The Father

Willard is a 1971 American horror film directed by Daniel Mann and written by Gilbert Ralston, based on Stephen Gilbert's novel Ratman's Notebooks. Bruce Davison stars as social misfit Willard Stiles, who is squeezed out of the company started by his deceased father. His only friends are a few rats raised at home, including Ben and Socrates, and their increasing number of friends. When Socrates is killed by Willard's boss, he goes on a rampage using his rats to attack. Willard was released on February 26, 1971, by Cinerama Releasing Corporation, opening to mixed reviews, but it was successful at the box office, making it the 11th-highest-grossing release of the year. It was also nominated for an Edgar Award for Best Picture. The film was followed by a 1972 sequel, Ben, and a 2003 remake, also titled Willard, with Crispin Glover portraying Willard, and Davison making a cameo as Willard's father.