The evil Mr. Hyde at work.

One of the earliest screen adaptations of the often filmed Robert Louis Stevenson story, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, released in 1920, is considered to be the first true American horror film. It features a tour de force performance by the legendary John Barrymore as the title character(s). His Mr. Hyde would create the mold for all screen versions (including cartoons) that followed. The stooped over posture, creepy stare, huge grasping fingers, long disheveled hair and horrible teeth. Barrymore plays the part with such gusto and physical energy that he carries the entire movie.

The story concerns the noble Dr. Jekyll a wonderful humanitarian who runs a free health clinic for the poor and destitute citizens of late 19th Century London. One evening he is cajoled by a more jaded colleague into patronizing a low class dance hall where he is tempted by the sins of the flesh for the first time.

This piques his curiosity and he begins work on a secret formula to isolate, bring out, and hopefully control, the baser side of man’s nature. He succeeds in creating an alter ego known as Mr. Hyde but is less successful in controlling his newly created persona. Eventually Mr. Hyde threatens to take over his very existence.

The costumes, sets and visuals of the movie are picture perfect. From Dr. Jekyll’s shiny top hat, cape and walking stick, to his fancy drawing rooms, to his laboratory, to the narrow cobble-stoned streets, to the seedy interior of the dance hall and the squalor of an opium den, Victorian London has rarely been more vividly recreated.

Silent screen femme fatale Nita Naldi has a small but important role as the mysterious Italian dancer/singer Mr. Hyde meets and moves in with. She possesses a ring designed to hold poison. Hyde uses her until he grows tired of her presence and then cruelly throws her out into the streets.

The creepy atmosphere conjured up contains many of the elements that would become iconic in horror movies. The fog filled London streets, the looming shadows, the mad scientist’s laboratory are all archetypal. But most important of all is John Barrymore’s absolutely brilliant acting.

Every Mr. Hyde or werewolf transformation scene to come would owe a debt to Barrymore’s performance here. It just might be the most impressive characterization I have ever seen in a silent movie. Other than the prosthetic fingers and bad teeth, he uses little make-up to achieve these effects. More than anything else he ACTS the changes that take him from mild mannered Dr. Jekyll to the sensuously sinister Mr. Hyde.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was the first major Paramount production filmed at the then brand new Astoria Long Island studios. Thanks to John Barrymore this nearly 100 year old movie remains riveting entertainment and provides the basic template for nearly all American horror movies to come.
 

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