Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards:

Best Actor: Fredric March (WON)

Best Writing, Adaptation

Best Cinematography

 

Fredric March was already an Oscar nominee by the time he made this film, but I guess this was his big breakthrough role. The story of Jekyll/Hyde had already been adapted at that point, and many more times after it, but I guess it’s safe to say, in terms of Hollywood, this one is still the most successful. What the film impresses with the most is the transformation between Jekyll & Hyde, how well it’s made using 1931 technology, and how convincing.

March is wonderful, of course, especially when playing the villain, it does feel like two different performances and not just because of the makeup. Without having seen his competitors that year, it’s probably a worthy Oscar win. And let me mention Miriam Hopkins, who is TERRIFIC in a strong supporting role, just great.

 

I give it: 8/10

IMDB LINK