The Wolf Man

The Wolf Man

Year: 1941

Runtime: 70 mins

Language: English

Director: George Waggner

HorrorDramaHorror the undead and monster classicsCreepy chilling and terrifying horrorChilling experiments and classic monster horror

His hideous howl sounds like a dirge of death. After his brother’s passing, Larry Talbot returns to his father’s ancestral estate, hoping for solace. However, his fate turns grim when he is bitten by a werewolf, plunging him into a nightmarish struggle that threatens everything he knows.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Wolf Man yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Wolf Man (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wolf Man (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Llanwelly, Wales

Llanwelly is a quiet Welsh village with foggy lanes, an old antique shop, and close-knit neighbors. The setting’s moody weather and superstitious mood frame the emergence of the werewolf legend. The landscape and village gossip contribute to the fear surrounding the bite and the mysterious creature.

🏞️ Rural village 🗺️ Welsh setting 🕯️ Gothic atmosphere

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:27

Main Characters – The Wolf Man (1941)

Meet the key characters of The Wolf Man (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Larry Talbot

Larry Talbot is a gentle, tormented man who returns to his ancestral home in a quiet Welsh village. After being bitten by Bela’s wolf, he becomes a reluctant werewolf, torn between his human conscience and animal rage. His struggle to control the beast isolates him from those he loves and drives the town to fear him.

💀 Tragic hero 🐺 Werewolf

Gwen Conliffe

Gwen is a local shop owner who becomes Larry's love interest. She is strong-willed and cautious, aware of the village's gossip but hopeful in love. Her loyalty is tested as suspicion mounts and the danger of Larry's secret threatens their relationship.

💖 Love interest 🧭 Loyal

Bela

Bela is the Romani fortuneteller whose presence foreshadows the curse and whose wolf form marks the creature behind the legend. His death and the affair with the werewolf reveal a deeper mystery troubling the village.

🕷️ Villainous 🐺 Werewolf

Maleva

Maleva is the wise Romani fortune teller who explains the curse and offers guidance to Larry. She provides a protective charm and critical warnings about the pentagram, representing practical mysticism amid fear.

👵 Mentor 🔮 Mystic

Sir John Talbot

Sir John Talbot is a stern father who struggles to accept the werewolf curse while trying to protect his son. His rigid authority and disbelief culminate in a brutal confrontation with the monster he believes he can deny.

👨‍👦 Father 🗡️ Authority

Jenny Williams

Jenny Williams is Gwen's friend who becomes a victim of the werewolf attack. Her death triggers the village's fear and intensifies the suspicion surrounding Larry and Gwen.

🕊️ Victim 🕵️ Mystery

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:27

Major Themes – The Wolf Man (1941)

Explore the central themes of The Wolf Man (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌕 Transformation

Lycanthropy drives the plot as Larry's body betrays him under the moon. The bite from Bela triggers a brutal duality: human kindness coexists with animal impulse. The town's fear and disbelief amplify the loss of control. The transformation isolates Larry from those he loves and drives the tragedy of the story.

🕵️ Paranoia

Superstitions and rumors turn ordinary events into evidence of guilt. The town's gossip magnifies every motive, especially around Larry and Gwen's relationship. Lawmen misinterpret coincidences as proof of wrongdoing. Sir John's stern authority clashes with villagers' fear, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere of suspicion.

💘 Romance

Larry and Gwen's growing affection offers a spark of hope amid fear and superstition. Their romance is tested by social judgment and the danger of Larry's secret. Gwen's loyalty is strained as the community closes in on them. The tragedy of their love underscores how fear can destroy what is most human.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:27

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Wolf Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Wolf Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Wolf Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Wolf Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wolf Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Wolf Man Summary

The Wolf Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Wolf Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Wolf Man Timeline

More About The Wolf Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Wolf Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Wolf Man

Similar Movies to The Wolf Man

Discover movies like The Wolf Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.