The Wilhelm Scream: Classic Audio Clip Re-Used in Tons of Movies
While we were watching Krull yesterday, I was reminded that the final bridge-crossing scene contained an instance of the Wilhelm Scream.
The scream gets its name from a character named Private Wilhelm, from the 1953 movie The Charge at Feather River (though the recording of the scream goes back to 1951). Since that time, it’s been re-used in many films… and is now something of an in-joke among sound designers.
Once you hear the scream, it’s hard to not notice it when you hear it. To really get a sense of how often it’s been used, here’s a good video that compiles a lot of the early examples (and several big-name blockbusters):
And as a final little nod to this fantastic audio clip, let me point you back to the Emmis Interactive Holiday Card that we made, back in 2006: Master of the Slopes. We tucked it in there, as well.
Related:
Khaan! Video Loop of William Shatner’s Classic “Star Trek” Scream
Now I’m hearing that scream about every 30 seconds as I’m going about my business. Everything seems so much more perilous and exciting.
juliet (January 10, 2010 at 10:49 pm)