Pvt. Wilhelm

The Wilhelm Scream

You've heard it before, probably many times. It only lasts about 1.5 seconds, starting on C and descending through four semi-tones to G sharp. Once you've heard it a few times and recognize it, you'll never be able to un-hear it again. Before there ever was a Wilhelm there was "Man being eaten by alligator" a Warner Bros. studio sound effect for "Distant Drums" (1951). After that it was used sporadically as a stock effect until its revival by a Star Wars sound designer. He named it after "Pvt. Wilhelm", a minor character who emitted the same scream in "The Charge at Feather River" (1953). It was included in every Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie. It went on the become a in-joke for Hollywood sound-mixers, who've tucked it into movies (149 and counting), television programs, and video games. From Toy Story, A Star is Born, and Reservoir Dogs; to Halo 3, Twisted Metal 2, and Grand Theft Auto IV. There's even a Punk Rock Band named "A Wilhelm Scream". Nobody knows for sure, but it's believed that the Wilhelm Scream was performed by Sheb Wooley better known for his hit record "Purple People Eater".

The Very First Wilhelm Scream

The Wilhelm Scream Compilation

List of Movies using The Wilhelm Scream

The Wilhelm Scream I

The Wilhelm Scream II

Star Wars: Battlefront - Wilhelm Scream