Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Released Dec 31, 1931

1h 37m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

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

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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

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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

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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

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A provocative pre-Code chiller.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 30, 2022

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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

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Kalissa H

One of the scarier horror movies of the time based on how cruel Hyde is to Ivy.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Thomas S

Brilliant and made even better by being shot before The Hays Code. Fredric March is literally a man possessed in this horror classic. The first and best version.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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Teddy B

The definitive version, Paramount's stab at 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' primarily works well due to its moody cinematography stealing the show.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/31/24

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Joel H

I’m of two minds when it comes to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. On one hand, I was really impressed by the performance of Fredric March as the protagonist and antagonist. In fact, I looked up the cast on IMDb just to make sure it was the same actor playing both parts. Also, this film has some highly dramatic moments and some semi-shocking parts from a Pre-Code Hollywood era. On the other hand, Mr. Hyde’s look is a little goofy, and the transformation scenes, while impressive for the time, seem a little hokey now. It wasn’t as scary as I hoped it would be, but Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a well-made movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/22/24

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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

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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

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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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