An American Werewolf In London Deleted Scenes [2021] -

The scene was cut after test audiences reacted so strongly that they gasped and chattered amongst themselves for minutes afterward, pulling focus from the rest of the film. Director John Landis later admitted he regretted the decision, drawing a parallel to the famous, lost "Spider Pit" sequence from the original King Kong . The scene's fate seems sealed: it is believed that the footage was among the film's trims accidentally thrown out by Twickenham Studios, and no known video or audio of it is thought to exist. Adding to the legend, some stories suggest a version of this test cut may have accidentally screened in a few UK cinemas before the proper release, fueling decades of speculation.

: Elmer Bernstein originally recorded a traditional, suspenseful horror score for the sequence. The Final Choice

An American Werewolf in London is a film built on "what ifs." The lost footage, trimmed gags, and legendary tramp massacre have become a part of the movie's own DNA—a ghost story within a ghost story. For years, the unrated version existed as something of a holy grail for collectors, and today's 4K releases are the best way to experience the film's full, intended vision. Perhaps one day, footage from that test screening will be found in a forgotten film can. Until then, it remains one of cinema's most fascinating legends, a horrifying highlight forever glimpsed only in our imaginations. an american werewolf in london deleted scenes

The legendary transformation scene almost had a very different tone. Rejected Score

As Jack eats a piece of toast, the food was shown falling directly out of his torn, rotting throat. The scene was cut after test audiences reacted

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.

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 Adding to the legend, some stories suggest a

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.

The climax of the film features David’s werewolf form running amok in Piccadilly Circus, causing massive car pileups and general panic.

A breakdown of how the differed for horror films in 1981. Share public link

The deleted footage from this sequence focused heavily on the interaction between the unhoused men before the attack. They discussed the strange, ambient howling echoing through the London streets, dismissing it as urban noise or wild dogs. The actual attack was shot with far more gore, showcasing Rick Baker’s practical effects handling the disembowlment of the victims. Pieces of this footage were trimmed down to ensure the film maintained an R rating in the United States. 6. The Extended Piccadilly Circus Climax