Willard [Blu-ray/DVD] [2 Discs]

Director: Daniel Mann Daniel Mann

Overview

In this horror film, the young, disturbed Willard Stiles befriends a pair of rats and trains them to brutally attack human beings. When his boss steps over the line, Willard sicks his deadly horde of flesh-eating rats on him. However, Willard's greatest allies become his worst enemies.

Product Details

Release Date:	05/16/2017
UPC:	0826663173260
Original Release:	1971
Rating:	PG
Source:	Shout Factory
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Language:	English
Time:	1:35:00
Sales rank:	13,971

Special Features

New audio commentary with star Bruce Davison; Theatrical trailer; TV spot; Radio spot; Still gallery

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Bruce Davison	Willard Stiles
Ernest Borgnine	Al Martin
Elsa Lanchester	Henrietta Stiles
Sondra Locke	Joan
Michael Dante	Brandt
Jody Gilbert	Charlotte Stassen,Charlotte Stassen
Joan Shawlee	Alice Rickles
William Hansen	Mr. Barskin
J. Pat O'Malley	Jonathan Farley
John Myhers	Mr. Carlson
Helen Spring	Mrs. Becker
Pauline Drake	Ida Stassen
Almira Sessions	Carrie Smith
Alan Baxter	Walter T. Spencer
Sherry Presnell	Mrs. Spencer
Lola Kendrick	Mrs. Martin
Robert Golden	Motorcycle Rider
Minta Durfee Arbuckle	Guest
Arthur Tovey	Guest
Shirley Lawrence	Guest
Louise De Carlo	Guest
Alex North	Conductor,Composer

Technical Credits

Gilbert A. Ralston

Mort Briskin	Producer
Bud David	Special Effects
Daniel Mann	Director
Bing Crosby	Producer
Gilbert A. Ralston	Screenwriter
Harold Lewis	Sound/Sound Designer
Charles Pratt	Executive Producer

Editorial Reviews

The cycle of "nature's revenge" films started with The Birds, but it was the success of the low-budget Willard that really made the genre a force in 1970s cinema. In its day, Willard was a powerful little horror movie; if time and subsequent horror films have dimmed its power somewhat, it still packs a decent punch. Although the rats are the stars here -- and they are so effective that the animal trainers deserve special praise -- Willard still boasts a very moving and well-modulated performance from Bruce Davison in the title role. Davison makes Willard a sympathetic, likeable character, even as he descends into the madness of his revenge plots, and he gives the film a great deal of its special flavor. Elsa Lanchester also does well, and Ernest Borgnine's wonderfully repugnant performance makes his death-by-devouring a particular treat. While Willard has its share of "gross" scenes, overall it's a subtler, less "in-your-face" kind of horror film. Director Daniel Mann takes advantage of several opportunities to suggest rather than show, and he's quite good at setting up the big moments so that they obtain maximum pay-off. The subplot involving Willard's love interest doesn't really work, and there are a few sections where the screenplay could have been trimmed, but overall Willard is an effective rainy-day chiller.