Willard (1971)

Willard is a 1971 American horror film directed by Daniel Mann and starring Bruce Davison, Ernest Borgnine, Sondra Locke and Elsa Lanchester. Based on the novel Ratman's Notebooks by Stephen Gilbert, the film was nominated for an Edgar Award for best picture.

Plot
Willard Stiles is a meek social misfit who develops an affinity for rats. He lives in a large house with only his cranky and decrepit mother Henrietta for company. On his 27th birthday, he comes home to a surprise birthday party thrown by his mother, where all of the attendees are her friends. After leaving the party in embarrassment, he notices a rat in his backyard and tosses it pieces of his birthday cake.

Cast

 * Bruce Davison as Willard Stiles
 * Sondra Locke as Joan
 * Elsa Lanchester as Henrietta Stiles
 * Ernest Borgnine as Al Martin
 * Michael Dante as Brandt
 * Jody Gilbert as Charlotte Stassen
 * William Hansen as Barskin
 * John Myhers as Carlson

Reception
The film was a major hit in 1971, opening to good reviews and high box office returns, and was the 12th highest-grossing release of the year.