Customer Reviews

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [VHS]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 1968 atmospheric and chilling Dan Curtis (Dark Shadows fame) production, made for television, is without a doubt, the best version of the Stevenson story ever done. Jack Palance stars as the submissive, shy, Jekyll and presents an image of Hyde that you will never forget! Portrayed in a Satanic, violent manner, the appearance of Hyde is clever in make-up design. He is not portrayed as a monster but rather as an unabashed hedonistic barfly, somewhat agressive, comical and evil at the same time. Hooked on the excitements that the night can provide; He eventually becomes "addicted" to being Hyde, enjoying the power and rule over women that it brings him. He eventually comes close to criminal prosecution and reforms back to the quiet life that Jekyll provides. However, his associate in chemical research demands money after he discovers that Hyde is Jekyll and Jekyll is Hyde. This leads Jekyll to rely on the drug transformation once more (his leftover bottle) to kill his associate and in doing so, also signs his own death warrant (he is dependent on his associates process of a certain drug to be combined with his own) Seeking escape he contacts a friend of Jekyll and agrees to meet at Jekyll's classroom in the medical academy. This is where a truly monsterous confrontation takes place with police in pursuit and the end will put a scare into you! Palance deserved an emmy for this but was robbed!

A chilling and atmospheric version. I wish it could have been taped on film rather than video, but that's a small matter. If you're looking for one of the best adaptations of the Jekyll and Hyde story, look no further than here. Jack Palance turns in a magnificent performance, capturing the meekness and nervousness of Jekyll, and then contrasting it with the energy and violent glee he invests in Mr. Hyde. Palance also does great in portraying the struggle between Jekyll and Hyde for dominance. He is also surrounded with Billie Whitelaw as a dancer Hyde seduces then abuses, named Gwen. She is terrific and sensual. Denholm Elliot also delivers a strong performance as Jekyll's friend. Much fog abounds and one gets the feeling of being in London at the time of Jack the Ripper. Also, worthy of note, is that Hyde is portrayed as charasmatic and devilishly handsome rather than hideous.

This was the first version of the story I ever saw so I may be a bit biased. As a long time student of this genre and of this story in particular, I can say that while not the Stevenson novella verbatim, it is still much closer than other adaptations. Of particular note are the references to drug addiction of young people in Victorian London. Mr. Palance gives a bravura performance in the dual role. Is it my imagination or does the Mr. Hyde make-up created by Master Make-Up Artist Dick Smith resemble classic depictions of Satan or perhaps the Satyr? Dan Curtis assembled an excellent cast in a sterling production. The new DVD version offers enhanced picture and sound quality as well as various subtitles for your viewing enjoyment. You may consider this video/DVD a valued asset to your collection of this strange story of one man's facination with man's dual nature. Perhaps there is a bit of Edward Hyde in all of us!

. I first saw this TV presentation back in 1969. Then, a local PBS station, in 1978, rebroadcast this presentation in which I've made a VHS tape of that broadcast. Now, after searching, this broadcast is available on DVD.

Jack Palance did a superb performance in the title role. His portrayl as the timid doctor and as the monster were well acted. No other actor (even the original actor who was supposed to have this lead role if it wasn't for a strike that happened during the production, Jason Robards) could have filled the shoes as did Jack Palance.

The classic British scenery and atmosphere made the story more believable and more realistic-not as cardboard as the movies were of old and new.

Classic storytelling at its best.

I agree with the other opinions that this version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale is by far the best adaptation to date. I actually give it 4 and 1/2 stars out of five. I'm still waiting for the film version that sticks strictly to the plot and outline of the original 1885 story. Anyway, the 1968 Dan Curtis production is the closest we have to the story and the most powerful (more than I can say for either the 1932 Frederic March flick or the 1941 Spencer Tracy effort). Jack Palance was tragically passed over for an Emmy and Golden Globe for his superb performance of Jekyll and Hyde. Having read the unabridged edition of Stevenson's tale and after seeing this film I realize (perhaps too late) how the story has always been a metaphor for drug addiction. Stevenson claimed he quickly wrote the story down after having a nightmare but this is hardly your typical Gothic horror tale. It's possible Stevenson never acknowledged the story's underlying genius. Whether we wish to admit it or not, Mr. Hyde exists in all of us and we all have our drug of choice (whether it be food, alcohol,presciption drugs, heroin, sex, religion, etc.) that can bring out the hidden realms of our personality. This is a lesson well taught by this wonderful and under-appreciated film. To paraphrase the words of one of the film's main characters, "If the wisdom of tomorrow is learned through the violence of today, can there really be a tomorrow?"

This movie was the first movie version of Dr.Jekyll & Mr.Hyde that did not make me feel sorry for Dr.Jekyll at the end. The story telling and acting helped to bring forth the directors vision ( or at least what I believe is the directors vision) in showing the progression of Dr.Jekyll slowly becoming Mr.Hyde to the point where the only difference between one or the other is the face they wear.

Jack Palance will forever define the leading role in film adaptations of the Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde tale. His style and appearance were a perfect match for the role. A must have for the classic horror movie enthusiast.

This is a fast moving version of the Stevenson story that benifits from strong casting. Palance is an athletic and very menacing Hyde. The atmosphere of foggy London of the 1880's is captured quite nicely. All in all alot of fun to watch!

A well-made, well-written, and well-acted film, even though the quality of the picture is slightly below average. It would be nice to see this film with a high-quality film-to-disk transfer. The aspect ratio is 4:3.

I saw this production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde years ago on tv. Palance
is perfect for this role. He exudes quiet passion as Jekyll, passion that Hyde transforms into exuberant greed. His performance outclasses any
other Jekyll/Hyde that I've seen. If you like Jack Palance, you'll be sure to enjoy this.