Saturday, November 24, 2018

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941): Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner


     There have been many film adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic 19th Century tale about the duality of man's soul. Most of those treatments relied on one strong principle character to carry the film (John Barrymore, Frederick March...). What sets Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) apart is the sheer star power involved. Three headliners comprise the lead roles: Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner. The film is directed by the great Victor Fleming (Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz...). In 1941, it couldn't get much bigger than that.
     Dr. Jekyll (Spencer Tracy) is involved in his practice, and interested in the dual good/evil nature of man. He is also engaged to a beautiful young lady (Lana Turner)...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 1941: Lana Turner

     One night, he meets a sexy barmaid (Ingrid Bergman), and is attracted to her as well...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 1941: Ingrid Bergman

      His experiments lead him to develop a potion that transforms the usually docile Jekyll into a hideous madman named Mr. Hyde...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 1941

     He prowls through London, wreaking havoc...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 1941

     While Jekyll is still involved with Lana Turner's character, his other half, Hyde, seduces Ingrid Bergman into a tragically abusive relationship...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 1941: Lana Turner and Ingrid Bergman

     He desires them both. But only one half of the personality can prevail. One must go, and Jekyll is struggling with keeping control of himself...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 1941: Lana Turner and Ingrid Bergman