Classic Horror 

 

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) 

Upstanding Dr. Jekyll (Fredric March) investigates the duel personality of man while waiting in frustration for his delayed wedding.  His attempt to separate man's nature works too well as his potion changes him into the murderous Mr. Hyde.  When Jekyll attempts to free himself from Hyde, he finds it is too late, as Hyde can now appear without the potion.

Stevenson's novel may have been a statement against the hypocritical nature of Victorian society, but the film comes out as yet another conservative rant against interfering in God's domain.  While the pompous father, who represents the sillier aspects of polite society, is noted as a fool, it is still curiosity and the attempt to upset the status quo that are immoral.  If only Jekyll had understood his place in society, then everything would have worked out fine.  Sigh.  Such notions are tiring enough in the superior Frankenstein.

This version does vary from other versions (particularly the famous 1941 re-make) by its focus on sexual frustration.  It is lust that motivates Jekyll to take the potion, and it is lust that drives Mr. Hyde.  I can't say that helps the theme, but at least it gives us some sexually charged scenes, by 1931 standards.  

Fredric March's exaggerated mannerisms (flailing his arms and dropping to his knees) and melodramatic speech make me wish I could remind him that this isn't a theater and he doesn't need to worry about what the people in the 50th row can see.  It's 1931 so I understand that subtly was out of the question, but a touch more restraint would have helped.  His Hyde is also exaggerated, but that's OK in an evil ape-man.  The Hyde make-up is one of several elements of humor in Mr. Hyde's scenes, though not all were intentional.  Still, laughing, whether at or with a character, is better than just sitting there bored as I did with most of the Jekyll sections.  While most of the violence approaches parody, Mr. Hyde's brutal treatment of the "dance hall girl" Ivy is much more realistic.  It is as horrifying a treatment of domestic violence as I've seen on screen.  However, that is not enough for me to recommend this film.  Read the book instead.

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