Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Synopsis

In this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, Dr. Henry Jekyll (John Barrymore) is a respected scientist who conducts experiments to separate the good and evil aspects of his personality. He succeeds in transforming into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, who indulges in violent and immoral behavior. Jekyll’s struggle to control Hyde ultimately leads to tragic consequences, as the transformation becomes irreversible, and Hyde's actions grow increasingly destructive.

Critique

John S. Robertson’s adaptation is immortalized by John Barrymore’s tour-de-force performance. Relying purely on facial contortions before makeup takes over, Barrymore physically manifests the duality of good and evil, setting a high bar for screen acting. The film’s mix of Victorian respectability and nightmarish depravity captured the source material's psychological horror. It defined the cinematic 'split personality' trope and proved that horror could be a vehicle for prestigious, star-driven drama rather than just cheap shocks.

Technical sheet

Director

John S. Robertson

Year

1920

Country

United States

Running time

79 min

Genre

Horror, Science Fiction, Drama

Written by

Clara Beranger, Robert Louis Stevenson

Cinematography

Roy F. Overbaugh

Cast

John Barrymore, Brandon Hurst, Martha Mansfield, Charles Lane, Cecil Clovelly, Nita Naldi

Production

Famous Players-Lasky Corporation

Music

Newly composed original score

Licensing