The split persona at the center of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde hews intriguingly close to the personal foibles of star John Barrymore.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:10
Fresh:9
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.7/10
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Synopsis: 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... 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. [More]
Starring: John Barrymore, Nita Naldi, Brandon Hurst, Louis Wolheim
Starring: John Barrymore, Nita Naldi, Brandon Hurst, Louis Wolheim, Martha Mansfield, Charles Lane
Director: John S. Robertson
Director: John S. Robertson
Screenwriter: Clara S. Beranger
Composer: Gaylord Carter
Reviews for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
One of three 1920 adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic allegorical chiller, the Paramount Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is remembered primarily for John Barrymore's bravura performance as the title duo.
The Stevenson story serves as the premise for an early (1921) appearance by John Barrymore, who plays the transformation scene -- very effectively -- without the aid of trick photography.
One of the better renditions of the tale, thanks to John Barrymore's brilliant silent performance.
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