While John Landis’s 1981 masterpiece An American Werewolf in London
is celebrated for its groundbreaking practical effects, several scenes were removed to maintain the film's brisk pacing and specific tonal balance. These deleted moments range from lost "gore gags" to character beats that were occasionally restored in later home media releases. 1. The Lost "Tramp Killing" Scene
The most famous "lost" sequence involved a more graphic attack on two homeless men in a junkyard.
The Content: Reportedly, the scene featured the werewolf brutally dismembering the men.
The Reason for Removal: Landis cut the scene because he felt it was too distracting and slowed down the build-up to the Piccadilly Circus climax.
Status: This is considered "lost media," as no official footage or audio has surfaced publicly. 2. Rick Baker’s Discarded Effects
Special effects wizard Rick Baker filmed significantly more footage than what appears in the final seven-second transformation.
Jack’s "Toast" Scene: An early version of Jack's (Griffin Dunne) first appearance included a gag where food falls out of his mangled throat while he tries to eat toast. This was removed from the U.S. theatrical cut to secure an "R" rating but has appeared in various international and uncut versions.
The Tube Victim’s Thumb: A small cut involved David spitting out the severed thumb of his victim from the London Underground. 3. Character Beats and Alternate Edits
Several non-horror scenes were trimmed or altered depending on the region and release format:
David’s Phone Call: A poignant scene where David calls home to speak to his sister before an attempted suicide was removed from some UK DVD releases due to a mastering error. It is standard in most Blu-ray and "uncut" versions.
Extended Romance: The love scene between David and Alex was originally longer and more explicit, but it was toned down for the American "R" rating.
The "Happy Together" Alternate: One unique TV broadcast in Detroit famously replaced Van Morrison's "Moondance" with "Happy Together" by The Turtles during the love scene, likely due to music licensing issues. 4. The Final Alleyway Interpretations
While not a "deleted scene" in the traditional sense, the ending remains a point of historical discussion regarding what could have been shown. Landis intentionally chose a sudden, jarring cut to the Marcels’ upbeat version of "Blue Moon" to act as a "sick joke" punchline to David’s tragedy, opting against a lingering emotional coda.
An American Werewolf in London | John Landis - In Review Online
Here’s a concise guide to the deleted/alternate scenes and useful features related to An American Werewolf in London (1981):
Key deleted/alternate scenes and fragments
Where these appear (editions/features)
Useful features to look for when searching releases
Practical tips for finding them
If you want, I can:
Which would you like?
[Header Image Idea: A grainy, behind-the-scenes photo of David Naughton in the makeup chair, or a grim shot of the moors with the title text overlayed]
Title: 🐺 Lost on the Moors: The Deleted Scenes of ‘An American Werewolf in London’
John Landis’s An American Werewolf in London (1981) remains the gold standard for horror-comedy. But even a masterpiece ends up on the cutting room floor. While the theatrical cut is perfect, the deleted scenes offer a fascinating glimpse into a darker, more expansive version of the story.
Here is what was left behind in the fog:
🩸 The Bloodier Hospital Finale If you thought the final rampage in London was intense, the original cut was apparently much more violent. Landis trimmed significant chunks of the werewolf’s attack on the hospital staff to avoid an X rating. Gore hounds would have seen much more carnage before the tragic freeze-frame ending.
🔪 The "Dick Littler" Subplot eagle-eyed viewers might notice a name on a office door in the final cut. A whole subplot involving a character named Dick Littler was filmed but cut entirely. These scenes would have further established David’s life in London before the attack, grounding his tragedy in more mundane reality.
👻 Extended Undead Visions The scenes featuring David’s decomposing friend, Jack (Griffin Dunne), and his ghostly victims were originally longer. These extensions included more "rotting" makeup effects by Rick Baker that were deemed too disturbing or pacing-killing for the final film.
🎬 The "Peacocks" Mystery Rumors have persisted for decades about a scene involving peacocks reacting to the werewolf, often cited in interviews but rarely seen in full. It remains one of the great "alt-movie" legends!
The Verdict: While these scenes might be lost to time (or locked in deep studio vaults), their absence arguably tightens the film’s pacing. Still, for fans of Rick Baker’s practical effects, the idea of unseen footage is the ultimate temptation. 🎞️
Question for the Pack: If you could restore one deleted scene to the movie, which would it be? Let us know in the comments! 👇
#AnAmericanWerewolfInLondon #JohnLandis #RickBaker #HorrorMovies #PracticalEffects #80sHorror #DeletedScenes #MovieTrivia #Werewolf
While there is no official "Director's Cut" of An American Werewolf in London an american werewolf in london deleted scenes
, several scenes were removed or shortened to satisfy censors and test audiences. Most of these remain lost, though some have been partially restored in modern home video releases like the Arrow Video 4K/Blu-ray. 🐺 The "Lost" Scenes
These sequences were filmed but removed before the final theatrical release.
The Tramp Killings: The most famous "lost" scene involved the werewolf attacking three homeless men in a junkyard. It was cut because test audiences found it too distracting and intense; no audio or video is known to survive.
Jack’s Toast Scene: An extra shot of the undead Jack eating toast was trimmed for the R-rating because food was seen falling out of his mangled throat.
Extended Sex Scene: The love scene between David and Alex was originally longer and more explicit, but was toned down to avoid an X-rating.
Alternate Transformation Score: While not a deleted "scene" per se, composer Elmer Bernstein originally recorded a traditional horror score for the transformation. Landis ultimately replaced it with the upbeat "Blue Moon". 📺 Home Video Variations
Mastering errors and regional censorship have caused certain scenes to "disappear" from specific releases.
The Phone Call Home: David calls his sister Rachel to say goodbye before his suicide attempt. This scene is missing from some Region 2 DVD Special Editions due to a mastering error.
The Dead Werewolf: In the original UK broadcast, the final shot of the dead werewolf reverting to a naked David Kessler on the moors was edited out.
Soundtrack Changes: In the early 90s, some TV versions replaced Van Morrison's "Moondance" with "Happy Together" by The Turtles due to licensing issues.
💡 Collector's Tip: If you are looking for the most complete version, stick to the Arrow Video or recent Universal Blu-ray/4K releases, as they restore the phone call scene and offer the original mono audio mix. Alternate versions - An American Werewolf in London - IMDb
Reports on the deleted scenes from the 1981 classic An American Werewolf in London
reveal a significant amount of "lost media" and edits made for pacing or censorship. Director John Landis originally included sequences that were either too graphic for test audiences or were trimmed to maintain the film's R-rating. The Most Infamous Lost Scene: The Tramp Killing
The most famous deleted footage is the "tramp killing" sequence, which featured the werewolf attacking and dismembering several homeless men in a junkyard.
The Details: Landis describes the scene as extremely graphic.
Reason for Cut: Test audiences reacted negatively, finding the violence distracting from the film's core narrative.
Current Status: This footage is widely considered lost. No known video or audio recordings exist, and it has never been included in home media releases, including 4K restorations. Censorship and Tone Edits
Several other scenes were trimmed to satisfy the MPAA and international distributors:
The Sex Scene: The original love scene between David (David Naughton) and Alex (Jenny Agutter) was notably longer and more graphic. It was toned down in the U.S. theatrical version and some international releases.
Undead Jack: A small but famous cut involved Jack's (Griffin Dunne) appearance. A shot of him eating toast while undead—with food falling out of his open, mangled throat—was removed to avoid an X-rating.
Extended Gore: Various attack sequences, particularly the climactic Piccadilly Circus massacre, contained more visceral gore that was trimmed for theatrical release. Character and Contextual Cuts
Beyond the gore, some character-driven moments were removed or edited:
Even a horror masterpiece like An American Werewolf in London
(1981) had to leave some gore on the cutting room floor. While the film is famous for Rick Baker’s Oscar-winning effects, several scenes were removed or altered due to pacing, test screenings, or strict "R" rating requirements. The "Lost" Tramp Scene
The most famous "lost" footage is an extended sequence featuring the werewolf attacking three homeless men (tramps) in a junkyard.
What happened: The scene was reportedly very graphic and followed the werewolf’s rampage along the Thames.
Why it’s gone: Director John Landis removed it after test audiences reacted negatively. Some sources suggest the sequence distracted from the main story, much like the famous "Spider Pit" scene from King Kong.
Status: Considered lost media. No known video or audio survives. Jack’s Toast Problem
In the scene where the undead Jack (Griffin Dunne) visits David in the apartment, there was a gruesome practical gag involving breakfast.
The Scene: As Jack eats a piece of toast, the food was shown falling directly out of his torn, rotting throat.
Why it’s gone: It was removed to help the film secure an "R" rating in the U.S.. David’s Phone Call Home
One of the more poignant deleted moments involves David attempting to reach out to his family.
The Scene: Just before David attempts to end his life with a penknife, he makes a long-distance call to his sister, Rachel, in the U.S.. He tells her he loves his parents and asks her not to fight with their brother, Max. While John Landis’s 1981 masterpiece An American Werewolf
Status: This scene was actually included in the original theatrical release but was famously missing from certain Region 2 Special Edition DVDs due to a mastering error. It is restored on most modern Blu-ray releases. Other Notable Edits
The Porn Theater Attack: While the final film shows David spitting out a victim's thumb, some accounts suggest more graphic footage of the theater massacre was trimmed.
The Sex Scene: The intimate scene between David and Nurse Alex Price (Jenny Agutter) was toned down and shortened to satisfy censors.
Alternate Music: Early TV broadcasts sometimes replaced Van Morrison’s "Moondance" with "Happy Together" by The Turtles during the love scene. Behind The Scenes Saturday: An American Werewolf In London
Here are some features about the deleted scenes from "An American Werewolf in London":
Deleted Scenes:
Interesting Facts:
Collector's Edition:
The "Collector's Edition" DVD and Blu-ray releases of "An American Werewolf in London" include some of the deleted scenes, along with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and commentary from the cast and crew. These releases provide a comprehensive look at the film's production and offer insights into the creative decisions behind the movie.
Trivia:
Key Takeaways:
While there is no official "uncut" version of An American Werewolf in London
containing all removed footage, several notable deleted scenes and alternate versions are well-documented by film historians and fans. Lost and Deleted Scenes
The most famous "lost" footage includes a graphic sequence that was entirely removed before theatrical release:
The Tramp Killing: A scene featuring the werewolf attacking three homeless men (tramps) in a junkyard or along the Thames. It was cut after test audiences reacted negatively, finding it too distracting or intense. No known video or audio of this scene has survived.
Jack’s Toast Scene: An extended moment where Jack (in his decaying undead form) eats a piece of toast, which then falls out of a hole in his torn throat. This was cut to help the film secure an "R" rating in the U.S.
Extended Sex Scene: The love scene between David and Alex was originally more explicit but was toned down for the theatrical release.
Full Werewolf Close-ups: Director John Landis deliberately cut some shots of the finished werewolf to maintain its dangerous mystery, though some production stills of these "unused" models have since surfaced. Regional and Home Video Variations
Mastering errors and local censorship have led to several different versions appearing on home media over the years:
The Missing Phone Call: A scene where David calls his family before his suicide attempt is missing from some UK and German DVD releases due to a mastering error. It is present in all Blu-ray and 4K UHD releases, such as the Arrow Video Edition.
Soundtrack Changes: In the early 1990s, some TV broadcasts (notably Detroit's TV-50) replaced Van Morrison's "Moondance" with "Happy Together" by The Turtles during the love scene.
UK TV Censorship: Early UK television broadcasts often heavily edited the final werewolf rampage and removed shots of the dead werewolf in human form on the moors.
For more behind-the-scenes details on how the iconic transformation was achieved:
While An American Werewolf in London (1981) remains a horror masterpiece, director John Landis was forced to cut several scenes due to studio pressure for an "R" rating and negative test audience reactions. Most of this footage is now considered lost media, as no visual or audio recordings have surfaced in decades. Major Deleted & Lost Scenes
The Tramps' Death (The Junkyard Scene): This is the most famous "lost" sequence. It featured the werewolf attacking and killing three homeless men along the Thames. Test audiences found it too distracting and intense, leading Landis to remove it entirely. Landis later expressed regret for this cut, as it left viewers wondering how the tramps died when they appeared as ghosts later in the film.
Jack and the Toast: An extended scene of the undead Jack (Griffin Dunne) visiting David in the hospital included a moment where a piece of chewed toast fell out of his torn throat. This was removed to secure an R-rating in the U.S..
Extended Sex Scene: The intimate scene between David and Alex was originally longer and more explicit but was toned down to avoid an X rating.
David’s Phone Call Home: David calls his family in the States before his suicide attempt. While this scene is included in most modern versions, it was accidentally omitted from certain Region 2 DVD releases due to a mastering error. Detailed transcripts show David speaking to his sister, Rachel, and asking her to tell their parents he loves them. Alternate Versions
Music Changes: A 1990s TV broadcast in Detroit famously replaced Van Morrison's "Moondance" with "Happy Together" by The Turtles during the love scene.
UK Broadcast Edits: Some early UK television versions edited out the shot of the dead werewolf in human form on the moors at the end of the film. Behind the Scenes Trivia
The Nudity Issue: Landis avoided full-frontal shots of David Naughton during the transformation and dream sequences because Naughton was not circumcised, which contradicted his character, David Kessler, being written as Jewish.
Transformation Regrets: Landis actually felt the iconic transformation scene was too long. He admitted to spending extra time on it simply because he was fascinated by the quality of Rick Baker's Academy Award-winning effects.
Uncovering the Unseen: A Deep Dive into the Deleted Scenes of "An American Werewolf in London" Where these appear (editions/features)
Introduction
Released in 1981, John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London" is a seminal work of horror-comedy that has become a cult classic. The film's unique blend of humor, gore, and supernatural terror has captivated audiences for decades, and its influence can still be seen in many modern horror films. However, like many movies, "An American Werewolf in London" was not immune to the cutting room floor, with several deleted scenes making their way to the chopping block. In this article, we'll explore the deleted scenes from "An American Werewolf in London," what was cut, and why, as well as the impact these scenes had on the final product.
The Making of a Classic
Before diving into the deleted scenes, it's essential to understand the context of the film's production. "An American Werewolf in London" was a passion project for director John Landis, who had previously helmed films like "Schlocker" and "The Three Faces of Eve." Landis's vision for the film was to create a horror-comedy that would push the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen. The film's script, co-written by Landis and Dan Attias, was a complex blend of humor, horror, and pathos, with a unique tone that was both irreverent and irrepressible.
The film's production was marked by a sense of creative freedom, with Landis and his team pushing the limits of what was possible on a relatively modest budget. The film's cast, including David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and John Landis himself, were all on board with the director's vision, and the film's shoot was marked by a sense of camaraderie and experimentation.
Deleted Scenes: A Look at What's Been Lost
Several deleted scenes from "An American Werewolf in London" have surfaced over the years, offering a fascinating glimpse into the film's creative process. Some of these scenes have been included in various home video releases, while others remain lost to the sands of time.
One of the most notable deleted scenes is the extended version of the film's opening sequence, which showed more of the American tourists, David (David Naughton) and Jack (John Landis), as they travel through the English countryside. This scene, which lasted around 5 minutes, provided additional context for the characters' trip and included several comedic moments that were later incorporated into other parts of the film.
Another deleted scene that has been widely circulated is the infamous "Full Moon" sequence, which featured a lengthy and more graphic transformation of David into a werewolf. This scene, which was deemed too intense for the film's original rating, was trimmed down to its current form, which still manages to be one of the most iconic moments in horror movie history.
Additionally, there were several comedic scenes featuring the character of Dr. Ernest Kessler (played by Lyle Waggoner), which were cut from the final film. These scenes added more depth to the character and provided additional humor to the film's second half.
The Significance of Deleted Scenes
So, why were these scenes deleted, and what impact did their removal have on the final film? According to John Landis, the decision to cut these scenes was largely driven by pacing and tone. Landis wanted to maintain a specific balance between horror and comedy, and some of the deleted scenes, while funny or interesting on their own, didn't quite fit with the overall flow of the film.
In an interview with "The A.V. Club," Landis explained, "I think we had a better film, to be honest with you, before we cut it down. But, you know, you have to make a film that the studio will let you make, and you have to make a film that will get a certain rating."
The removal of these scenes also had an impact on the film's characters and story. The deleted scenes provided additional context for the characters and their motivations, and their removal made the film feel slightly more streamlined. However, the film's core message and themes remained intact, and the deleted scenes only served to enhance the film's overall vision.
The Legacy of "An American Werewolf in London"
Despite the deleted scenes, "An American Werewolf in London" has had a lasting impact on the horror and comedy genres. The film's influence can be seen in everything from "The Frighteners" to "Shaun of the Dead," and its blend of humor and horror has become a staple of modern genre cinema.
The film's success also helped establish John Landis as a major talent in Hollywood, and he went on to direct a string of successful films, including "Trading Places" and "Coming to America." The film's cast, including David Naughton and Jenny Agutter, also saw a boost in their careers, with both actors going on to appear in a wide range of films and TV shows.
Conclusion
The deleted scenes from "An American Werewolf in London" offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind this horror-comedy classic. While some scenes were cut for pacing or tone, others were removed due to studio pressure or rating concerns. Despite these cuts, the film remains a masterpiece of the genre, and its influence can still be felt today.
For fans of the film, exploring the deleted scenes can provide a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity that went into making "An American Werewolf in London." And for those who have not seen the film, be sure to track it down – it's a wild ride that will leave you howling for more.
Bonus: Tracking Down the Deleted Scenes
For those interested in tracking down the deleted scenes from "An American Werewolf in London," there are several resources available.
By exploring these deleted scenes, fans of "An American Werewolf in London" can gain a deeper understanding of the film's creative process and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into making this horror-comedy classic.
The opening of the film is iconic: David and Jack walking the moors, ignoring the advice of the locals at the Slaughtered Lamb pub. However, the shooting script included a much longer dialogue between the American tourists and the "Five Blokes" at the pub.
In the deleted version, the barman (played by the legendary Rik Mayall in a cameo that was cut entirely) delivers a ten-minute monologue about the history of the werewolf curse. It detailed the specific 18th-century werewolf who terrorized the village, how it was a "squire" who made a deal with the devil, and the exact rules of silver.
Why it was cut: Landis realized that horror works best when the rules are vague. By explaining the curse in scientific detail, the script lost its mystique. He famously said, "The moment you explain the monster, you neuter it." While Mayall’s cameo was mourned by British comedy fans, the decision to strip the exposition made the film leaner and meaner. Only a single line remains: "Beware the moon, lads."
Fans of An American Werewolf in London know that the titular monster kills several people. But the final cut is remarkably restrained regarding innocent victims. The deleted pre-credit sequence, however, was not.
Before David escapes the hospital to roam Soho, there was a scene where he transforms inside the facility a second time (a memory hallucinated during fever). In this dream, David rips through the ICU ward.
The effects team, led by Rick Baker, built a five-minute sequence of the werewolf systematically tearing apart orderlies and patients. One shot—described in Baker’s diary as the "Ward Scene"—showed the wolf pulling a nurse through a sliding glass window.
The Aftermath: Universal executives were horrified. Not by the gore, but by the context. Killing police officers and subway commuters is one thing; killing hospital staff trying to save a patient felt "cruel." Landis agreed. He realized that if David visualized killing his caretakers, the audience would stop sympathizing with him. The scene was aborted before filming was completed. Only a single 2-second shot of a bloody gurney remains in the final film’s opening nightmare.
The first act of the film is famous for its slow-burn tension in the pub, The Slaughtered Lamb. The locals are unwelcoming, the atmosphere is tense, and the fire is roaring. However, the original cut featured much more dialogue between David and Jack and the pub’s patrons.
In the extended version, the pair spends more time trying to ingratiate themselves with the locals, leading to a longer and more awkward exchange about why they are on the moors in the first place. While the theatrical cut gets them out the door relatively quickly to build tension, the deleted footage highlighted the duo’s naivety and provided more context for why the villagers were so desperate to get them off the streets before dark.