Monday, October 20, 2008

The Wilhelm Scream

Chances are you've heard the Wilhelm Scream dozens of times in movies and TV and never realized it. The Wilhelm is a sound effect cliche that goes back more than half a century and was originally recorded for the 1951 film Distant Drums. Legend has it that Sheb Wooley, best known for his 1958 novelty hit Purple People Eater, provided the scream during the post production work on Distant Drums (in which he had an uncredited bit part).

1 comment:

Ole Blue The Heretic said...

I am always amazed at how stock footage and sound footage finds it ways into many films.

Like the sound of tires on dirt roads sound just like they do on pavement.