The 'Wilhelm Scream' is Hollywood's most famous 'inside joke'—a distinct sound effect used in over 400 films and television shows. It was first recorded for the 1951 movie 'Distant Drums' for a scene where a man is dragged underwater by an alligator. The sound was named after the character 'Pvt. Wilhelm' in the 1953 film 'The Charge at Feather River,' who emits the scream when shot with an arrow. The effect became a recurring motif after sound designer Ben Burtt used it in 'Star Wars' (1977) as a nod to classic cinema. Since then, it has appeared in 'Indiana Jones,' 'The Lord of the Rings,' and almost every Pixar and Marvel movie. While casual viewers may not notice it, film enthusiasts listen for the high-pitched, piercing yell as a tribute to the craft of sound editing.