Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)

Unlike the March version which was more of a Universal Films monster movie, the Tracy version is more of a gothic thriller / horror movie with shades of abusive behavior by Mr. Hyde. With minimal makeup, Spencer Tracy gives a brilliant turn as the controlling and abusive Mr. Hyde. One of the creepiest fellows I’ve seen portrayed on screen. The period cinematography is excellent. Ingrid Bergman as Ivy is perfectly cast and is quite radiant in the role. I prefer this to the Frederick March version from ten years earlier. It’s unfortunate that the moviegoers at the time were expecting a March / Universal monsters type movie (ie: The Wolfman, Frankenstein etc,) and so the Tracy version did not do well at the box office at the time (causing it’s stars to disavow the movie to avoid being blamed for the lack of money making, how wrong they were!). Luckily the film has aged incredibly well. Great movie!

Spencer Tracy was a great actor. It was interesting for me to see him in this role side by side with the earlier portrayal by Frederic March, considering that they both starred in “Inherit The Wind” years later (a tremendous movie). I prefer the Tracy version of the Jekyll and Hyde story, even though March won an Academy Award for his. Tracy’s makeup/transformation is a little less over the top than March’s, and the characterization is slightly more believable. After mostly seeing Tracy in his later years, when alcohol had taken its toll on his health, I enjoyed seeing him in his prime. Good movie.

Also have the single, two-sided disc with the March and Tracy versions and that disc is problem-free. This particular disc has virtually inaudible volume past the opening credits. Tried on 3 players, maxed out the volume of each, and could not hear the dialogue. Hope replacement is better.

One of my favorite movies of all time would definitely recommend it

dvd arrived in excellent condition.

This is a great film. Old or new Spencer Tracy gives an amazing and unusual performance. Worth owning!!!

Superb cinematography and acting engage the viewer in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941). Visual effects were hypnotic--transformations of images were cleverly, powerfully used to suggest the transition from good to evil--Jekyll to Hyde. For example a beautiful, white, water lily floating in pure, crystal clear water became the doctor's beautiful, blonde, virgin bride-to-be. Soon after, it transformed into the lustful, brunette barmaid's visage, and water turned to mire as goodness sunk in the void of Jekyll's soul, no longer to be seen--Hyde had manifested. In addition to transformations, camera work and use of lighting with black and white film were brilliant. Although all performances were outstanding, Ingrid Bergman stood out strong. Her delivery of lines, euphonious voice, natural expressions, and captivating looks enchanted the senses.Most interesting was the spiritual/religious message conveyed. Indeed, Richard Louis Stevenson's novel seemed to have created a new genre: Christian Horror. The story goes to great lengths to debase/demonize science that attempts to tamper with the soul/psyche. For example, during lengthy discourse in the dinner scene, everybody disapproves of Jekyll's unorthodox experiments that attempt to separate/suppress desires perceived as evil, thus purifying the soul. Notably, the minister interjects that work involving the soul should be left in the hands of god and his mysterious ways. Furthermore, sadomasochist perversions are both shown (e.g., Hyde enjoyably struck a man with his cane) and suggested (e.g., Hyde sexually and physically abused the barmaid), which seems to emphasize potential abject backlashing when science/medicine attempts to interfere in "holy" matters. SPOILER ALERT: Throughout, Hyde is the epitome of evil and draws nothing but utter disdain/disgust. Ultimately, the sinister mad scientist is destroyed without regret or remorse.The movie subtly raises a controversial question: Do all animals have souls? Specifically, prior to using his chemical concoction on himself, Jekyll administers it to rabbits and mice, which thus supposes that non-human animals also possess good and evil, i.e. they have souls. Personally, I don't think animals are good or evil, but rather are reactive to circumstances and demonstrate the instinct to survive. It would be interesting to hear others' thoughts on this topic.I own Turner Classic Movies Greatest Classic Films: Horror on DVD, released by Warner Bros. in 2009, which contains excellent transfers of House of Wax (1953), The Haunting (1963), Freaks (1932), and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941).