DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE

Cinemavixion Review

This 1920 silent film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless novella, 'Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde,' stands as a remarkable cinematic achievement, particularly for its era. Directed by John S. Robertson, the film masterfully captures the psychological duality at the heart of the story, brought to life by a compelling performance from John Barrymore. Barrymore's portrayal of the kindly Dr. Jekyll and his sinister alter ego, Mr. Hyde, is a tour de force, especially during the famously transfixing transformation sequences. The supporting cast, including Martha Mansfield and Nita Naldi, effectively complements Barrymore's central performance. While the OMDb data indicates a 6.9 rating on IMDb and a highly positive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, this adaptation is celebrated for its early, innovative approach to special effects and its enduring exploration of human nature's darker impulses. It remains a significant work in early horror cinema.