Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

DVD Features:

Description by OLDIES.com:

John Barrymore is riveting as humanitarian scientist Dr. Henry Jekyll in this classic 1920 version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale. Dr. Jekyll, obsessed with separating the good and evil impulses in every person, creates a potion that transforms him into the demonic Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll's on-camera transformation to Hyde contains a tour de force performance by John Barrymore. The initial transformation scene was achieved only through Barrymore's facial contortions without the use of makeup and remains a frightening, memorable sequence to this day.

Product Description:

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's often adapted 1886 socially conscious horror novella, this version stars the incomparable John Barrymore as Dr. Henry Jekyll, a gentle, saintly Victorian physician. However, when the good Dr. Jekyll meets the diabolical Sir George Carew by chance one evening, Jekyll becomes fascinated by the dark side of the human psyche. Further goading his imagination is the sinfully seductive Miss Gina, who arouses more of Jekyll's nascent sexual and sociopathic longings. Determined to explore the dark side of consciousness without endangering himself, Jekyll concocts a potion that transforms him into Edward Hyde, an uninhibited rogue whom Barrymore brilliantly brings to life with the help of only artificial teeth and fingers. Soon, Jekyll finds that it is becoming harder and harder to separate his two personalities, sending him into a downward spiral that seems destined to end with the destruction of his former identity.

Plot Synopsis:

In this brilliant silent version of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, starring John Barrymore, a doctor investigates dividing man's intellectual side from his baser instincts. His experimentation awakens the monster within and the good doctor must fight himself to save the ones he loves.

Plot Keywords:

Based On A Novel | Horror | Mad Doctor | Silent | Slasher | Vintage

Production Notes:

• All other versions of this classic tale spell the doctor's name as Jekyll, not Jeckyll. A silent film. The Kino videocassette features an 84-minute version of the 1920 "Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde;" 10 minutes from the 1911 version, starring James Cruze; and 6 minutes from Louis B. Mayer's 1920 version starring Sheldon Lewis. It also features an organ score by Gaylord Carter. Additional cast: J. Malcolm Dunn (John Utterson) and Cecil Clovelly (Edward Enfield). Additional credits: Robert M. Haas (architecture) and Charles O. Seessel (decorations).

Cast and Crew: