Watch The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a 1968 film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's iconic novel of the same name. Directed by Charles Jarrott and starring Jack Palance, the film retells the classic story of a scientist who creates a potion that unleashes his evil alter ego. Set in Victorian England, the movie begins with a prologue featuring a hungover Jekyll (Palance) waking up and trying to recall the events of the previous night. The scenes are interspersed with flashbacks that give us a glimpse into his troubled past - his father's suicide, an unhappy marriage, and a failed experiment that left him with a deformity.

Jekyll is now determined to find a cure for his condition and create a potion that can separate the good and evil in human nature. He is assisted in his research by his friend, Dr. Lanyon, played by Denholm Elliott. Their conversations are laced with the wit and humor of the period, and the chemistry between the two actors is excellent.

Meanwhile, Jekyll's wife Millicent (played by Diana Dors) is concerned about his odd behavior, and his servants are afraid of his laboratory experiments. Jekyll becomes increasingly isolated, working day and night in his laboratory to perfect his potion.

The pivotal moment of the film comes when Jekyll finally succeeds in creating the formula that will allow him to separate his evil side from his virtuous self. He drinks the potion and transforms into Mr. Hyde, a cruel and sadistic alter ego who revels in violence, vice, and debauchery. The transformation sequences are well executed, with some impressive makeup and camera work.

As Hyde, Jekyll becomes a regular at an opium den and frequents a seedy tavern where he meets the voluptuous Gina (played by the legendary Tessie O'Shea), a woman with whom he begins an unholy alliance. Hyde's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and his violent outbursts leave a trail of destruction in his wake.

Jekyll's situation spirals out of control as he becomes addicted to the thrill of being Hyde and struggles to maintain his sanity. Millicent hires the services of a detective to find out what is happening to her husband, and news of Hyde's activities spreads like wildfire through the streets of London.

The final sequence of the film is both thrilling and tragic, as Jekyll's two sides battle for supremacy. Palance delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as both Jekyll and Hyde, bringing a sense of depth and complexity to his character.

Overall, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a well-crafted and engaging adaptation of a classic tale. The screenplay is well written, and the cinematography and music create a suitably dark and mysterious atmosphere. The performances by Palance, Elliott, and O'Shea are excellent, and the supporting cast is also top-notch. A must-see for fans of horror and classic literature.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a 1968 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.