An American Werewolf In London (1981)

Two American students (David Naughton, Griffin Dunne) are trekking the moors of Yorkshire. When they stop at a small pub, the locals are hostile toward them. When they leave, they are warned to stay on the road and off the moors and to beware the full moon. Shortly thereafter, they are attacked by a wild beast that kills Dunne and wounds Naughton. Directed by John Landis (THE BLUES BROTHERS). I'm a fan of horror comedies like ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN and GHOST BREAKERS and this film attempts to tread the fine line between comedy and horror. As a horror film, it works very well for me. As a comedy, I found it juvenile and inane. Landis's juxtaposition of the contrasting elements is crude and a poignant or dramatic moment is quickly demeaned by the insertion of a vulgar moment. Rick Baker's make up won the first ever Oscar for film make up and justifiably so. With Jenny Agutter, John Woodvine, Brian Glover and Lila Kaye.