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Back in the 1970s and 80s, Barbara Eden starred in about two dozen made for TV movies. In most of the ones I've seen, she played a lovely woman hunted or haunted by something or someone...and "A Howling in the Woods" is no different. While it's not nearly as good as her classic "The Stranger Within" (where she was impregnated by aliens!!), the mood of this 1971 film is quite nice...it's just a shame the script wasn't worked out better.

Eden plays Liza, a woman who's just left her husband* and has gone home to see her family who lives out in the country (it was filmed at lovely Lake Tahoe). However, despite being gone for years, she is not greeted as an old friend but with a strange coldness...and in a few cases, downright unfriendliness. In fact, throughout the film the only person that is really nice to you is the husband--who actually seems like a swell guy. Additionally, Liza's father is supposedly gone to Mexico...leaving Liza's step-mother behind. But this story makes little sense and Liza starts to wonder what the secret is that the town is hiding (it turns out to be two, actually) and what happened to her father.

Throughout all this, there is a great sense of foreboding--something these made for ABC films really did well. Sure, the song they kept repeating throughout the story (it's apparently by Bach) is great, but it was repeated too often--the only problem with the otherwise creepy mood. Otherwise, the viewer is kept on the edge of their seat watching and waiting and waiting.

Now this comes to the mysteries. They are NOT so good because in both cases there needs to be a very lengthy exposition by folks to ultimately explain them instead of letting the truth unfold more naturally. This is actually pretty sloppy...and disappointing. Still, the movie is a decent time-passer and a great excuse to see the lovely Barbara Eden in action once again. Worth seeing but certainly not a must-see.

*By the way, I loved seeing Larry Hagman cast as Eden's husband in the film- --and I kept expected Eden to call him 'master' or try to grant his every wish or hear the "I Dream of Jeannie" theme!

The title was "Pleasant movie" but it wasn't a pleasant story. The film starts off with a little girl witnessing a murder, and then she's caught and we hear her scream as the film fades. Next is a scene of Liza in a car driving to a small town, but the locals are unfriendly and cold. It was a shock to find out that she used to live there and knew them so why have they turned hostile? Hmm. She stays with her very odd step mother and creepy step brother, Justin who she meets for the first time. She befriends a little girl that tells her about the death of her cousin, who was the other girl from the very beginning scene. For some reason everyone doesn't like to talk about it. The howling in the woods comes from a stray dog. Liza wants to help the poor dog, and discovers something sinister in the woods. A really good film, tense in places, dated and very homely, with some atmospheric thunderstorms and plenty of paranoia going on. What is exactly going on? Its worth finding out.

A year after their classic comedy series, "I Dream of Jeannie" , left the air, stars Barbara Eden & Larry Hagman made this wonderful TV movie in 1971. After five years, Liza Crocker ( Eden ) returns to the small town that her family founded generations ago--Stainesville, out west in Nevada. She has come out here because she is seeking a divorce from her husband, Eddie ( Hagman ), back in New York. When she reaches Stainesville, she finds that old friends she grew up with have a mysteriously hostile attitude toward her, and old acquaintances are even worse. She drives up to the Stainesville Lodge where her step-mother, Rose ( Vera Miles )greets her. Rose introduces Liza to her new step-brother, Justin ( John Rubenstein ). Liza is very anxious to see her archeologist father, but , as Rose puts it, "He's down in Mexico poking through those ruins of his. We had no idea you were coming." Shortly after Liza's arrival, she learns that a little girl had been murdered in the town recently and the girl's body had been thrown in the lake. A stray dog can be heard howling in the woods. There is a bizarre double-murder / conspiracy that has occurred in Stainesville, and the locals are determined to keep a lid on things forever. Only Rose seems to be aware that, now that Liza has returned, it is only a question of time before the entire truth comes out. Eddie has followed Liza to Stainesville because he does not wish to lose her. "A Howling in the Woods" was filmed entirely in and around beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada and features excellent performances from a wonderful cast. The audience can't help but root for Barbara Eden's character ( the former 'Jeannie' is extremely gripping here ! ). The viewer gets bits & pieces of relevant information all through the film, but the suspense never really let's up right until the very end. This is one of the finest TV movies of the early 1970s and it sometimes is shown in the late evening on a local station. You should set your VCR to tape this one if you can. A marvelous and very well written mystery / thriller that could rival even a similar theatrical film shown today, "A Howling in the Woods" is a small screen cinematic triumph that should not go ignored...if you can help it!

I remember seeing this movie on TV in 1971 while in the 10th grade in high school and it was pretty good. [Most of the TV movies of that era were shown from 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM (EST) so they were only 1-hour-and-30-minutes in length, but this one was a full-two-hours!] I missed the ending because I had a paper route to deliver at 4:00 the next morning (actually, 2 of them) so I had to go to bed. Anyway, what I remember is: Barbara Eden inherits this old hotel when her uncle dies. Disheartened with her marriage, she goes to stay at the hotel with the idea of remodeling and then running it. Shortly after she arrives, the townspeople tell her to leave and at night, she hears a dog mournfully howling in the nearby woods. As she tries to solve the mystery of the howling dog, she was told that a six-year-old girl was found "accidentally drownded" in the nearby lake. [She was told this by the dead girl's six-year-old cousin Betsey (Lisa Gerritsen).] As Eden's character investigates the howling dog and the "accidental drowning," of the little girl, she become convinced that the two incidents are related.

It was about this point I had to go to bed so I could deliver the newspapers to my customers on my paper routes, so I don't know how the movie ends up. It would be really great if this movie were to be released on home video, so I could see the ending. I recently found a copy of the paperback novel on which this movie was based, so I know how the novel comes out, but I'd still like to see the movie so I can see how it comes out. (I suppose it is similar to the ending in the novel.) Anyway, I'm willing to pay whatever the price is for a VHS or DVD, so home video companies, here's your chance to make some more money off of me! How about it?

Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman definitely didn't end things on a sour note after I DREAM OF JEANNIE as the next year they starred as a married couple in a mystery-thriller that sounds like a werewolf-horror, the made-for-television A HOWLING IN THE WOODS. Then again, they're hardly on screen together at all. It's mostly Eden's ride, beginning three decades of TV movies...

Centers on a rich woman who returns to a woodsy small town where she's given the silent treatment by the locals. Expository from her mother-in-law Vera Miles's wimpy secret lover John Rubinstein teaches us the town's been broke since her currently out-of-town father sold a factory, and only he and his family got rich. Although Eden's character is no spoiled brat since she made her own money as a fashion designer in New York fashion designer while Hagman, a photographer of naked women, wants her to return home via random phone calls...

The townspeople want her gone too, which is most of the mystery involved without that many thrills. Eden, sans her cute smile, broods most of the time, trying to figure things out after the initial long-stretched shun...

Which is also the most entertaining aspect as she and the audience remains in the dark while various characters add up including Ruta Lee as a jovial diner waitress; Ford Rainey as the sheriff; Lisa Gerritsen as an abused little girl; and Tyne Daley as the only person willing to eventually speak up. After which Hagman earns half his paycheck and... almost helps out. At one point near the end, wanting to join her quest for the truth, his wife tells him, "You stay here... I'm better off alone."

Perhaps Eden was predicting her own solo TV-movie future following what would always be her signature role as the friendly Astronaut's gorgeous Jeannie. Meanwhile, Larry Hagman's lucrative television future hadn't yet begun: From this point it was no more Mr. Nice Guy.

A woman from New York City (Barbara Eden) returns home to a small town by Lake Tahoe, but the townsfolk are strangely unfriendly. Larry Hagman plays her husband, Vera Miles her stepmother, John Rubinstein her stepbrother and Tyne Daly a young woman who has secrets to share.

"A Howling in the Woods" (1971) is a small town mystery with some thrills at the end. Despite being a television production, the cast is noteworthy and the rustic Lake Tahoe locations are exquisite. Unfortunately, the contrived story is too drawn out and would've worked better at 74 minutes.

It's a worthwhile movie for the highlights noted as long as you don't mind slow pacing and some artificial scripting, just don't expect any werewolves.

The movie runs around 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot at Tahoe City, Lake Tahoe and Universal Studios, Universal City, California.

GRADE: C+/B-

Starring I Dream of Jeannies titular Barbara Eden and Larry "JR" Hagman A Howling in the Woods isn't what I expected at all. It was a pick and mix movie so I didn't know what to expect but based on the title I assumed horror and likely werewolf.

Well it's not a horror and no wolves were or otherwise are to be found. Instead it's a thriller about a woman returning to small town America to see her father but being met with a very unpleasant welcome from a town with a dark secret.

It's a slow burner but that works to its favour, what doesn't sadly is the movies weak structure and instantly forgettable characters.

Does everything come together in the end? Yep. Is the revelation interesting? Absolutely. But the film itself is badly flawed and though watchable is something I feel could and maybe should have been considerably better.

The Good:

Some good ideas

The Bad:

Poorly structured

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

I am in no way saddened that I missed out on telegrams

A year after the cancellation of "I Dream of Jeannie", Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman reteamed for this made-for-TV movie that was as different from their series as night and day! It seems Ms. Eden is coming back to the house she grew up in to the surprise of her stepmother (Vera Miles) and new stepbrother (John Rubinstein). There's also a little girl (Lisa Gerritsen) who mentions another one her age who drowned in a nearby river. Not to mention a howling dog constantly bellowing...There's more but I don't want to spoil anymore of what happens. I will, however, mention that Hagman plays Ms. Eden's husband who's trying to reconcile with her after she abruptly left. Also, future "Cagney & Lacey" star Tyne Daly also makes a pivotal appearance. The suspense builds with each new revelation which is to the credit of director Daniel Petrie. So on that note, I recommend A Howling in the Woods.

Wealthy New York woman travels back to her hometown in Nevada to get a divorce, shows up unannounced at the lodge run by her oddly absent father and edgy stepmother; nobody seems to want her there, including the townspeople, who hold a grudge against her father for closing down the local mine. Made-for-TV mystery is top-heavy with melodramatic plot and burdened with exposition-filled dialogue. Richard De Roy's teleplay, adapted from Velda Johnston's book, is stilted and disappointing (he doesn't have a sharp instinct for the way familiar people speak to one another). The Lake Tahoe locations add atmosphere, and both Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman give interesting performances as the squabbling marrieds. Also good is Lisa Gerritsen, one of the finest child actors of the era, as a youngster who knows the town's secrets.

Most of the made-for-TV movies of the early '70s were junk. "A Howling in the Woods" is the one glorious exception, and should have been released to theatres. Two eerie plots eventually converge in an expertly plotted thriller. Always underrated as an actress, Barbara Eden is superb as the lady-in-distress who indeed, while staying in a remote rural locale, is literally jolted by the nocturnal sounds of a "howling in the woods." This nifty, scarifying thriller is always two steps ahead of the viewer in it's deliciously intricate plot turns and twists. Expertly directed by Daniel Petrie. A forgotten jewel, long overdue for restoration and a cable-TV or theatrical release. Utterly terrifying, and Miss Eden, never more breathtakingly beautiful and vulnerable, is at her peak. Forget "I Dream of Jeannie". Instead check out and shiver through this spellbinding mystery-suspense-thriller classic!

One of my sci-fi/horror/fantasy reviews written 50 years ago: Directed by Daniel Petrie; Produced by Douglas Benton, for Universal TV, broadcast by NBC-TV. Screenplay by Richard De Roy, based on Velda Johnston's novel; Photography by JackMarta; Edited by Robert Shugrue; Music by Dave Grusin. Starring: Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman, John Rubinstein, Vera Miles, Ruta Lee, Tyne Daly, George Murdock, Ford Rainey, Bill Vint and Karl Swenson.

Unsuspenseful, unstylish attempt at a horror mystery, based on a poorly-presented "Bad Day at Black Rock" combined with impersonation type plot. TV's ersatz attempt at "daring" entertainment includes near-nudity and pretend incest, but Petrie's handling of a "Road to Salina" type trio and irrelevant flashback is poor. Laughable is the Vera/Barb versus Vera/Janet Leigh resemblance, plus thrown-in Eden/Hagman teaming and a bit of Barb in white nightgown action.

A young housewife decides to take a solo vacation back home to get away from her husband, but cannot escape hearing A Howling in the Woods.

We meet Liza who is returning to a small town in Nevada named Stainesville after 5 years away. Liza moves back into her family home, but is met with a sort of coldness and from her step brother and few other people in the town. The one who she still has a good relationship with is her stepmother Rose. She tells Rose that she plans on divorcing her husband Eddie as soon as possible. Missing from the household is Liza's father. She asks Rose where he has, and Rose says he is away out of the country which seems very strange to Liza (...and viewers).

Once Liza settles in, she starts hearing a strange howling noise coming from outside. She also discovers that a young girl was recently found drowned in the lake. With the town seemingly covering up a deadly secret, and her family being involved in it as well, can Liza survive?

Barbara Eden was made for roles like this one as the helpless heroine trying to uncover a dark deadly secret while trying got stay alive. Vera Miles is her usual outstanding self as the seemingly sweet stepmother of Rose. Larry Hagman sadly doesn't have much to do in this movie, but the little we get of him is great stuff. He still has a lot chemistry with Eden of course.

A Howling in the Woods is a very average entry to the ABC movie of the week series. There are definitely much better films put out throughout the 70's, but nonetheless it is more than watchable with a weaker twist that could be figured in the first 20 minutes. It has never been released on VHS/DVD, so your best bet is to catch it somewhere online.

5/10

All I can say is that I LOVED it! It's always a pleasure seeing Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman working together after "I Dream of Jeannie" because their on-camera chemistry is perfect! This movie has several twists and turns, and towards the end it has you saying to yourself, "Okay, WHAT just happened?!" I highly recommend "A Howling In The Woods" to Barbara Eden & Larry Hagman fans, or anyone who likes a good thriller. There have been a lot of cheesy TV movies throughout the past 35 or so years, but in my opinion this one was perfect in every way --casting, setting, plot, everything. 10 stars for one of the best made-for-TV movies of all time.

I was interested in this movie because I was a fan of Barbara Eden, and spent many vacations at Lake Tahoe. To my delight, these only added to my enjoyment of a well executed thriller that kept me guessing until the very end.

After Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman's success in "I Dream Of Genie," they wanted to work in dramatic films and TV. Well, they exceeded beyond their wildest dreams and expectations in this film. A little girl was murdered and the local hotel owner (Eden's father) has suddenly left town. Her soon-to-be ex-husband (Hagman), arrives, angering Eden. However, after a hostile reception from the townspeople, she's glad to have him along. As they piece the clues together, they mystery comes to a harrowing conclusion. Do yourself a favor: If this film is ever broadcast in your area, watch it. Or better yet, set your VCR or DVD player to record, and record this wonderful film. I did. And, I occasionally take it off of the shelf, duct it off, and play it. The only question I have is, what is that wonderful piano music that John Rubenstein is playing throughout the film? If anyone knows, my email is phillipgowens1@hotmail.com Thanks.

A woman (Barbara Eden) returns home to a past and a town that doesn't really want her back. A howling in the woods brings this chilling past back to her. Larry Hagman plays a small part in this movie as her husband. A very good story and a hair raising atmosphere.

Vera Miles is the important character here, and she is the one sustaining the film throughout, although the others, especially beautiful Barbara Eden and stolid Larry Hagman, also act welll indeed - in fact, everybody does, but the main thing is the story, which is wonderfully contrived, like a real thriller of the old times. It all begins as a mystery, Barbara goes up in the mountains to visit her childhood home and father's later wife in an effort to divorce Larry Hagman, but a child has been murdered by the lake, and there is a dog howling in the woods. Barbara is curious about the dog and his sufferings and finally trace him to his soft spot, which is a grave. People are keeping secrets, and Vera Miles has taken on a young musician who is somewhat on the freakish side, but the music of the film is marvellous all through and one of its greatest assets. Although the mysteries add up into a knotty mess, it all ultimately makes sense and reveals the real tragedy, which actually is all about the disappearance of Barbara's father into the jungles of Mexico, as they say...

The film has more qualitites than what first meets the eye, but the foremost is Vera Miles' character and acting. It will be very interesting to revisit this film some time, when you now know what really happened and understand all the cover-ups..

It's a little predictable, but there are a couple of nice little twists. It's a great movie to watch on a lazy weekend afternoon.