Scream of the Wolf 1974

Murder spree prompts investigation

A series of brutal killings appears to be the work of an animal. Sheriff Vernon Bell asks Weatherby, a local adventure writer and former hunter, to investigate. Weatherby agrees and begins to gather clues about the creature's tracks and capabilities.

Unsettling footprints point to a wolf that walks upright

Weatherby examines the murder site and notes footprints that resemble a wolf but appear to belong to a bipedal creature. The creature leaves no scent, making the case even more puzzling. These clues push Weatherby toward a non-ordinary explanation.

Weatherby seeks Byron Douglas’s help

Weatherby asks his old friend Byron Douglas, a renowned big-game hunter, to join the investigation. Byron declines, suggesting that the town's fear has somehow made people feel more alive and more dangerous. The invitation is refused, stalling the alliance Weatherby hoped to form.

Flashback: Weatherby and Byron's earlier hunt

A flashback recalls a past hunt where Weatherby and Byron battled a vicious wolf that bit Byron. The confrontation deepens their wary history and foreshadows the danger to come. The memory hints at Byron's familiarity with similarly dangerous predators.

Sandy Miller is attacked

Weatherby’s girlfriend Sandy Miller is attacked in her home by the creature. She survives and becomes convinced the murders are carried out by a werewolf. The fear spreads through the town as more people discuss the possibility.

Officer killed during stakeout

Sandy’s belief fuels fear and the town wages a state of emergency. Sheriff Bell posts a police officer to stake out Byron’s house. The officer is mauled to death, and his body is found far from the house.

Town emergency and Byron’s reluctant return

With the town in a state of emergency, Weatherby pushes for Byron’s help again. Byron reluctantly agrees to join the hunt. The uneasy alliance forms as fear gives way to action.

The hunt begins; they split up

Weatherby and Byron enter the woods to pursue the creature, splitting up to cover more ground. They coordinate their searches and remain wary of each other. The hunt is tense as the unknown lurks in the darkness.

Byron is believed dead during the chase

During the pursuit, the animal seems to kill Byron. Weatherby continues to follow the trail toward Byron’s house, determined to uncover the truth. The trail leads deeper into the night and into danger.

Byron’s deception is revealed

Weatherby reaches Byron’s house where Byron confronts him and reveals he is the killer. He admits to faking tracks using pieces of animals he killed and to using an attack dog to kill victims, while masking his own scent. He also killed his assistant Grant to stage his own death.

Motivation: lure Weatherby into the hunt

Byron explains that he wants to hunt Weatherby to rekindle Weatherby’s killer instincts. The confession reveals a dangerous psychological game rather than a simple murder plan. Weatherby must decide how to handle this treacherous plan.

Weatherby sent into the woods for ammo

Byron sends Weatherby into the woods with a five-minute head start to find ammo for his rifle. Weatherby complies, using the time to scout and prepare for what lies ahead. The time pressure heightens the danger as the forest closes in.

Weatherby survives a dog attack

Weatherby locates ammo and is attacked by Byron’s attack dog. He manages to shoot the dog, preserving his life and buying time to confront Byron. The encounter tests Weatherby’s skill and resolve.

Confrontation escalates; Byron wounded in the duel

Weatherby reveals the hidden pistol and exposes Byron’s deception. Byron attempts to pursue Weatherby, but Weatherby shoots him, wounding him. Byron staggers on, determined to continue the chase.