The Beast Must Die

The Beast Must Die

Year: 1974

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Annett

MysteryHorror

In this gripping mystery-horror, big-game hunter Tom Newcliffe summons a diverse group of strangers to his estate, only to reveal that one among them is suspected of being a shape-shifting werewolf. As the weekend unfolds, each guest becomes a suspect in a game of cat and mouse, where terror and suspense lurk beneath the surface.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Beast Must Die (1974)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Beast Must Die (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify an exact time period, allowing for a timeless quality to the horror elements. The classic themes of lycanthropy and murder suggest a setting aligned with mid-20th century gothic horror traditions, where werewolf narratives were particularly popular.

Location

Rural English Mansion

The story unfolds in an exquisite rural English mansion, an idyllic yet foreboding setting. Known for its grand architecture, the mansion becomes a backdrop for chilling events as the wealthy host invites guests for a mysterious gathering. This isolated location amplifies the tension among the attendees as they confront the lurking danger within its walls.

🏰 Mansion 🌳 Rural

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

Main Characters – The Beast Must Die (1974)
Meet the key characters of The Beast Must Die (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tom Newcliffe (Calvin Lockhart)

Tom Newcliffe is a wealthy and determined man who invites friends to his mansion under the pretense of a glamorous gathering, only to reveal a sinister motive. His paranoia escalates throughout the film, leading him to mistrust and accuse his closest companions. Tom's character epitomizes vulnerability hidden behind a facade of confidence until tragic circumstances unearth his darkest fears.

👨‍💼 Millionaire 😨 Paranoid 💔 Tragic

Caroline (Marlene Clark)

Caroline is Tom's wife, a character caught in a harrowing struggle between love and horror. As the story develops, her transformation into the beast adds layers of emotional depth to her character. Despite being a symbol of trust, her metamorphosis into the werewolf becomes the source of Tom's greatest anguish.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 🐺 Victim 💔 Tragic

Prof. Lundgren (Peter Cushing)

Prof. Lundgren is an esteemed archaeologist with an interest in lycanthropy, providing a scholarly perspective on the supernatural events around him. His inquisitive nature leads him to uncover critical insights about the werewolf curse. Lundgren serves as both a voice of reason and a harbinger of the impending doom faced by the group.

📚 Scholar 🔍 Inquisitive 😟 Concerned

Arthur Bennington (Charles Gray)

Arthur Bennington is a seasoned diplomat and part of the elite guest list at the mansion. While he carries an air of superiority, his character faces moral dilemmas as the truth about the werewolf emerges. Arthur's eventual fate serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in the gathering.

👔 Diplomat 💼 Elite 😱 Vulnerable

Jan (Michael Gambon)

Jan is a talented pianist and the loving husband of Caroline. Though he initially appears trustworthy, his later revelation as the actual werewolf brings a shocking twist to the narrative. His duality reflects the theme of hidden identities and the fragility of relationships amid chaos.

🎹 Pianist 🎭 Dual Identity 😨 Betrayed

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

Major Themes – The Beast Must Die (1974)
Explore the central themes of The Beast Must Die (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦇 Lycanthropy

Lycanthropy is at the center of the plot, driving the suspense and fear among the characters. The transformation from human to werewolf encapsulates themes of betrayal and hidden identities, as trust is shattered. The impending curse serves as a metaphor for the darkness within each character.

🔫 Paranoia

Paranoia spreads within the group as they are forced to confront the possibility that one of them is a killer. The tension escalate as accusations fly and suspicions fester, illustrating how fear can warp relationships and lead to tragic decisions. Tom Newcliffe's descent into madness highlights the destructive power of doubt.

💔 Tragedy

The tragic elements of the narrative unfold as trust and love dissolve into violence and despair. Tom's heartbreaking choice to kill his own wife, whom he feared was the werewolf, encapsulates the tragedy of misunderstanding and loss. The film ultimately portrays the consequences of violence and misguided actions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

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