant!

[@jamescaliendo1030]

This movie and Alien were cinematic masterpieces both special effects wise and the storyline

[@emilianoadame5150]

An Alien audio drama? Id enjoy hearing that!:) ty for the idea

[@brendanbell4732]

No. They are human men in a suit pretending to be a Alien and a Werewolf.

[@minicle426]

​​@@emilianoadame5150 Well Dirk Maggs has already produced a few Alien audios, maybe he'd be interested.

[@davidwarren9932]

Brian Glover was in this and Alien 3

[@jamescaliendo1030]

@davidwarren9932 funny right??? He looks like he never aged from werewolf to alien

[@bsmith6646]

This is amazing. That beginning really adds a lot to the story. One of my favourite ever movies. As a Londoner and kid watching this years ago, it frightened the life out of me and my love affair with horrors began. Still the best Werewolf movie ever 👌

[@elliemccarthy3487]

Love the backstory of the first man who is a werewolf , who escapes from a lunatic asylum

[@thorvaldrhysbjrnson8720]

Yes… But who turned him? It’s like the chicken and egg conundrum! The way the original movie handles the story is much more satisfying - this tries to be too clever by starting with an unanswerable question. Still managed to get through it though! 3/5

[@xemnas9098]

@Dungeon Chamber Muzik A sequel prequal instead of AMWIP...a shit film.

[@ladybhive1210]

He was insane!

[@EM-lz9kg]

The slaughter lamb is mentioned “ George “ so always go back to that area

[@EM-lz9kg]

@@thorvaldrhysbjrnson8720 it’s explaining why George “ the werewolf “ was when he bites jack etc & starts the Americans nightmare - George escaped the asylum & made his way back to the moors

[@michaelcoulter1725]

They should have done a director's cut of the movie

[@krazykuz13cmc]

That’s cool how they show how the werewolf got into the Moore’s in the first place.

[@greenmask111893]

If only they could do a show series of it. Not who to cast though.

[@nathanpyle3443]

​@@greenmask111893you ever see the show "werewolf" on Fox back in the 80s? It was awesome. Too bad they only did one season.

[@maddumass]

I thought the 1st werewolf was smart about his curse and put himself where he was less likely to hurt others and get hurt but asylum is fine.

[@davidanderson1639]

It’s a nice little nod to Universal Studios ‘The Wolf Man’ by having the escapee from the asylum called Larry Talbot; as that was the name of the character Lon Chaney Jr played in the 1941 film.

[@edwardmorford2202]

Must admit I was slightly surprised to see 181 downvotes...still, people are entitled to their opinions.🤔✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@steveouk90126]

Even when they are clearly wrong. XD

[@gadams47]

Where are he downvote tallies?

[@sspdirect02]

1:04:26 The Transformation

[@gatheringleaves]

That sounded hella painful!

[@ObscuredByTime]

Amazing they could translate the wonder of seeing that to audio. You can tell they had a big sit down about that scene and said, "we need to make this part special." They succeeded. I was really beaming when I heard it.

[@minicle426]

​@@ObscuredByTime Well audio requires you to also use your imagination, which can be even more effective than any visuals.

[@Vee_Macdonald84]

The transformation scene was brilliant. The actor is very good

[@mattpurvis927]

Yeah - visually stunning. It's amazing what they can do with special effects these days. 😆

[@ObscuredByTime]

@@mattpurvis927 She's talking about the audio version, which is equally brilliant.

[@garycrisp429]

A timeless Classic. The audio version was fantastic having seen the film to accompany my imagination. The beautiful Jenny Agutter turns this wonderfully told tale into a fateful love story.

[@markcaldwell2831]

I actually loved hearing that, often funny dialogue in parts not connected with the original script.

[@ressestevenson7309]

Me to

[@DASH-qq9mu]

Really enjoyed this, a fine compliment to a brilliant Landis movie

[@michaelbasham2637]

I truly got choked up at the end with Alex crying and telling David she loves him the pain was raw

[@bonesf200]

That was amazing! Love some of the little changes - especially the busker in playing bad moon rising.

[@theterminator3779]

You made me spill me pint , I don't like good beer going to waste ..🍺🎯

[@roxanneweichinger9318]

This is one of the best werewolf flicks of the 1980’s!

[@tourynfox5643]

OF ALL TIME

[@roxanneweichinger9318]

@@tourynfox5643 😎Yes, I agree!

[@danwilliams1920]

"One of?" I'm pretty dammed sure it's numero uno. #2, I'm thinking _The Howling._

[@roxanneweichinger9318]

@@danwilliams1920 Ok let me rephrase my comment, in my opinion, “American Werewolf In London,” and “The Howling” were two of the GREATEST werewolf flicks ever made. It would be hard for me to decide which one of these films should take first place because I think they’re both EQUALLY EPIC movies.🙂

[@MrBubba19692]

It truly is. Dog Soldiers, Bad Moon and Silver Bullet are also good ones.

[@ahunter9503]

THANK YOU for uploading this Audio, it is GREAT quality x

[@Charlie_Duz]

It's late 2024 and I had no idea this audio version existed until today. That's crazy!

[@jessejohnson3.24]

David naughton and Griffin dunne best two actors

[@stockwellsantley6606]

Brian Glover was a legend. And a nice man.

[@sarahgee4413]

Really enjoyed this production… one of my favourite films with many a favourite famous face including Rik Mayal

[@yyygggggg10]

I like the backstory in the asylum.

[@davidmarchant9386]

Yeah it's very good not really needed for the film tho

[@danwilliams1920]

I'm a huge fan of the film, and I loved every addition they made here, especially the conversation between Jack and the man who did him in. So fun!

[@andrewcabral963]

@@danwilliams1920 Yeah maybe they'll add all that stuff in the remake if they ever did especially at the end with that George Haggit guy who killed the werewolf that attacked David is killed by David as a werewolf.

[@emilianoadame5150]

This was very well put together:) really enjoyed the back story and the interaction between the prime lycanthrope and Jack.

[@deadpoolredsuit4892]

Good stuff! I cannot get enough of An American Werewolf In London

[@danwalk5881]

My favourite film of all time. Brilliant to hear this too.

[@mattpurvis927]

It's not the Howling 2, but it's pretty good.

[@MrBubba19692]

@@mattpurvis927 😆

[@padah513]

This is incredible. The acting is awesome.

[@haroldholmes4764]

Who are the party poopers who gave this a thumbs down. I love this!

[@maddumass]

Could've been merely slips. Maybe pocket slips could account for some of the dislikes

[@phillipsutcliffe3219]

Very good. Plugs a few gaps with regards to the first werewolf and the connection to the slaughtered lamb and its patrons. Great to hear some of the movie cast in there too.

[@kevbarron6501]

I like how the asylum paitent turning into the werewolf is called "Talbot". The universal films, the old black and white ones, the wolf man's name was Lawrence Talbot.

[@ufoclips1]

He IS called "Larry "in jacks meeting with the victims at 48mins.

[@weatherman68]

Bloody excellent 👍🏾💯. Thank you, respect and admiration for sharing. The film has been one of my favourites since it's release, the play has big shoes to fill, and does a very good job of it.

[@gatheringleaves]

Fun fact, the guy who plays Jack Goodman in this, William Dufris, was also the original voice of Bob, from the British cartoon Bob the Builder, in the American version specifically, let that sink its teeth into you a moment...

[@t_man7259]

I noticed that in the moment in the porno theater lol

[@petersvillage7447]

He also played Peter Parker in the same producer's radio series of Spiderman...

[@chipperleon7204]

That was before Neil Morrissey then Bob the builder

[@gatheringleaves]

@@petersvillage7447 And now he's deceased, RIP William :(

[@ladybhive1210]

Yes

[@lyndonscott3528]

Excellent! Love this, builds the back story brilliantly

[@darrenanthonyshortt9157]

When he started to turn into werewolf in nurse home special affect the that time was some top work...film now book.

[@AnonYmous-uw2qm]

This collection (playlist) is the very BEST selection I've found on yt ... and I've been looking and listening for a couple of years now. Brilliant. Thank You buddy...excellent

[@Nikkyeshiva83]

It took me awhile to understand that "see you next Wednesday" thing.

[@jwg5774]

That was John Landis' running gag. Nearly every movie he made had a "See You Next Wednesday" reference somewhere. Its even included in the Thriller music video.

[@Nikkyeshiva83]

@@jwg5774 it's everywhere in his work but I didn't notice until the early 90s.

[@theterminator3779]

I noticed the poster on the tube , then realized that was the film on show at the xxx theatre . See ewe next wednesday 🐑🐑🐑 .

[@CJJC]

I’ve always assumed the “an American comedy about a funny family” is referring to The Stupids, a then-recent and now-forgotten John Landis flick.

[@willywonka2614]

This play is slightly different to the film. There is about twenty percent added to the play than was in the film. The play goes into more detail to where the man who turned into the werewolf on the moors came from. The story tells us more about the people from the village. If you turn on the subtitles there is a case of Chinese whispers lots of words and sentences do not match what the actors' are saying. At times it is very funny. They made a mistake to do with the play when David is switching the channels on the television. He mentions Channel 4, the film is set in 1981 and Channel 4 did not open up until 1984. If you liked to film the play is worth listening too as well. It goes into more detail to do where the story to do with werewolves came from. I would give the play ten out of ten.

[@slumdogjay]

I like this just as much as I like the film, which is one of my favourite films of all time.

[@sankturban291]

20:12 why don't you travel to the UK, they said, it'll be fun, they said

[@xemnas9098]

Marsha Quist from the Howling "We can fit in with them, you said, We can live with them, you said".

[@elliemccarthy3487]

Groundbreaking affects of the time much more powerful than cgi

[@angelachikaebirim8894]

that was brilliant. Alex has probably got a baby werewolf in her tummy

[@Thoralmir]

No, that's The Fly.

[@t_man7259]

she actually had a daughter that appeared in the sequel an American Werewolf in paris

[@nathanpyle3443]

​@@t_man7259 I wish the Paris one didn't suck. The soundtrack was the best part of the whole movie. You should check out the gingersnaps movies if you have not. The first one is cheesy but nessesary. The sequel is beyond awesome. The third one is also awesome. Nothing beats American werewolf in London though.

[@deanlamont5139]

I would like to see this as a mini series

[@EM-lz9kg]

This phenomenal film inspired thriller

[@mikew608]

Wish they would have kept the opening asylum part in the film, sounds good, would have been great to see.

[@RaefonB]

Pretty sure the asylum scene is not something that got cut from the screenplay; they made it up specially for this radio adaptation.

[@andrewcabral963]

Yeah it kind of explains where the werewolf came from

[@J.C.Tavares]

RIP Brian Glover

[@theterminator3779]

Shut up

[@claireashton4696]

Brian Glover was a true British treasure!

[@andrewdaley5375]

@@claireashton4696 indeed he was. Andy England 🇬🇧 👍

[@ElectronicazMusic]

@@theterminator3779 Uzi Nine Millimeter.

[@mattpurvis927]

He should've stayed off the Moors.

[@jasonbrockwell2278]

I Love The Voice of The Actress From The Call The Midwife TV Series And Railway Children Move Jenny Agutter PS Love The Mistory Of This Story Making This Sound Like The 39 Steps Or Aggether Christie Murder Mistory Story Thank You.

[@chrisjeremy8109]

Damn Dirk Maggs is brilliant at this!

[@elliemccarthy3487]

Adored the film in the 80’s so glad most of the cast is in this dramatisation

[@darientellez73]

Don’t worry Jack, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of fish in the water once you gain admittance from the gods and make it to the spirit world, but then again what do I know?

[@djmexicanodetx2195]

My favorite werewolf film

[@jessejohnson3.24]

Eat meal David Kesler got to find jack in his dream 33:10 34:11

[@LeeSavage80]

Had to have a cup of Tetley Tea whilst listening to this.... No idea why lol. Serious though.. Awesome stuff ✌️

[@michaelcoulter1725]

I love this story and I love audiobooks and I saw the movie to the movies good

[@jeffsteinsiek7560]

Did anyone else catch that the first lunatic werewolfs name that killed Jack was Larry Talbot..I thought that was pretty cool..took me a couple of listens to catch it 😆 🤣

[@susanotway7875]

Utterly brilliant! Well worth listening to. Thanks

[@gr33n3ggs4]

This is phenomenal; perfect for a rainy October afternoon. Thank you

[@adzdahlman9724]

Brilliant . Most audio fun I've had in yonks . I saw the film donkey's years ago , thought I remembered it , didn't at all . There's so much humour amidst the necessary bloodletting , + impeccable acting , and , crystal clear production . Yeah , relaxing , fun , recommended .

[@johnhernandez8560]

Very good like it all alot

[@corbinshepheard8395]

Poor David

[@Thoralmir]

Why do the werewolves sound like King Kong '76?

[@ressestevenson7309]

😭😭😂😂

[@Stavol2Dual]

He foresaw the Churchill thing

[@lucasgrezaud6582]

this is super neat! i am very glad to have found this.

[@hawkeye1084]

Awesome performance. Great backstory on the original werewolf.

[@chipperleon7204]

Do you remember Jenny Agutter? She was SO fine

[@somerandolad]

I wouldn't have kicked her out of bed, that's for sure.

[@deanwood6414]

I cracked up, when he said "You made me... spill my beer. 😂😂. I guess he don't play darts. 🎯

[@sarahgee4413]

Forgot to say… always nervous on the escalator on the underground at Tottenham Court Road 🙀🙀🙀

[@simonmcgrath4112]

This is just brilliant. Was the asylum reference here used in the film? I like the fact Jenny Agutter starred in this as she was in the movie too!! 8*/10! As a footnote Brian Glover who stars in this and the film also starred in Alien lll the film that's set on the prison! Won't say more incase people havnt seen it, don't want to ruin it for them. He has sadly passed away a few years ago, a great character actor, old school!! Also Michael Jackson saw the main change into a werewolf and asked John Landis to direct his new video called yeah u guessed it "Thriller" were MJ changes into a werewolf!! Brilliant video, a must watch and that's the 14min version!!

[@doctorsocrates4413]

If i recall the taxi driver in the film alludes to an escaped lunatic..not sure if there is a cross reference here.

[@asteroidthefurrysuperhero5989]

1:04:26 1st Transformation 1:33:30 2nd Transformation

[@andysun73]

One of my favourite love stories.

[@pickmeasinner]

18:49 "what was that?" "Sounds like a cheap dinosaur roar from a 1950s movie. So we're fine. "

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

This is so amazing..

[@pikehead1]

Gotta love a bit of Brian Glover RIP

[@scottwalker5379]

I wish with the movie American werewolf in London movie they would have shown the asylum scene because because that would of given usa better idea and clue on who the werewolf was and who and the name of the werewolf was and the village kept it a secret at all these time this sounds it would have been pretty cool in the movie I hope in the remake of the movie I hope they show the asylum scene the guard and the wolf escaping and the helicopter seen as well and all the things you here on this recording and and all the things we missed out what the people talking in the movie

[@ivandrago1672]

Yup, the asylum scene is very fitting

[@sean5558]

Hearing the alarm blaring added to the fear and dread and urgency of what’s about to happen

[@Smiley0.1]

Imagine if he transformed in the hospital though or on the plane back home.

[@asteroidthefurrysuperhero5989]

Then the hospital would be a huge blood bath for sure

[@AlanAHAPartridge]

2020!

[@greenmask111893]

@1:14:26 🤔 Hmm. Must be a deleted scene with an uncredited actor. Oh well.

[@aprilmay8926]

I like the '76 King Kong roar used for werewolf. Better than the original.

[@sergioleone1375]

That's enough.

[@theterminator3779]

Stop that Jenkins ..........

[@danielhaynes2373]

Absolutely BRILLIANT! Amazing production!

[@JoshuaDracul]

Bravo 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻

[@jessejohnson3.24]

1:33:47 transformation 2

[@itsjordan1042]

The roar was the same roar from jerry in Tom and jerry I think lol The episode was the milky waif

[@hayleysheridan2886]

That was so good I loved it!

[@sean5558]

1:40:06 I like this updated addition with this discussion Dr Hirsch is having with Alex about superstition rooted in some possible infection and the origin of the residents of East Proctor , back in the 80s it was just a werewolf curses and nothing more

[@ressestevenson7309]

This is almost better than the movie

[@neilhatton1612]

Thank you, I’ve been looking for this dramatisation for years. Every bit as good as I hoped. Any chance you can dig out the deleted scenes (from the movie).

[@brandonbell2135]

Anyone else notice that the escaped lunatic goes by the name of Tolbert?

[@jwg5774]

They actually call him "Talbot" which was the last name of Lon Chaney Jr.'s character in "The Wolfman".

[@huyhuynh9509]

So that's how the origin of werewolf from the asylum got breakout...

[@davidanderson1639]

It’s a nice little nod to Universal Studios ‘The Wolf Man’ by having the escapee from the asylum called Larry Talbot; as that was the name of the character Lon Chaney Jr played in the 1941 film.

[@amandairvine7998]

Really enjoying this. I love the film. Have subscribed 👍

[@ufoclips1]

The nurse sounds exactly like Jenny.,did she play her role again???

[@jwg5774]

Yes. Most of the British cast from the film reprised their roles for this audio production.

[@ufoclips1]

@@jwg5774 I`m listning now,it`s a fantastic production,one of my all time great movies!!!

[@UchihaOlavo]

48:45 - This is a surprise - I didn't expect this.

[@jessiturner2714]

The howl isn’t as scary as the movie one.

[@scottwalker5379]

I don't understand why the werewolf howls sound like dinosaur roars why couldn't they use proper werewolf howls

[@minicle426]

I know, they could find a dinosaur but not an actual werewolf? :P

[@ricmorpheus2025]

1:39:45 Awesome explanation! This is an example of a very good writing!

[@HEAVYMETALmovie1981]

*2019!* 😃

[@EM-lz9kg]

😢 the ending

[@RaefonB]

Did anyone else spot that David called Jack a hamburger, but they kept in the "I'm sorry I called you a meatloaf, Jack" line?

[@randomm065]

Actually he still calls him meatloaf in this, he says it after he calls him a hamburger.

[@RaefonB]

@@randomm065 Ah, I must've missed that. Thanks. I'll have a listen again someday. :)

[@TheGreatPanicker]

Sadly, the werewolf sounds in this adio drama are terrible, while the werewolf sounds in the movie were positively terrifying!!!

[@rainbowgaming8441]

wow this was really good they dont make like this any more with sounds fxs not just reading

[@dolmar7844]

Super👍

[@EM-lz9kg]

Brilliantly the Dr explains the origin of the werewolf from 16th C Europe!