Anders Olsen Well, after not having watched this movie in about 20 years, I finally did again. The original story has always been my favorite by far. I read it first time when I was 7 years old, and have read and watched just about every adaptation since. While this thing takes some artistic liberties, when it comes to the plot and story, it works very well. It's not however flawless. While I'm a huge Caine fan, this is one of the times where he's overdoing it, big time! Besides that, the addition to the plot, actually makes the characters rather 2D, it lacks character development, even when it comes to Hyde. There's very little info about Jekyll's experiments and research, which is also a shame. It's very worth watching, but don't expect a classic masterpiece like the '1931 adaptation. It is however way better than any of the other adaptations, especially to two horrendous 2006 and 1941 adaptations.

rooprect My favorite Jekyll & Hyde adaptation is--wait for it--Jerry Lewis in the "Nutty Professor" (1963). You think I'm kidding.Second place goes to this 1990 production with Michael Caine, Cheryl Ladd & Joss Ackland. It's the acting, particularly in the 2nd half, that makes this such a treat to watch. Of course Caine is at the top of his game as usual. Repression & passion come through in full force, particularly in the explosive scene when he confronts his antagonist (Ackland). "Help me!" "Only God can help you now." "Then why doesn't he?!"The story is simple (if I recall correclty from high school, the original Robert Louis Stevenson tale is only about 45 pages). Despite the many extravagant adaptations, the original story is quite tame on the surface, and this adaptation stays true to that spirit. Don't expect a lot of gore, mass killings and heart-pumping action because that was never the intent. Personally I think this approach works perfectly with violence kept to a minimum because it makes those few violent scenes much more disturbing when they happen.A romantic angle was added with the character played by Cheryl Ladd (who shows off her acting talents as well as a decent Victorian accent). And although I'm usually cynical toward writers inserting romantic angles, this worked seamlessly. The climax wouldn't have been half as effective without Ladd's stellar performance. The antagonist played by Joss Ackland (whose sinister snarl you may remember from his racist, murdering character in Lethal Weapon 2, released the year before this) adds another welcome dimension. Ackland represents the antithesis to Caine's progressive views, a sort of dark, subversive demon who drags Caine down at every opportunity. Caine completes the triad with his portrayal of a man deeply & secretly tormented. He comes off with just the proper amount of scientific arrogance, kind-hearted humanity, and charming sophistication to make you love him instantly and connect with his pain.The "4th lead role", Caine's acting as Hyde, is so menacing I thought it had to be a different actor. But no, it's still Michael Caine. The makeup & special effects are straightforward and "analog" (in other words, no big budget computer animation), but that makes the transformation even more intimate & personal. Thus it's even more disturbing when you realize what Hyde is capable of. It's never explicitly shown, but the implication is undeniable: he is a rapist. So yes, by visual standards, this film is tame. But if you read between the lines, it will disturb you to your very core.Bear in mind, this was a late 80s TV production, so you'll have to forgive the usual TV shortcomings, like slightly overglossed presentation and a musical score which I felt upstaged the dramatic performances at times (I'm a big fan of the orchestra shutting up when a dramatic line is being spoken). But really these are minor nitpicks. It may take you 15 or 20 mins to sink into the movie, but once you do, it's a great ride picking up speed all the way to its colossal ending (which I believe is quite different from the original story, so don't miss it).A final note about the DVD released in 2002 by Platinum Disc. While it seems to be a transfer from video, it's one of the better video transfers I've seen, crisp & vivid without much blurring. No subtitles or special features, though. If this film were ever to be remastered for Blu-ray I'd definitely pick it up. But until then, the DVD is definitely worth the 5 bucks.

elshikh4 Robert Louis Stevenson's (Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde) summarizes the immortal conflict of good and evil inside the human. Its sad ending has penetrating melancholy which makes it a tragedy of the human weakness in front of evil. That's why I believe that it is one of the most lasting novels in the history of humanity. Actually as times goes by, it develops insisting presence, because, as the devil said it better in The Devil's Advocate, "Don't try to deny that the 20th century is mine". Obviously, Hyde – as the novel predicted perfectly – prevails, yet so many times lately ! Now this is not "based on", but "derived from" the famous novel. It's a TV movie, namely – this time – simple, talkative and a bit poor (Hyde's mask was "apparently" a mask!). But I loved the first transformation's scene, it freaks out. The plot is interesting with Cheryl Ladd's storyline. And surely Michael Caine adds a lot to it.Back then Caine was seduced by historical and based upon famous literary pieces, especially done for the TV. Between the end of the 1980s and the end of the 1990s he played : Chief Insp. Frederick Abberline in Jack the Ripper (1988), Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde (1990), Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1997). Not to mention that in the same period's cinema he played Sherlock Holmes in Without a Clue (1988), and Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992).His presence gives (Jekyll & Hyde) an electrifying sense. He makes it memorable. I can't forget his moment running in the street screaming for help while his last transformation into Hyde.The movie displays tender movie-making, especially the cinematography. However, what really stands alone is the last shot. It's one of the most shocking endings, rather moments, I have ever experienced. The truth of the son Dr. Jakell leaves as Hyde's is so cleverly written and directed. And on a deeper level it assures that the world will be for Hyde not Jakell. Naturally I think, since we're all the breed of Cain !Nice movie altogether, with a majestic Michael Caine, and some dark twist which leaves unmistakable bitter feel.

rose-294 This TV movie starring Michael Caine and Cheryl Ladd has nothing to do with the plot of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1885 story Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, it is just an excuse for writer/director David Wickes to show 'Orribly Gothic melodrama set in late 19th century London. Hyde (Caine in a bad make-up) terrorizes prostitutes and Jekyll's beloved Cheryl Ladd and while the film is ridiculous as Hell, it has also lots of not too subtle charm. Ladd gets to parade in some lovely period costumes, sets are good and Miriam Karlin as red-dressed Madam is another proof how make-up department in this film really went over-the-top.