Willard (1971 film)

Infobox Film
name = Willard


caption = Promotional poster for "Willard"
director = Daniel Mann
producer = Charles A. Pratt,
Mort Briskin,
Bing Crosby
writer = Gilbert Ralston
starring = Bruce Davison,
Elsa Lanchester,
Ernest Borgnine
music = Alex North
cinematography = Robert B. Hauser
editing = Warren Low
distributor = Cinerama Releasing Corporation (USA, theatrical, 1971)
released = 18 June 1971 (USA)
runtime = 95 min
country = Flagicon|USA USA
language = English
budget =
preceded_by =
followed_by = Ben
website =
amg_id =
imdb_id = 0067991

"Willard" is a 1971 horror film starring Bruce Davison and Ernest Borgnine, directed by Daniel Mann. The movie is based on the novel "Ratman's Notebooks" by Gilbert Ralston (as Stephen Gilbert), and was nominated for an Edgar Award for best picture. The supporting cast included one of Elsa Lanchester's last performances, and one of Sondra Locke's first.

ynopsis

Willard is a social misfit with a strange affinity for rats. He lives alone in a large mansion, accompanied only by his cranky and decrepit mother. His best companion is a white rat he finds and later names Socrates for his wisdom; numerous other rats come to him, one of which is a giant specimen he names Ben. Willard's talking to his rats, however, leads to his mother's death and further pressure from the banks to give up the house. When his boss bludgeons Socrates to death, he trains his rats to follow his commands and kills the man. Ben, however, jealous of his favoritism towards Socrates, eventually turns on Willard.

Awards

*"Willard" was nominated for the Eddie award in Best Edited Feature Film at the 1972 American Cinema Editors Awards.
*"Willard" was also nominated for the Edgar award in Best Motion Picture at the 1972 Edgar Awards.

equels and Remakes

*A sequel called "Ben" (after one of the rats in the original) was released in 1972.

*A remake was released in 2003, with Crispin Glover playing Willard. Bruce Davison is also featured in the film as Willard's father, appearing in a portrait.

External links

*imdb title|id=0067991|title=Willard