Hammer's fourth 'original copy', after their versions of the Frankenstein, Dracula and Mummy sagas. Guy Endore's novel The Werewolf of Paris was an obvious source of material, and Hammer producer Anthony Hinds, using his pseudonym of John Elder, provided a very serviceable screenplay from it, giving full rein to director Terence Fisher's natural talent for period flavour and a well-knit story-line. The role of the werewolf was difficult to cast. But the choice finally fell to an unknown young actor who had been confined to playing minor bullies. His name was Oliver Reed. The werewolf makeup is not great by today's standards and the performances serviceable rather than inspired.