Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, Daughter of Dr. Jekyll is a low-budget horror film that reimagines the classic Jekyll and Hyde myth through the lens of 1950s genre tropes. Released by Allied Artists, this 71-minute film stars Gloria Talbott and John Agar, and is known for its campy atmosphere, surreal dream sequences, and a wildly inventive twist on the original story.
Plot Summary
Janet Smith (Gloria Talbott) arrives at the estate of her guardian, Dr. Lomas (Arthur Shields), to celebrate her 21st birthday and announce her engagement to George Hastings (John Agar). But Lomas reveals a shocking truth: Janet is the daughter of the infamous Dr. Jekyll, and may have inherited his monstrous tendencies. As a series of brutal murders plague the village, Janet begins to suspect she’s transforming into a killer in her sleep. The film builds toward a gothic climax involving torches, angry villagers, and a twist that redefines the Jekyll legacy.
Cast Highlights
- Gloria Talbott as Janet Smith
- John Agar as George Hastings
- Arthur Shields as Dr. Lomas
- John Dierkes as Jacob, the surly groundskeeper
- Mollie McCard, Martha Wentworth, and Marjorie Stapp in supporting roles
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Released on a double bill with The Cyclops (also starring Talbott)
- The film’s interpretation of Mr. Hyde is a vampire-werewolf hybrid, deviating wildly from Robert Louis Stevenson’s original concept
- Despite the title, Janet never actually transforms—suggesting the horror is psychological or manipulated
- The name “Jekyll” is pronounced inconsistently throughout the film: “JAY-cull,” “GEE-cull,” and “JEH-cull”
- The theremin-heavy score and miniature sets give the film a sci-fi feel, despite its gothic premise
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