The Curse of the Werewolf is a 1961 horror film directed by Terence Fisher and starring Oliver Reed in the lead role. The film is based on the 1933 novel The Werewolf of Paris by Guy Endore.
The movie takes place in an 18th century Spanish village where a mute servant girl is sexually assaulted by a beggar during a full moon. The girl gives birth to a werewolf baby, who is taken in by a wealthy gentleman named Don Alfredo Corledo (Clifford Evans) and his servant woman (Yvonne Romain). As the child grows up, he displays strange behavior, including a strong attraction to the full moon.
As a young man, Leon (Oliver Reed) becomes increasingly isolated due to his cursed condition and the fear of the villagers. Don Alfredo tries to help Leon by finding him a suitable wife, hoping that her love will break the curse. Leon meets and falls in love with a local girl named Christina (Catherine Feller), but their happiness is threatened by the curse and the repressive society they live in.
The movie is notable for its sympathetic portrayal of the cursed protagonist, as well as Oliver Reed's intense and physical performance. The makeup effects for the werewolf transformation were created by Roy Ashton and are considered some of the best of the time. The Curse of the Werewolf is considered a classic of British horror and is a must-see for fans of the genre.