Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1931
Posted by Virg Hosh on March 27, 2017, 9:51 pm
I recently watched two classic film versions of "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde". I had always wanted to see these. I don't think I ever had before but of course knew the story line. I must say, the 1931 version is far superior in my opinion and deserving of praise right up there with the classic Universal monster films. Fredric March's performance as Jekyll/Hyde was much better than Spencer Tracy's in the 1941 version. March's portrayal gave Jekyll better feel for the compassion and good in the character. I really felt for him, while Spencer Tracy just seemed dull and lifeless. I did not feel his anguish over the battle within his soul. March really gave it his all and his evil side really came out with Hyde. The makeup effects and the transformation sequences were better in the 1931 version also, believe it or not. The Jekyll and Hyde difference in the 31 version was great but the 1941 Mr. Hyde was not too far removed from the appearance of Dr. Jekyll. I couldn't understand why he would not be recognized as Mr. Hyde. The difference to Dr. Jekyll was not that great. It still looked like Spencer Tracy! The 1941 version was still a good film but if I revisit this story in the future, I definitely will go with 1931! A classic horror/monster feature! One thing stated on wikipedia that disturbs me is that it says when MGM was going into production for the 1941 version, it bought the rights to the earlier film versions and recalled all of the prints & negatives. Attempting to take these out of circulation. For years these films were presumed lost. For a film company to do that seems way out of line! Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1931) is a must see!
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Link: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Clip