The Wilhelm Scream

The most iconic screams in history is the Wilhelm Scream. There is one clip of audio of a man screaming that has been used in many films. Have you guessed the scream yet? Can you hear it in your head? If not, here is a reminder, take a listen and be prepared to bring back nostalgia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc5F2C0CYlA


The recording of the original scream dates back to the 1951 film “Distant Drums.” The producer had different cast members to scream and imagine they were being attacked by an alligator which was the scene they were trying to get audio for. The sound was used in many credited films but was made famous through the “Star Wars” franchise. Sound designer for the franchise Ben Burtt, “made the scream famous by using it in the original 1977 Star Wars film. Burtt is even credited with coining the term “Wilhelm Scream” named after the character of Private Wilhelm from The Charge at Feather River” (DeGuzman 2023)

The sound was used in every single original movie in the Star Wars series. Why was this sound popularized? This sound was cheap and efficient to use because reusing stock sound effects saves both time and money. A few other popular movies/series this iconic sound was used in includes, Indiana Jones, Toy Story, and even The Lord of the Rings. This sound may be seen as a joke but that is what makes it popular because it is so recognizable in cinematic history.

Sources:
DeGuzman, K. (2023, January 31). The wilhelm scream – origins and iconic examples. StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-the-wilhelm-scream-sound-effect/#:~:text=The%20Wilhelm%20Scream%20is%20a,or%20thrown%20from%20an%20explosion.

YouTube. (2008, August 30). The very first Wilhelm scream (distant drums, 1951). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc5F2C0CYlA