Steve Lee, sound designer and film historian, discusses the surprising origin and widespread use of Hollywood’s most famous sound effect, the Wilhelm Scream. From its origins as a joke between friends to its inclusion in iconic films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the Wilhelm Scream has become a beloved part of movie history.
The Wilhelm Scream, a distinctive and recognizable movie sound effect, was first used in the film Distant Drums in 1951, and has since become a staple in the film industry.
The use of the Wilhelm Scream has created a unique bond among sound designers and directors, serving as a shared inside joke and a means of recognition in the movie industry.
Deep dives
The Power of Sound Libraries in the Film and TV Industry
In the film and TV industry, sound editors rely heavily on sound libraries to find the effects they need. Over the years, certain sounds have become iconic and are used repeatedly in various movies and TV shows. For example, the distinct catfight sound of two cats angrily yowling has been heard in hundreds of productions, including the Simpsons' Snowball. These cat sounds are attributed to legendary voice actor Frank Welker. Another famous sound is the gut-wrenching scream known as the Howie Scream, which gained popularity after being used in an action movie called Broken Arrow. However, the most recognized and widely used movie scream is the Wilhelm Scream, often associated with scenes of intense danger or fear. This scream was first used in the 1951 film Distant Drums and has since been incorporated into countless movies, becoming a staple in the film industry.
The Origin and Legacy of the Wilhelm Scream
The Wilhelm Scream, a distinctive and recognizable movie sound effect, was first used in the film Distant Drums in 1951. It was recorded during a session on a Warner Brothers soundstage, and the voice artist responsible for the scream is believed to be Sheb Wully, known for his pop hit 'The Purple People Eater.' The scream was initially a hidden inside joke among sound designers, like Ben Burt and Steve Lee, who used it in their films. It gained prominence when Ben Burt incorporated it into the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. From then on, the Wilhelm Scream became widely acknowledged by sound designers and directors alike, securing its status as the most famous movie scream in history. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued use in contemporary films and even commercials.
The Wilhelm Scream's Cultural Significance and Influence
The widespread use of the Wilhelm Scream has created a unique bond among sound designers and directors in the movie industry. It serves as a way to connect and communicate with others in their craft, a shared inside joke that shows appreciation for the history and art of sound effects. Prominent directors like Quentin Tarantino and Peter Jackson have embraced the Wilhelm Scream, amplifying its usage in their films and adding to its legacy. Despite being considered a cliche by some, the Wilhelm Scream continues to be utilized as a distinctive audio cue, a nod to tradition, and a means of recognition among sound professionals. Its impact has transcended generations, making it a beloved and recognized sound not only among industry insiders but also among movie enthusiasts worldwide.
For more than seventy years now, filmmakers have been using and reusing a particular scream. Without a doubt, this is Hollywood’s most famous sound effect. Many people even know it by name. But despite how widely-known this sound is, lots of people still don’t know its surprising origin story. To set the record straight, we’ve remixed one of our classic, early episodes. Featuring Steve Lee, sound designer, film historian, and creator of the Hollywood Sound Museum.