wihm day 23/Jenny Agutter and An American Werewolf in London

Jenny Agutter has appeared in some big horror and sci-fi movies  – most notably in An American Werewolf in London and Logan’s Run. Agutter started her career as a child actor in the mid-60′s in London. She had roles on both The Newcomers (a British soap opera) and The Railway Children (another Brit tv show about a wrongly imprisoned father and his children). In 1971 at the age of 19 she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Fritha in The Snow Goose – a drama about war, horror and friendship. At 21 Agutter relocated to Los Angeles in search of  more adult themed roles. One on her first mainstream movies, Logan’s Run, was released in 1976. It was a commercial success. Though not in the horror genre per se – Logan’s Run is still horrific in nature. It’s story involves a dystopian future where everyone has to undergo Carousel (it’s not what you think) at the age of 30. Agutter, along with co-star Michael York, were awesome as the couple who find out what’s really happened to earth.

In 1981 she starred in An American Werewolf in London. It was written and directed by John Landis. Agutter played the London nurse (Alex Price) who falls in love with David an injured American backpacker. Who also happens to be a werewolf. She was fantastic in the role – sweet, affectionate and willing to do anything for the man she has fallen in love with. An American Werewolf in London has become a cult classic over the years. Combining horror and comedy – it’s an ultra violent story with amazing special effects – it won an Oscar for outstanding achievement in makeup. I chose Jenny Agutter for day 23 of women in horror month because she’s combines intelligence, maturity and innocence in her acting. She’s always a strong presence onscreen and in An American Werewolf in London she has a pivotal role that brings heart and soul to a story that is fully of brutality, violence, sadness and horror.