# Where Did This Scream Originate? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 10, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331 "2009-06-10T15:10:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/1 "2009-06-10T15:10:11Z")
Please release me from this insanity that is plaguing me trying to find the answer to this: There is a specific (obviously stock) female scream that I’ve heard for eons now in both television and movies. From a cheesy commercial quite a few years ago to the most recent (most recent to _me_ anyway) in the movie, _The Green Mile_. I cut the snippet containing the scream from the latter source and it can be heard here: [[Cliffytx.com is for sale | HugeDomains](http://www.CliffyTX.com/infamous-scream.mp3)]( "http: [//www.CliffyTX.com/infamous-scream.mp3](https://www.CliffyTX.com/infamous-scream.mp3)) This has driven me batty for many years now and just recently resurfaced to torment me again. Please help and please, if/when possible, provide direct links or whatever necessary for me to finally KNOW I found the answer. :smack: Now, I should tell you, for info’s sake, that I have Googled it to death. Trying such queries as: famous scream, stock movie screams, foley screams, variations of these and lots more. Tons of 'em. Too many to list. I keep coming up with link after link to The Wilhelm Scream (which originated in a movie, so there’s hope for me) and The Kyle Scream. These are **NOT** it and are male anyway. I’m generally pretty good at finding what I seek on the Internet but this one has beaten me. I assume this one has been around for a while because I could swear I heard it in the 70’s but not 100% sure of that. [MODERATOR NOTE: I broke the link since it no longer goes to the original site.] ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/2 "2009-06-10T16:19:58Z")
I thought you were talking about the stock female scream often used in commercials, but that wasn’t it. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/3 "2009-06-10T16:51:54Z")
If it’s really the [Wilhelm Scream](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdbYsoEasio) you’re talking about per chance then the origin is pretty [well known](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_scream). ETA :smack: I need to learn to read the entire OP before posting. ---
**Author:** ![Jormungandr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@Jormungandr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jormungandr)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/4 "2009-06-10T20:40:48Z")
When I hear it, I think it’s from around the 1920’s. You can try this site: Filmsound > **[FilmSound.org: dedicated to the Art of Film Sound Design & Film...](http://www.filmsound.org/)** > > FilmSound.org serves as an > essential learning space dedicated to aspects of film sound. The > site is organized in sections that include links to articles (from > practical to scholarly) on how sound is used in films. There are > ... and their Q&A section: [http://www.filmsound.org/QA/](http://www.filmsound.org/QA/) ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/5 "2009-06-10T22:52:50Z")
> [@Jormungandr](#): > > When I hear it, I think it’s from around the 1920’s. > > You can try this site: > Filmsound > [http://www.filmsound.org/](http://www.filmsound.org/) > > and their Q&A section: > > [Film Sound Q & A](http://www.filmsound.org/QA/) I tried that site and many more…all to no avail. Either the answer isn’t there or buried way too deep. This is killing me. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/6 "2009-06-11T02:47:15Z")
It seems to be the [first one in this video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I66zfaenXc). But none of the others match. I did wonder if it was from _King Kong_ originally, though. ---
**Author:** ![YamatoTwinkie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/cc9497/32.png) [@YamatoTwinkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YamatoTwinkie)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/7 "2009-06-11T03:01:38Z")
is it the same as the sound effect played at 0:10 in [this](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhjc3AUq1OY&feature=PlayList&p=CB493A5160D44B46&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=26) Wu-tang song? The same clip is also in an episode of [Heroes](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QL6qE4J2VI) ,although just the second part of the clip is used. Other people also purport that it’s in: An episode of Buffy titled “The Harvest” the videogame Timesplitters 2 The Butterfly Effect Wag the Dog ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/8 "2009-06-11T07:22:50Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > It seems to be the [first one in this video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I66zfaenXc). But none of the others match. I did wonder if it was from _King Kong_ originally, though. Not that one. It’s very unique…almost a scream followed by a quick, ‘huh’ sound. Is the sound file link I provided working okay or do I need to upload it elsewhere? ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/9 "2009-06-11T07:42:38Z")
[This one](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Vay9t1-A0&feature=related) from _Murder By Death_ (at 2:38)? Not saying this is where it originated, just trying to identify the scream. ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/10 "2009-06-11T07:45:31Z")
> [@YamatoTwinkie](#): > > is it the same as the sound effect played at 0:10 in [this](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhjc3AUq1OY&feature=PlayList&p=CB493A5160D44B46&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=26) Wu-tang song? > > The same clip is also in an episode of [Heroes](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QL6qE4J2VI) ,although just the second part of the clip is used. > > Other people also purport that it’s in: > An episode of Buffy titled “The Harvest” > the videogame Timesplitters 2 > The Butterfly Effect > Wag the Dog The one at the 0:10 mark in the Wu Tang video **IS** it. The scream in the Heroes clip is not it **BUT** I do believe that scream was from the same origin. I think this because in _The Green Mile_, the scream heard in the Heroes clip is exactly what she does _after_ the part I cut out. **Forgive insane amount of detail to follow:** To give some reference for those who may have _The Green Mile_ on their computer or on video or DVD, this scream happens approximately (I say approximately because the copy on my PC could start a bit later or earlier than one you have) 18:28 in. The guards (Tom Hanks, David Morse, Barry Pepper, etc) are sitting around talking when Tom Hanks’ character wants to know about the new prisoner (Michael Clarke Duncan), “…and not about how huge he is,” then says something to the effect of, “Did they send us an imbecile to execute?” Another guard then says, “imbecile or not, he deserves to fry for what he done,” then hands Tom Hanks the prisoner’s file. As he starts to read it, it goes to a flashback of what happened. **Flashback:** There’s a distant scene with a sunset, farmhouse and barn silhouetted, man running to the building on the right, then you hear it. The woman is screaming, then her husband runs in saying something to the effect of, “What is it? For God’s sake woman, what is it?” Where she then replies, “The girls are gone”. The scream in that portion is both the one I’ve provided a direct link to…from The Green Mile (the same scream found at the 0:10 mark in the above Wu Tang video) and then her scream continues exactly like where the scream in the above Heroes clip _starts_ screaming. Apologies to all who didn’t want to read thru all of that, but this has been irking me for years. I do now have at least one person knowing the exact scream I mean. I, now, just need to find it’s absolute origin to satisfy my insanity. If this origin has a specific name as The Wilhelm Scream did, AWESOME! If it’s written about and that exact example given, then we’re golden. For some annoying reason I just HAVE to know exactly where it started without a doubt. Any other info would be a major bonus. I knew when I came up with this challenge, it was gonna be a major one for a lot of you/us. MAJOR kudos to YamatoTwinkie for finding it in another place other than my example. I was having trouble getting that much. Just gotta have the definitive source now. LOL (Geez, I’m pathetic) ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/11 "2009-06-11T07:48:56Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > [This one](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Vay9t1-A0&feature=related) from _Murder By Death_ (at 2:38)? > > Not saying this is where it originated, just trying to identify the scream. Unfortunately, no. That’s not it. (See above post for more references to the scream) Would have been a goldmine if it had been. Given the age of that clip, it _could_ have well been the origin. But, alas, wrong scream. Thanks (thanks to all of you) who are working so diligently to help me. I’m working right along with you. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/12 "2009-06-11T07:59:53Z")
Thanks. I saw from your post following mine that I’d posted the wrong one. Still a great scream though, eh? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/13 "2009-06-11T08:10:13Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > Thanks. I saw from your post following mine that I’d posted the wrong one. > > Still a great scream though, eh? 😃 😃 Actually, because of it’s unique sound, it has grown quite annoying to me. It sticks out like a sore thumb for me now and makes me think, “big budget resorted to this?” LOL If ya meant the scream you linked to, then yes…a scream for the ages. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/14 "2009-06-11T08:16:40Z")
Yes, I meant the scream I linked to. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![YamatoTwinkie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/cc9497/32.png) [@YamatoTwinkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YamatoTwinkie)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2009, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/15 "2009-12-30T23:32:51Z")
Resurrecting a dead thread here, but since the original question was never fully answered, the scream appears to have originated with the “Hollywood Edge” sound effects library. Same as the Howie/Youraagh scream. See the last scream @ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbScqqrzfHU&feature=related](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbScqqrzfHU&feature=related) ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2009, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/16 "2009-12-31T03:55:58Z")
> [@YamatoTwinkie](#): > > Resurrecting a dead thread here, but since the original question was never fully answered, the scream appears to have originated with the “Hollywood Edge” sound effects library. Same as the Howie/Youraagh scream. > > See the last scream @ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbScqqrzfHU&feature=related](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbScqqrzfHU&feature=related) I hate to raise ancient threads as well but this one, indeed, was never definitively answered. It seems it may be now. I just assumed all screams started in a film. Thanks so much for your answer! ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2010, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/17 "2010-01-06T10:16:05Z")
It’s heady stuff to spot your first Wilhelm Scream! I didn’t see **L.A. Confidential** listed anywhere, but I heard the familiar anguished cry near the end of the movie when one police officer has dropped through a hole in the floor of one section of the Victory Motel (Hotel?) and is shooting at the legs of those who pursue him. I couldn’t believe my ears! ---
**Author:** ![ncharle0](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9de0a6/32.png) [@ncharle0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ncharle0)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2011, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/18 "2011-09-06T08:08:46Z")
I have been wondering about the origin of this scream since I played the game Descent II on PC and heard it on the soundtrack. You can listen to it [HERE](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXHN8v80rLY&feature=related). The female makes noises before the scream begins at 1:55 and the actual screaming starts at 2:09, is repeated 4 times, and then ends at 2:30. There are then intermittent noises the female makes until the screaming begins again at 2:49 and ends at 3:09, same as before, repeated 4 times. In the background, you can hear sounds of a child laughing or making noises from 2:42 to 2:46. I don’t know if this was from the source of the scream itself, like the situation that called for the scream or if the artist put it there. This game came out March 13, 1996. This track is listed as: Track 5: Gunner Down Composed by Brian Luzietti Mixed by Charles Deenen To this day, I play the soundtrack CD to this game, listen to the scream, Google it, and like Cliffhanger I come up with nothing. It’s driving me nuts too! I do believe this is from a film or something. I really don’t believe it was just made in a studio and has just been a stock scream for years now, but who am I to say considering it was included in a game soundtrack. My wife said that she thinks it was an actual scream from an actual situation, say like a 911 call or something similar. I have a hard time believing that, but I can’t rule it out completely. We know that the scream is at least as old as 1996, but sounds older. We have several movies and songs with this distinctive scream featured. Outside of that, there isn’t much else. It does seem to be an older scream from the 70’s or even older, say the 40’s, 30’s, or 20’s. I hope we are able to come to a stronger conclusion other than “Hollywood Edge” because I think this scream is much older and did not originate there. I sent an email regarding this topic to Visual Concept Entertainment, where Brian Luzietti is supposed to currently work. We’ll see if I even get a response. In the email, I apologized since it was a personal inquiry for the sake of curiosity. I’ll respond back in case anyone sees this thread and is still curious like me. ---
**Author:** ![Cliffhanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cliffhanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffhanger)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2011, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/19 "2011-09-06T11:09:01Z")
I’m actually having a little bit of trouble, in my mind, distinguishing the scream itself from the music with it. This will now drive me nuts along with you. I caused distress for others so it’s only right that I shall suffer along with you. ---
**Author:** ![Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a9a28c/32.png) [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oslo_Ostragoth)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2011, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331/20 "2011-09-09T04:38:02Z")
Grrrr. Now I want to know the answer, too. Sound FX people in Hollywood are a tight bunch - maybe you could find an email address for one or more to pose your question. Who did all the research on the Wilhelm Scream? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-scream-originate/499331.md?page=2)