The Pack (1977)
A remote island community fights for survival when a pack of abandoned, feral dogs turns deadly in this taut 1977 horror thriller.
The Pack - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Pack
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: Robert Clouse
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Adventure, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 20, 1977 (United States - PG), May 19, 1978 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: The Long Dark Night (US)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Pack - Plot
The residents of vacation spot Seal Island find themselves terrorized by a pack of dogs -- the remnants of discarded pets by visiting vacationers.
The Pack - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terror unfold on Seal Island:
They're not pets anymore.
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The Pack - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Clouse
Main Cast
- Joe Don Baker
- Hope Alexander-Willis
- Richard B. Shull
- R.G. Armstrong
- Ned Wertimer
- Bibi Besch
- Delos V. Smith Jr.
- Richard O'Brien
- Sherry E. DeBoer
- Paul Willson
Writers
- Robert Clouse
Producers
- Paul M. Heller
- Fred Weintraub
The Pack - FAQs
What is The Pack (1977) about?
The Pack follows the residents of Seal Island as they face a terrifying threat: a roving pack of feral dogs, abandoned by careless vacationers, that has turned savage. Marine biologist Jerry leads the fight for survival in this lean, suspenseful creature-feature with strong echoes of Jaws.
Are the dogs in The Pack really dangerous?
The dogs in the film are trained animals, but the movie plays their threat completely straight. Rather than supernatural monsters, they're ordinary domestic breeds gone feral — which gives The Pack an unsettling realism that sets it apart from more fantastical horror films of the era.
Where can you watch The Pack (1977)?
You can rent or buy The Pack on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It's not currently on a major subscription streaming service, but digital rental is an easy and affordable way to catch this underrated 1970s horror gem.
Is The Pack (1977) based on a true story?
The Pack is based on David Fisher's 1976 novel of the same name, not a specific true event. That said, the premise taps into a very real concern — feral dog packs formed by abandoned pets — which lends the story a grounded, believable edge that pure fiction rarely achieves.
Who stars in The Pack (1977)?
Joe Don Baker leads the cast as Jerry, a marine biologist trying to protect the island's residents. He's joined by Hope Alexander-Willis, Richard B. Shull, R.G. Armstrong, and Bibi Besch. Baker was a recognizable face in 1970s genre cinema, fresh off his cult hit Walking Tall.
Does The Pack have an alternate title?
Yes — The Pack was also released under the title The Long Dark Night in the United States. The alternate title leans into the film's atmosphere of dread and isolation, though The Pack remains the better-known and more widely used title today.
Is The Pack (1977) worth watching for horror fans?
Absolutely, if you enjoy 1970s creature features. The Pack delivers genuine tension, a believable island setting, and a premise that feels refreshingly grounded. It's often compared to Jaws in structure and tone — a small community under siege — and holds up well as a tight, efficient thriller.
Who directed and wrote The Pack (1977)?
Robert Clouse both directed and wrote the screenplay for The Pack. Clouse was best known for helming Enter the Dragon (1973) with Bruce Lee. The Pack showed his range beyond martial arts action, demonstrating a solid command of suspense and rural horror atmosphere.
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