Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)
The 1932 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is easily the most famous and revered film adaptation, and for good reason. Not only was it spectacular at the time it was made, but it also balances the perfect amount of symbolism and scariness as the story requires.
There are different interpretations of the story, but this one puts a great emphasis on sex, reminding me in a way of Splendor in the Grass. Fredric March is engaged to Rose Hobart, but her father forces them to have a long engagement. Freddie doesn’t want to wait, but Rose keeps asking him, very suggestively, if he’ll wait. Even though this movie is pre-Code, there are still some lines it didn’t choose to cross, so it’s symbolically suggested that Freddie loses his mind because he can’t control his hormones. He turns into Mr. Hyde because his animal instincts take over, and his alter-ego takes him right into the arms of a prostitute, Miriam Hopkins.
Miriam has a very interesting character. She’s not exactly a “hooker with a heart of gold”, but she has the perfect amount of sweetness and spunk to her character that would tempt someone whose hormones are going berserk.
Miriam does a very good job in the film, but it’s Freddie who shines, earning his first Academy Award. If you’ve seen a more modern version, please check this one out. I’m sure you’ll love it. The makeup, special effects, and direction make the transformation scenes extremely frightening and realistic. Rouben Mamoulian’s direction was groundbreaking at the time, frequently using split screen to show the split personality of Fredric March. This is one of those classic films, like the original Frankenstein or The Hunchback of Notre Dame that stands the test of time, no matter how many remakes are made.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. During the first transformation scene, the camera spins a little, and it might make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, since this is a horror movie, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it until they're a little older. It's a bit scary.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1941's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1973's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1990's Jekyll & Hyde here!
More Miriam Hopkins movies here!
More Fredric March movies here!
There are different interpretations of the story, but this one puts a great emphasis on sex, reminding me in a way of Splendor in the Grass. Fredric March is engaged to Rose Hobart, but her father forces them to have a long engagement. Freddie doesn’t want to wait, but Rose keeps asking him, very suggestively, if he’ll wait. Even though this movie is pre-Code, there are still some lines it didn’t choose to cross, so it’s symbolically suggested that Freddie loses his mind because he can’t control his hormones. He turns into Mr. Hyde because his animal instincts take over, and his alter-ego takes him right into the arms of a prostitute, Miriam Hopkins.
Miriam has a very interesting character. She’s not exactly a “hooker with a heart of gold”, but she has the perfect amount of sweetness and spunk to her character that would tempt someone whose hormones are going berserk.
Miriam does a very good job in the film, but it’s Freddie who shines, earning his first Academy Award. If you’ve seen a more modern version, please check this one out. I’m sure you’ll love it. The makeup, special effects, and direction make the transformation scenes extremely frightening and realistic. Rouben Mamoulian’s direction was groundbreaking at the time, frequently using split screen to show the split personality of Fredric March. This is one of those classic films, like the original Frankenstein or The Hunchback of Notre Dame that stands the test of time, no matter how many remakes are made.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. During the first transformation scene, the camera spins a little, and it might make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, since this is a horror movie, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it until they're a little older. It's a bit scary.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1941's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1973's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1990's Jekyll & Hyde here!
More Miriam Hopkins movies here!
More Fredric March movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Actor of 1932: Fredric March
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor of 1932: Fredric March
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Best Adapted Screenplay