A Howling in the Woods is a made-for-television mystery-thriller that first aired on NBC on November 5, 1971. Directed by Daniel Petrie, known for his work on both film and television, this movie blends elements of psychological suspense and small-town drama. The film is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Velda Johnston, and it taps into themes of isolation, paranoia, and hidden secrets.
The film reunites “I Dream of Jeannie” stars Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, with Eden playing Liza Crocker, the film’s protagonist, who returns to her childhood home to escape her troubled marriage. Hagman plays Eddie Crocker, Liza’s estranged husband, who follows her to the small town in an attempt to reconcile. The cast also features Vera Miles as Ruth Hodges, Liza’s stepmother, who harbour’s her own dark secrets and John Rubinstein as Justin Conway. Tyne Daly and George Murdock also feature.
The film revolves around Liza Crocker (Barbara Eden), a woman seeking solace from her troubled marriage by returning to her childhood home in a small, secluded town. The town, nestled deep in the woods, is far from the peaceful retreat Liza hoped for. Instead, she is confronted by the town’s unsettling atmosphere and the mysterious behavior of its residents, including her own stepmother, Ruth (Vera Miles).
Liza’s sense of unease grows as she begins to hear strange howling noises coming from the woods at night. The howling, coupled with her stepmother’s cryptic behavior and the presence of the enigmatic Justin Conway (John Rubinstein), leads Liza to suspect that something is very wrong in the town.
As Liza delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of secrets that connects the townspeople and reveals a dark past. Her husband, Eddie (Larry Hagman), arrives in town hoping to patch things up, but his arrival only adds to the tension. The film builds to a suspenseful climax as the truth behind the howling in the woods is finally revealed, putting Liza’s life in danger.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, “A Howling in the Woods” was well-received by television audiences, particularly for its suspenseful narrative and the dramatic performances by Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman. The film’s atmosphere, with its isolated setting and eerie soundtrack, effectively created a sense of dread and mystery, which resonated with viewers.
Critics appreciated the film’s ability to sustain suspense throughout its runtime, despite the limitations of television production at the time. Barbara Eden was praised for her performance as a woman on the edge, showcasing her range beyond the light-hearted role she was most famous for. Larry Hagman also impressed in a more serious role, contrasting with his usual comedic persona.
The film’s setting—a small town surrounded by dark, foreboding woods—played a significant role in the story, enhancing the sense of isolation and heightening the tension. The howling in the woods became a central metaphor for the unresolved issues and hidden dangers that lurked in the characters’ pasts.
While “A Howling in the Woods” may not have achieved the same enduring legacy as other made-for-TV movies of the era, it remains a noteworthy entry in the genre of psychological thrillers. Its blend of mystery, suspense, and domestic drama continues to make it an interesting watch for fans of 1970s television and classic suspense films.
Conclusion
“A Howling in the Woods” stands as a strong example of early 1970s television mystery-thrillers, driven by solid performances and a gripping plot. The film’s ability to build and maintain tension, coupled with the strong chemistry between Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, has helped it maintain a place in the annals of made-for-TV movies. For fans of classic television mysteries, “A Howling in the Woods” offers a compelling and atmospheric experience that showcases the best of what the genre had to offer during this era.
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Brett Summers
Brett founded CultFaction.com in 2014 a website and podcast that deals with cult film and tv. He also has a strong interest in grappling martial arts both as a practitioner and as a historian.
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