Les métamorphoses / Vers les ténèbres
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
1932 / USA / 96 min / Black and White / 35mm
Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Writer: Percy Heath, Samuel Hoffenstein
Cinematography: Karl Struss
Cast: Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins
Subtitle: Mitsuo Mizutani
Distributor: IVC
In his science-based experimentation, Dr. Jekyll invented a new drug that divides the good side of humans from their evil impulses. Taking the drug himself, he transformed into the evil creature “Hyde,” who would go out into the foggy streets of London, devoid of a moral conscience. Dr. Jekyll lived in a grand mansion, successfully lecturing at the University, and had a promising future with his beautiful fiancée. However, the evil alter ego “Hyde” gradually undermined Dr. Jekyll’s virtuous spirit…
The film is based on the original novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The film depicts the dark chasm that exists in human hearts and the tragedy of internal conflicts, as well as demonstrates amazing camera work, good rhythm, special makeup, and an overwhelming transformation scene, none of which could hardly be expected of a film from the early Talkie Era. Fredric March who played both roles of Jekyll and Hyde won the Best Actor for the 5th Academy Award for this film.