robert-259-28954 Ever since seeing this TV remake decades ago, I have been a continual fan. In my opinion, this is the single best screen adaptation of the Robert Lewis Stevenson classic ever made. I have seen the greatest actors in the world perform the role, from Fredrick March to Spencer Tracy, and although they were all superb, the often overlooked Jack Palance SHINED in the role, using every bit of his experience to breathe life into this dusty morality play. First, I appreciated their choice of using minimal makeup on him, letting his acting carry the day to breathtaking effect, thanks to the efforts of the iconic Dick Smith. I recall the Tracy version looking so incredibly heavy that he looked like a cross between a deranged monkey and a Neanderthal. But what was so thrilling is how Palance balanced that thin line between civility and crude evil with the grace of a mountain goat, always entertaining, but never going over the top of believability. The way he played both roles was an exercise in restraint. Better yet was the SUPERB all-British cast of seasoned stage and film performers they surrounded him with, including a terrific Billie Whitelaw as the victimized dance hall girl (who also played the demonic nanny in an equally excellent, "The Omen"), a superb Denholm Elliot as the long-suffering best friend, and even a memorable cameo by the great Welsh stage and screen star, Tessie O'Toole, in the most memorable musical number of the entire film. But the only reason that I did not give this wonderful production a well-deserved "ten," was the rather hokey use of video that the producer, Dan Curtis, decided to use (to his utter shame) instead of shooting it on film. Since video was in its infancy at the time and used only in TV, I suppose that his familiarity with the medium was one reason to utilize it, its incredibly inexpensive cost another major factor. But unfortunately, the entire film suffered as a result. As Mr. Curtis was primarily known as the producer of the much hailed horror TV classic, "Dark Shadows," it logically followed that he should continue in his favored genre (including incorporating the same spooky, low budget music score that held him in good stead in the TV series), but overall I think the decision flawed an otherwise perfect film.

widescreenguy I remember the television broadcast and knew of Palance at that time, but I didn't have much to compare performances or know what to look for.I just remember it was an outstanding production with full credit going to Palance in the lead role.then last week eureka!! I found the DVD in a 2nd hand shop and snatched it up right away.the devilishness and morphing from Jekyll to Hyde was incredible. it won a batch of Emmy's and its no wonder. Jack Palance was a very gifted actor and had a certain honesty about him, a dedication to his craft that goes beyond the adulation and wealth other hollywooden types seek.and that thing about push ups at the Oscars will go down in the history of entertainment. very inspirational too, a man in his 80s doing 1 arm push ups on live TV !! thank you Mr Palance for many years of tremendous entertainment and this is certainly among them. if you have a chance to see this film do so.

kriitikko This is one of the four Dan Curtis TV horror films that I have seen. Even when Curtis himself does not direct it, Charles Jarrott does a good job. It's a shame that this is only a TV movie. As a big budget film this would be great watching. Story is good. It is both faithful to Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, and it has take that woman that movie needs(they did it also in 1931 and 1941 versions in Hollywood but they are not faithful to the novel). No doubt: Dr. Jekyll's and mister Hyde's character's are the most faithful one's to the novel. Dr. Jekyll is almost middle aged man how does not have a girl in he's life and how is very shy. Mr. Hyde is cruel and really evil man. Yes, man! The makeup(made by expert Dick Smith) make's him look like a human and that what he was in novel, really ugly and evil human. Not any ape looking or gorilla.Actors: Jack Palance is wonderful as Jekyll/Hyde. He really makes them just as they are in the book. If there would not have been Fredrick March(in 1931's version)there is nobody that could be as good as Palance. Also Denholm Elliott(RAIDERS OF LOST ARK) as Jekyll's friend and Billie Whitelaw(THE OMEN)as the unlucky girl are doing good job.Really good version. To all Jekyll & Hyde or Dan Curtis fan's.

FOCKLERRC This was the first version of the story I ever saw so I may be a bit biased. As a long time student of this genre and of this story in particular, I can say that while not the Stevenson novella verbatim, it is still much closer than other adaptations. Of particular note are the references to drug addiction of young people in Victorian London. Mr. Palance gives a bravura performance in the dual role. Is it my imagination or does the Mr. Hyde make-up created by Master Make-Up Artist Dick Smith resemble classic depictions of Satan or perhaps the Satyr? Dan Curtis assembled an excellent cast in a sterling production. The new DVD version offers enhanced picture and sound quality as well as various subtitles for your viewing enjoyment. You may consider this video/DVD a valued asset to your collection of this strange story of one man's fascination with man's dual nature. Perhaps there is a bit of Edward Hyde in all of us!