Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Released Dec 31, 1931

1h 37m

Horror

List

91%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

81%

Audience Score

5,000+ Ratings

Testing his theory that in every man dwells a good and an evil force, the reserved Dr. Jekyll (Fredric March) develops a formula that separates the two, turning him into a violent ruffian named Mr. Hyde. Thinking he has found the answer to one of life's grandest mysteries, Dr. Jekyll soon realizes he is becoming addicted to his darker self as he unleashes his violent side on earthy dance hall girl Ivy (Miriam Hopkins) and fights Hyde to regain control of his body.

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Critics Consensus

A classic. The definitive version of the Robert Louis Stevenson novella from 1931, with innovative special effects, atmospheric cinematography and deranged overacting.

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SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

One seeks in vain for an adequate development in this film of the powerful psychology which must remain the essential motive of such a fantasy as Stevenson created. A mere succession of incidents does not furnish this study.

Oct 7, 2020

Full Review

Age Staff

The Age (Australia)

The onlooker, instead of being filled with righteous horror and indignation, begins to find so much super invention and thoroughness irresistibly comic.

Oct 7, 2020

Full Review

TIME Staff

TIME Magazine

Fredric March, ably assisted by Miriam Hopkins and Rose Hobart, is magnificent as Hyde, and he gives Jekyll a stilted Victorian elegance which, being a little false, makes Hyde's existence seem more credible.

Oct 7, 2020

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

In the lead role, Fredric March's transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is still startling and, frankly, terrifying. The superb makeup was certainly part of it, but March's skill was the finishing touch.

Rated: 4/4

Oct 30, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A provocative pre-Code chiller.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 30, 2022

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

Mamoulian's pre-code film doesn't try to shy away from the more lurid elements of the story the way that Victor Fleming's remake does, and the result is something altogether more eerie and frightening.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 26, 2022

Full Review

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Hadrian M

An absolute classic. The way they show sexual abuse is not to exploit it but to show the full horror of it happening. Very brave for a 1930s movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/22/24

Full Review

Alec B

Its unfortunate that the mediocre Spencer Tracy remake eclipsed this masterpiece. Beyond the great performances of March and Hopkins (who convincingly plays fear in a way that was ahead of its time) its filled with POV shots, split screens, and astonishingly convincing effects work. Also it is an immensely horny movie, even for the pre-code era.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/28/24

Full Review

Valerii Ege D

No wonder the movie won 4 Oscars. It was the best adaptation I have watched. Approach to Hyde's ugly face, POV shots, and interesting transitions. Totally innovative.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/13/23

Full Review

Deke P

Loved it. Especially the 1932 (!) take on this classic. Excellent acting. Never saw it until on the tv set 10.19.23 Holloween month. g

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/23

Full Review

Johnny D

The film starts off interestingly enough, I suppose. The cinematography, makeup, and ambience are all attention-grabbers. But then it quickly drags on to be a bit of a bore, albeit interspersed with some entertaining moments. The photogenic Frederic March and Miriam Hopkins are both a pleasure to watch; some of their scenes evoke a gratifying eroticism that sticks with you long afterward, and that today's films seem rarely able to achieve. Unfortunately, I found myself already hoping it would end before it was even halfway through.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/10/23

Full Review

TheFlozellify

An extremely interesting work from the early days of motion pictures. Lots of creative and innovative techniques throughout. And a fantastic performance by Frederic March.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/23

Full Review

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Rouben Mamoulian

Director

Fredric March

Dr. Henry Jekyll

Miriam Hopkins

Ivy Pearson

Rose Hobart

Muriel Carew

Holmes Herbert

Dr. Lanyon

Halliwell Hobbes

Brig. Gen. Sir Danvers Carew

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Synopsis

Testing his theory that in every man dwells a good and an evil force, the reserved Dr. Jekyll (Fredric March) develops a formula that separates the two, turning him into a violent ruffian named Mr. Hyde. Thinking he has found the answer to one of life's grandest mysteries, Dr. Jekyll soon realizes he is becoming addicted to his darker self as he unleashes his violent side on earthy dance hall girl Ivy (Miriam Hopkins) and fights Hyde to regain control of his body.

Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Producer: Rouben Mamoulian
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 31, 1931, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 18, 2010
Runtime: 1h 37m

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