July 28, 2008

The Wilhelm Scream

Written by Anne Mallory in Jaunty Post

Blerarghra!!!

I saw this video the other week and it made me giggle. And having seen the latest Indiana Jones film a few weeks back, I suppose the Wilhelm has been on my mind. A good Monday video if you need to let out a little scream.

If you aren’t familiar with this movie staple, the Wilhelm scream is a movie sound effect of a “man being eaten by an alligator” — a sound which first showed up in 1951 and has turned into a Hollywood staple (the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series’ are filled with Wilhelms, and may be where you might recognize it best). In fact, it’s become so recognizable, that it often pulls me out of a movie (usually with a snort or laugh) when I hear it now. But that doesn’t mean it’s not funny. Especially when shown in quick succession. Here is a compilation to catch up anyone unfamiliar.

More information on the Wilhelm: http://hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm/

Have you ever tried to reproduce this doozy of an effect? Quick, look around, if no one is about, go for it.

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4 Responses to “The Wilhelm Scream”

On July 28th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Shana Says:

I think it might scare my kitties–or the neighbors!
On July 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
alligator Says:

[...] [...]
On July 28th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Margo Maguire Says:

Huh. Wilhelm, eh?
Oh yeah - I’ve heard it a zillion times!
On July 29th, 2008 at 11:08 am
catslady Says:

Oh I never realized but I’m sure going to now