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

[Psychobabble]

So, tomorrow is the 80th anniversary of Paramount's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. I've always wondered why this film hasn't received the attention of Universal monster movies of the same era, so I tried to come to some sort of conclusion in an article I posted on my site, Psychobabble: http://psychobabble200.blogspot.com/2011/12/strange-case-for-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde.html .

Any thoughts on this? Do you all think it belongs in the same league as 'Dracula', 'Frankenstein', and the rest?

[Paul L]

So, tomorrow is the 80th anniversary of Paramount's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. ....

Any thoughts on this? Do you all think it belongs in the same league as 'Dracula', 'Frankenstein', and the rest?

No question about it--YES!

[Memphremagog]

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.

[RedKing]

Totally in the same league as the early 30s Universals. I really don't know why it is not as well recognized. Maybe because it was hidden away by MGM for so many years and didn't get as much exposure s the Universals?

[Scatter]

Absolutely in the same league with the best of Universal's Monsters films. Mike, your blog continues to put out great content. Kudos to you my friend!

[Psychobabble]

Thanks, Scatter. Great to hear from you as always.

[Psychobabble]

...and that's an excellent point, RedKing. I should have mentioned the fact that it was considered lost for a long time after MGM hid all prints of the film to keep it from competing with the inferior Spencer Tracy version.

[Elisabeth]

ABSOF**KINGLUTELY!  Why do you think James Whale's SHOWBOAT hasn't been released yet?  MGM bought the rights to it in 1936, when the Laemmles were strapped for cash.  It wouldn't surprise me if they pulled the same stunt with DR. JEKYLL & Mr. HYDE.  PARAMOUNT  was having problems as well, and I'm sure Louis B. paid  Zukor a pretty penny.

"E"

[Bonomo]

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!

[marsattacks666]

Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde, is an absolutely fantastic film, and should be hailed as a clsssic.
Fredric March's performance as Jeykll/Hype is outstanding. When I first watched the
film, many years ago, I was blown-away by the special effects. Or special-tricks that
deceived the audience. Amazing effects for 1931.

I truely believe, Dr. Jeykll/Hyde still holds up as a classic film. Non Horror fans, that
I have talk to are aware, and love the film. The film may not be as commercially
successful as Frankenstein or Dracula, but, Dr. Jeykll/Hyde is on the same level as any
Universal Horror film.

[Count_Zirock]

Hey, it did get an Aurora kit, after all, so I don't consider it forgotten or pushed aside at all. The Spencer Tracy version is awful, though. Dan Curtis' made-for-TV version starring Jack Palance out-shines Tracy.

Anyone else remember the ludicrous made-for-TV musical version starring Kirk Douglas that aired on NBC? (I think it beat Broadway's "Jekyll & Hyde" to the punch by 20 years.) Now, that one made the Tracy version look good, by comparison!

[Psychobabble]

Oof. That Kirk Douglas version looks terrible, Count Zirock, and you're right that the Palance version is good and the Tracy one is awful. His non-stop mumbling in no way conveys Hyde's menace. His performance is a joke compared to March's.

[RICKH]

The March version is an absolute classic.  I think it captures the heart of Stevenson's work and is just as important as the Universal classics.  I also love the Curtis/Palance version with Dick Smith makeup.  He based Palance's makeup on the features of an ancient satyr sculpture...genius.

[Bonomo]

I'm about to watch the commentary track on the Marcj version, I'll keep ya posted.

[Rich]

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.