Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

Directed by John S. Robertson and released by Paramount/Artcraft, this silent adaptation of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the earliest and most iconic horror films of the silent era. Starring John Barrymore, the film is celebrated for its groundbreaking makeup effects and Barrymore’s chilling transformation from gentleman to monster—done entirely without camera tricks.

Plot Summary
Set in Victorian London, the story follows Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected physician and philanthropist who becomes obsessed with the idea that every person harbors both good and evil. Encouraged by the cynical Sir George Carew, Jekyll develops a potion that unleashes his darker self—Edward Hyde, a twisted, violent creature who indulges in every vice.

As Hyde grows stronger and more uncontrollable, Jekyll’s life begins to unravel. His relationships suffer, and his crimes escalate. Ultimately, the duality consumes him, leading to a tragic and horrifying end.

Cast Highlights

• John Barrymore as Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Edward Hyde
• Martha Mansfield as Millicent Carew
• Brandon Hurst as Sir George Carew
• Nita Naldi as Gina
• Charles Lane as Dr. Lanyon

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Barrymore famously hauled his personal potted plants from home to decorate the set
• He once negotiated a house price down by showing up in full Hyde makeup at the closing
• Contrary to popular belief, the film was not shot at Astoria Studios, but in the Amsterdam Opera House in Manhattan to accommodate Barrymore’s Broadway schedule
• The flashback sequence involving Gina’s poison ring used costumes and props from “The Jest,” a Broadway hit Barrymore had starred in with his brother Lionel
• The line “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it” is not from Stevenson, but a quote attributed to Oscar Wilde

Legacy
This version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is revered for its psychological depth and Barrymore’s transformative performance, which relied on contorted facial expressions and body language rather than special effects. It helped define the horror genre in cinema and remains a landmark in silent film history.