“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is a silent film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel of the same name. The film was directed by John S. Robertson and stars John Barrymore in the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde.
The story follows Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist who is working on a potion that can separate a person’s good and evil tendencies. Despite warnings from his friends and colleagues, Jekyll drinks the potion and transforms into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, a brutal and violent man who indulges in his darkest desires.
As Jekyll becomes more and more addicted to the sensation of transforming into Hyde, he loses control over his transformation and begins to fear that he may never be able to return to his original self. Meanwhile, Hyde’s actions become increasingly reckless and dangerous, putting Jekyll’s reputation and relationships at risk.
In the end, Jekyll’s attempts to separate his good and evil selves prove to be a fatal mistake, as he is unable to control his transformations and ultimately destroys himself. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving into one’s darker impulses and the importance of maintaining a sense of balance and control in one’s life.
Directors:
John S. Robertson
Writer:
Robert Louis Stevenson, Clara Beranger, Thomas Russell Sullivan
Stars:
John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, Brandon Hurst
