'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' vs. the Universal Monsters

[Sean]

The Frederic March version (1932) is a GREAT film.  A classic.

[Cinematorium]

It is for an obvious reason that this film is placed on the same shelf as those of Universal in my collection. The directing of Rouben Mamoulian on this version of the story is so accurate. Inventive and effective techniques are used in a very convincing way. More than the classical opposition between good and evil, the point here is centered on the sexual frustration of Dr.Jekyll. Undeniably, Mamoulian manages to bring in his Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde a force that the other versions simply don't have. Clearly, an underrated chef-d'œuvre of cinema.

[The Invisible Woman]

My favorite Jekyll and Hyde is the one with John Barrymore. I think it is THAT one that is in league with the Universal Monsters.

I totally agree, Rich. The John Barrymore version is fantastic! It is my favorite version of DJ&MH.

[marsattacks666]

I totally agree, Rich. The John Barrymore version is fantastic! It is my favorite version of DJ&MH.

Its a good film. But, Fredric March's performance, much more outstanding. 

[The Janitor]

The Mamoulian version is probably in a category of its own. But the beauty of all this is when there's so much version of a story, it shows how deep and essential that story is.

[Oudler]

I have this alternative history fantasy in which Universal actually did a film based on Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Claude Rains played the title role. This thought occurred to me after watching The Wolf-Man and The Invisible Man back to back. As Larry Talbot's father in The Wolf-Man, Rains plays a Jekyll like role and as the Invisible Man he's like Mr. Hyde!.

[Evermonster]

Strictly on a technical level, I think Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is superior to the Universal films. Mamoulian has built a very precise language and a way to tell a story quite unique. There are so many little details that go unnoticed and are skillfully inserted throughout this masterpiece.

[marsattacks666]

I agree on this completely. This version of Hyde is as iconic as Karloff's Frankenstein Monster, Lugosi's Dracula or Chaney's Wolf Man, to say the least.

Most definitely.

[Dr. Jitters]

Strictly on a technical level, I think Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is superior to the Universal films. Mamoulian has built a very precise language and a way to tell a story quite unique. There are so many little details that go unnoticed and are skillfully inserted throughout this masterpiece.

To a degree, but I would put James Whale's work next to Mamoulian's.  There are a handful of classic horror movies that are so great they transcend the genre and are simply great movies: Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Island of Lost Souls, Invisible Man, King Kong...

[Dr. Madd]

Jekyll and Hyde- An honorary Universal Monster, alongside Legendre, the Graveyard Zombie from Night of the Living Dead

[Evermonster]

To a degree, but I would put James Whale's work next to Mamoulian's.  There are a handful of classic horror movies that are so great they transcend the genre and are simply great movies: Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Island of Lost Souls, Invisible Man, King Kong...

I couldn't agree more. What caught my attention in Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is the use of the camera as a kind of extension of his own hands and almost as an additional character. It was something new for me.

James Whale is a filmmaker who focuses on movement. His frameworks are always dynamic and he describes the action in a modern and ingenious way.

Whales,  Mamoulian...they are all accomplished masters.

[Rich]

Funny enough I just got a copy of Dr.J and Mr. Hyde for christmas. It is an excellent classic horror movie and easily as good as any of the Universal firsts, Dracula, Frank, Wolfman, etc.. Even if the UM's have gotten more publicity over the years, Dr.J & Mr. H still has one up on them...Frederick March won an Oscar for that bad boy!

The 1943 version of Phantom of the Opera was nominated for four Academy Awards. It won two of them; Art Direction and Cinematography. There is no doubt that it is probably due to the film being shot in color. But I think two Academy Awards cancels out one Oscar and over defeats it. The Universal Monsters are untouchable.

I did like March's J&H film though. You know what though? When it comes to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I think the best version ever filmed was the silent version staring John Barrymore. The 1932 version is definitely the best version with sound though.

[Mord]

Yeah, but best actor s art direction and cinematography any day. Besides, the 1943 Phantom barely qualifies as a horror film. It's more of a lavish musical with the Phantom as a sideshow.

[Bonomo]

Yeah, but best actor s art direction and cinematography any day. Besides, the 1943 Phantom barely qualifies as a horror film. It's more of a lavish musical with the Phantom as a sideshow.

word.

[ChrisW]

When I finally saw the whole film - probably in the 1990s - I saw surprised by the overt sexuality. Obviously a pre-code film...

and it is a favorite, definitely on par with the Universal films.

Very insightful article. I'm glad this thread was dredged up from the depths.