MovieChat Forums > The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1961) Discussion > Underrated Classic

Underrated Classic

posted 18 years ago by STEVE-1559
9 replies | jump to latest

This film never achieved the cult status of HORROR OF DRACULA or CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, but it stands on an equal level with them; in some ways, it is even more sophisticated. I had only ever seen it once or twice, on late night television, years ago, but recently got the chance to enjoy it on the big screen at a film festival in Hollywood. Definitely a masterpiece - one of the most original and imaginative takes on the old Robert Louis Stevenson tale of Jekyll and Hyde.

READ MORE HERE: http://hollywoodgothique.com/twofacesofdrjekyll1960.html

[–] mandarin992000 17 years ago

Get the finger out! Let's have an official dvd release soon!

[–] lastmidnite2 15 years ago

A MASTERPIECE??? Seen any good movies ever? Worth a look once, but totally forgettable. Calling Frederic March and Spencer Tracy!

[–] PK-special 15 years ago

Yes! That is correct lastmidnite2. This was the worst Jekyll & Hyde film I've ever seen. I saw it as it came in the Icons of Horror- Hammer dvd set and apart from this film, they're all good, 3 out of 4 in the box.

[–] jeff_the_dj 13 years ago

Pssh, whatever man! This is a fantastic Jekyll movie and it is right up there with the March and Tracy version all the way man!

We can DO IT ALLLL DAY LONG, (We'll have to pay more for the light bill if we do it at night!)

[–] Woodyanders 15 years ago

I thought this film was quite good. Paul Massie was excellent in the lead role, with fine support from Christopher Lee, Dawn Adams, and Norma Marla.

"We're all part Shatner/And part James Dean/Part Warren Oates/And Steven McQueen"

[–] onnanob2 15 years ago

I enjoyed this film even more on my second viewing, and I think it's a great Hammer offering. It's a high quality film with fine production values.

The original story was quite simple: Dr. Jekyll takes drug, drug turns him into the wilder Mr. Hyde, Mr. Hyde does nasty things, etc. I think Hammer did a fine job expanding on the story.

[–] Jaws67 15 years ago

I completely agree with you here. Sexy and lurid, great colors and sets, but also strong storyline and acting.

At the risk of offending a lot of folks, I'm working up a chronological viewing of many Hammer horor flicks, I've seen the Hammer films listed below so far, and this one is my favorite.

The Curse of Frankenstein
Dracula
The Revenge of Frankenstein
The Mummy
The Brides of Dracula

[–] normantater 11 years ago

I agree, definitely a MESSterpiece! Jekyll was scarier than Hyde. I like Hammer, even the dullish ones but have no desire to watch this again. This was not a good film!

[–] josephnatescott 9 years ago

Curse is the only one in your list that I like better than TFODJ.

I think what may be splitting some people on TFODJ is that the film itself does not take a moral point of view. It's very much like Horror Of Frankenstein that way (which people also split heavily on) -- and very unlike Devil Rides Out and Curse. Personally I found the moral tone of DRO and Curse moving, and the amoral tone of TFODJ and HOF refreshingly different.