Cast
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William Lundigan
as Host
Michael Rennie
as Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde
Cedric Hardwicke
as Mr. George Utterson
Mary Sinclair
as The Girl
Lowell Gilmore
as Dr. Lanyon
John Hoyt
as Poole
Karen Scott
as The Girl Companion
Gilchrist Stuart
as The Policeman
Keith McConnell
as The Fiance
Harry Fielder
as The Pianist
Diane Doxee
as The Singer
Barbara Morrison
as The Dowager
Crew
Director
- Allen Reisner
Writer
- Gore Vidal
Producer
- Edgar Peterson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This TV Movie/Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Allen Reisner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1955, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 91 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 475 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2370 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: July 28, 1955
- Runtime: 1h
Where to Watch
