"Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" **** (out of ****)Here we are my first movie review in months. What exactly should I have chosen as my first review? It was a tough call. What would have made a worthy comeback? Can any title live up to that task? Would any title seem "important" enough? I don't know but this classic film adaptation of the Jekyll & Hyde story, is just as good as any film to start my reviews.
This version of Robert Louis Stevenson's extremely famous novel "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" probably comes in third in popularity of all the major film adaptations. I'd be willing to bet more people are familar with the 1931 film directed by Rouben Mamoulian starring Fredric March (he won an Oscar for his performance) and/or the 1941 version directed by Victor Fleming starring Spencer Tracy. According to imdb.com the 1931 has the most votes, followed by the 1941 version leaving this 1920 film in third place. But, that shouldn't be seen as a reflection on the quality of the film. This version, starring John Barrymore in the title role, is simply put, a masterpiece. One of Barrymore's very best performances during the silent era.
I have mentioned Barrymore before on this blog. I've reviewed such titles as "Grand Hotel" (1932) the "Best Picture" Oscar winning masterpiece, the highly enjoyable Carol Lombard comedy "True Confession" (1937) and "Sherlock Holmes" (1922). Barrymore, I would argue was one of the great male stars of the silent era. Probably the best. Unfortunately all of his early films are considered lost. He acted in his first film in 1912 and his work until 1919 is gone. "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" is the earliest screen performance at our disposal. Watching it, should help many realize why Barrymore was such a great actor.
What I love most about Barrymore's performance is the fact he treats both characters, Jekyll and Hyde, as individual characters. Hyde does not become a mere caricature . Barrymore keeps it at a performance level. Each persona is distinct. Barrymore fleshes out each character. If that doesn't impress you, keep in mind another version of this film was also made in 1920. That version starred Sheldon Lewis in the title role and was directed by J. Charles Hayden. On the deluxe KINO DVD excerps are shown from that version. We can see a very clear distinction in each man's approach to the characters. Lewis treats the Hyde character as a campy villian. He doesn't make the character seem real instead sort of a cliche symbol of evil. Barrymore treats it as a soul-less man.
I also, for the first time, felt a great weight of religious undertones to the story. Something I never really came away with before. And finally I love the way John S. Robertson has paced the film. I think it very well may be the best thing Robertson ever directed. He too has been discussed on this blog. I reviewed his "The Single Standard" (1929) which starred another icon of silent films, Greta Garbo. Robertson also directed a Shirley Temple film, "Our Little Girl" (1935) which turned out to be his last film. But Robertson keeps this film moving along quite nicely. Every frame of the film feels necessary. In fact I sort of wish the film was longer. As it stands now it is roughly 77 minutes. The film could have dwelled more on Jekyll's inner conflict as the Hyde character begins to dominate his body.
The rest of the cast is pleasant to watch, consisting of Martha Mansfield as Millicent, Jekyll's true love. And that brings up another point. I wish there were more scenes between Jekyll and Millicent showing how much they loved each other. There is also Brandon Hurst as Sir George Carew (Millicent's father, and the man who tempts Jekyll into his experiment), Charles Lane as Dr. Layon (Jeykll's friend and fellow scientist), George Stevens (not to be confused with the great director, as Poole, Jekyll's butler) and Nita Naldi as Gina (the women who brings out the lust in Jekyll). While all are decent in their roles it is Barrymore who steals the show. He gives the most effective performance in the film.
Some readers my also be interested in knowing this was universally considered one of the first great American horror films. A genre some thought shouldn't be taken serious, too low brow. But, legend has it, Barrymore elevated the genre.
Also on the KINO DVD is a Stan Laurel two reeler comedy spoof, "Dr. Pyckle & Mr. Pride" (1925). I am a great admirer of Laurel & Hardy and have seen quite a few of Stan Laurel's solo shorts. This is quite possibily among the best he did. It is a fast moving short with many sight gags and a few humorous title cards. In it, Laurel turns into a prankster instead of an evil villian. Great stuff for comedy fans.
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