Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Movie Review
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a 1931 pre-Code horror film directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Fredric March. It’s such a great movie.
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“Perhaps you prefer a gentleman.
One of those fine-mannered and honorable gentlemen.
Those panting hypocrites who like your legs
but talk about your garters“
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It is a famous story of a man who takes a potion and becomes a maniac. It was of course adapted from the famous novella of the same name and it definitely is one of the greatest adaptations from the thirties. It obviously feels like a book at times, but it’s mostly immensely cinematic.
It’s a phenomenal exploration of man’s innermost dark feelings and urges and how we all have a darker, more uncivilized and blunt side to ourselves. This story, thus, remains relatable to this day and pretty much timeless. However, it was especially timely for 1931 as it is very much a pre-Code film full of female subtle nudity, implied sexuality and some violence.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is at its best when dealing with its horror elements as Hyde himself is such a menacing, suitably over-the-top personality and his scenes with Ivy are scene-stealers for sure. Yes, some of the romantic dialogue was overly archaic, but it fitted the movie as it is happening is the 19th century. The movie works stupendously both as a moving romance, a character piece and of course as an atmospheric horror flick. It’s a great Gothic tale too, but more on that later.
Jekyll is such a fascinating, deep and relatable character and one of the examples of a fine, flawed and intriguing protagonist which is very rare and thus needs to be respected. Brigadier is your typical tough, old-fashioned father and Muriel serves well as his charming and emotional love interest. And I really liked the duality of Ivy as she starts off as a strong, independent woman and ends up being Hyde’s victim.
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The performances also make this film a classic. Yes, its top-notch acting from a great cast is superb. Rose Hobart is quite likable whereas Miriam Hopkins is absolutely fantastic here. In ‘Design for Living’, she was a modern, smart and strong woman whereas here she plays a lower class woman who becomes a hopeless victim and she killed it in both of those instances. Her struggles are very much felt as she gave a great emotive performance.
This is Fredric March’s movie to shine and he basically did just that. He killed it both as a struggling, complex, but still likable Jekyll as well as dark, menacing and brutish Hyde. He is over-the-top for sure, but suitably so and this is the good kind of overacting which serves the material well. He sold all his emotional sequences. He entirely deserved his Oscar as this is his finest acting achievement undoubtedly.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a bit too theatrical and old-fashioned in a couple of scenes, but mostly it is pleasantly traditional and elegant. Its Gothic overtones are so well achieved thanks to absolutely amazing cinematography at display and of course many instantly memorable, fabulous sets. The set design in this film is truly something special and evoking 19th century London beautifully.
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Rouben Mamoulian’s direction is also quite remarkable as is the score and exceptional sound recording. The tone is great, the dialogue is solid and the editing is deft leading to a highly engaging to watch film. It also features outstanding, truly revolutionary special effects, most evident in those still effective, truly remarkable transformation sequences.
Featuring an outstanding, deservedly Oscar-winning performance from great Fredric March in the titular dual role, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde also benefits from Miriam Hopkins’ memorable presence, terrific characterization and strong emotion. It serves as a fine romance, character piece and Gothic horror tale filled with many absolutely gorgeous sets that beautifully brought Victorian London to life. The special effects are also extraordinary as evidenced by those still effective transformation scenes. It’s such a terrific adaptation on all fronts.
