Yet another review of everyone’s favorite sound effect, the Wilhelm.
In the 1951 movie Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, a small band of soldiers were crossing a swamp in pursuit of Seminole Indians. While wading through the Everglades one unnamed soldier was attacked and dragged underwater by an alligator. His last sound as he died was a startled scream.
In The Charge at Feather River two years later, a soldier named Private Wilhelm screamed in what sounded like alligator-assaulted agony when he was struck by an arrow. In fact, his cry of pained surprise was practically identical to unnamed soldier’s. Both men would soon be forgotten as a bit parts in B-movies, seen by relatively few moviegoers. But the holler they bellowed went on to be heard by millions– if not billions– of people worldwide.
Previous references here: 1, 2. Other oft-heard effects: Castle Thunder and Red-Tailed Hawk.
As a birder, I can’t help but shake my head whenever I see a commercial, TV show, or movie that shows a Bald Eagle soaring, and dubs in a Red-tailed Hawk’s call.
Well, at least you don’t Scream.