Jekyll and Hyde (1990 TV Movie) User Reviews

A Solid Retelling of a Classic Tale

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 12 October 2010]

In August 1884 London, the respected Dr. Henry Jekyll (Michael Caine) experiments with a potion that turns him into the monstrous Mr. Hyde. The Hyde part is not such a nice character, though, raping, murdering and breaking stuff if it comes into his path.

Reviews tend to be less than favorable for this film, with Mike Mayo calling it "tepid" and saying that it "never really gets to the heart of the matter." He even blasts the special effects, saying that "the Hyde makeup looks like a lumpy onion with a bad attitude." I accept that the Hyde character is a bit too unhuman, but Mayo mistakes what "the heart of the matter" is.

The story is not centrally concerned with Jekyll or Hyde, but rather the world of technology and science against religion and Victorian values. There is a constant social commentary that the world moves forward and science replaces ignorance, as men increasingly become like gods. Whether this message is right or not is beside the point: it is the argument Jekyll makes to his class against his father-in-law.

I love Michael Caine and everything that he does, but it is Edward Snape, the snooping news reporter, that is by far the most interesting character in this television film.

I thought the film was fun and quite good, regardless of the naysayers. If a version existed with audio commentary or some further insight into the film's background, that would be wonderful. But as it stands, it's a fine film, and a very welcome version of the Jekyll and Hyde story.

After 20 years.

[anders-olsen80 · 7/10 · 12 November 2013]

Well, after not having watched this movie in about 20 years, I finally did again. The original story has always been my favorite by far. I read it first time when I was 7 years old, and have read and watched just about every adaptation since. While this thing takes some artistic liberties, when it comes to the plot and story, it works very well. It's not however flawless. While I'm a huge Caine fan, this is one of the times where he's overdoing it, big time! Besides that, the addition to the plot, actually makes the characters rather 2D, it lacks character development, even when it comes to Hyde. There's very little info about Jekyll's experiments and research, which is also a shame. It's very worth watching, but don't expect a classic masterpiece like the '1931 adaptation. It is however way better than any of the other adaptations, especially to two horrendous 2006 and 1941 adaptations.

The Beast is still within

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 18 April 2014]

A little more back story is given to this production of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous classic. Taking his turn in the ultimate dual personality role this time is Michael Caine in Jekyll&Hyde.

Caine plays the Victorian doctor in London doing experiments upon himself with mind and body altering drugs who eventually creates an evil alter ego he names as Mr. Hyde. Caine's work has brought him into a nasty personal conflict with his father-in-law Joss Ackland who is also a doctor. Caine is a widower and Ackland believes that his daughter died under his care while Caine experimented with her like a guinea pig. His other daughter Cheryl Ladd doesn't agree. Her husband is a member of the Royal Navy and at sea. She's at sea so to speak herself and not getting certain needs fulfilled. Ladd also tells us that it was an arranged marriage in any event and it's her brother-in-law that really floats her boat.

A lot of credit should go to the makeup department who create a truly evil and terrifying Mr. Hyde. Caine himself creates a dual character of man and beast that takes its place along side such other creators as John Barrymore, Fredric March, Spencer Tracy, Jack Palance, Kirk Douglas and now Caine.

For the modern viewer there lots of hints about Freud's ego and id and that of mind altering chemicals that today are serious law enforcement issues as well. There's also a nice depiction of the London of the Gladstone/Salisbury era.

Fans of the tale will be satisfied.

My 2nd favorite Jekyll & Hyde adaptation

[rooprect · 23 October 2013]

My favorite Jekyll & Hyde adaptation is--wait for it--Jerry Lewis in the "Nutty Professor" (1963). You think I'm kidding.

Second place goes to this 1990 production with Michael Caine, Cheryl Ladd & Joss Ackland. It's the acting, particularly in the 2nd half, that makes this such a treat to watch. Of course Caine is at the top of his game as usual. Repression & passion come through in full force, particularly in the explosive scene when he confronts his antagonist (Ackland). "Help me!" "Only God can help you now." "Then why doesn't he?!"

The story is simple (if I recall correclty from high school, the original Robert Louis Stevenson tale is only about 45 pages). Despite the many extravagant adaptations, the original story is quite tame on the surface, and this adaptation stays true to that spirit. Don't expect a lot of gore, mass killings and heart-pumping action because that was never the intent. Personally I think this approach works perfectly with violence kept to a minimum because it makes those few violent scenes much more disturbing when they happen.

A romantic angle was added with the character played by Cheryl Ladd (who shows off her acting talents as well as a decent Victorian accent). And although I'm usually cynical toward writers inserting romantic angles, this worked seamlessly. The climax wouldn't have been half as effective without Ladd's stellar performance. The antagonist played by Joss Ackland (whose sinister snarl you may remember from his racist, murdering character in Lethal Weapon 2, released the year before this) adds another welcome dimension. Ackland represents the antithesis to Caine's progressive views, a sort of dark, subversive demon who drags Caine down at every opportunity. Caine completes the triad with his portrayal of a man deeply & secretly tormented. He comes off with just the proper amount of scientific arrogance, kind-hearted humanity, and charming sophistication to make you love him instantly and connect with his pain.

The "4th lead role", Caine's acting as Hyde, is so menacing I thought it had to be a different actor. But no, it's still Michael Caine. The makeup & special effects are straightforward and "analog" (in other words, no big budget computer animation), but that makes the transformation even more intimate & personal. Thus it's even more disturbing when you realize what Hyde is capable of. It's never explicitly shown, but the implication is undeniable: he is a rapist. So yes, by visual standards, this film is tame. But if you read between the lines, it will disturb you to your very core.

Bear in mind, this was a late 80s TV production, so you'll have to forgive the usual TV shortcomings, like slightly overglossed presentation and a musical score which I felt upstaged the dramatic performances at times (I'm a big fan of the orchestra shutting up when a dramatic line is being spoken). But really these are minor nitpicks. It may take you 15 or 20 mins to sink into the movie, but once you do, it's a great ride picking up speed all the way to its colossal ending (which I believe is quite different from the original story, so don't miss it).

A final note about the DVD released in 2002 by Platinum Disc. While it seems to be a transfer from video, it's one of the better video transfers I've seen, crisp & vivid without much blurring. No subtitles or special features, though. If this film were ever to be remastered for Blu-ray I'd definitely pick it up. But until then, the DVD is definitely worth the 5 bucks.

Great acting and production values

[HotToastyRag · 6/10 · 2 December 2017]

I don't know how many versions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde they've made, or how many you've seen, but I'd never seen it before I watched the Michael Caine version. I didn't even know it was going to be a horror movie, so I was in for quite a surprise!

Besides the blackouts that signal an impending commercial break, there's no other indication that this was a television movie. The acting is very good and the production values and costumes are beautiful. Immediately at the opening credits, you're immersed in the world of 1800s England. Michael Caine plays the respected Dr. Jekyll, and when he saves the life of a little girl, you're sure of two things: he's the good guy in the story, and he'll be cast as the iconic Dr. Larch nine years later in The Cider House Rules. Michael is ostracized from his father-in-law, Joss Ackland, who believes his experimentation in alternative medicine killed his daughter, and to make matters even more complicated, he's falling in love with his sister-in-law Cheryl Ladd!

Where does the scary part come in, you ask? Well, you'll have to watch the movie—or already know the very famous Robert Louis Stevenson story—to find out. Definitely put the kids to bed before watching this version, though, because it's pretty spooky. Depending on how much you love him, it can be tough to watch Michael Caine in those scenes, but just keep telling yourself it's a movie and not real life—and then watch Hannah and Her Sisters afterwards. Cheryl Ladd is incredibly beautiful, and she and the other ladies in the film get to wear absolutely gorgeous gowns, designed by Raymond Hughes. There's also a pretty strong supporting cast, which is always a nice surprise in a TV movie, including David Schofield as the slimy reporter, Miriam Karlin as the corrupt brothel owner, and Frank Barrie as the handsome butler.

Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, since it's a horror movie, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

Flawed adaptation, but still watchable

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 8 August 2016]

After their successful collaboration on JACK THE RIPPER, director David Wickes and star Michael Caine teamed up again for yet another Victorian-set horror story. Visually, the two films are very similar indeed, with exactly the same atmosphere of public fear and with villains running through fog-bound streets. I wouldn't be surprised if they used the same sets, too. While spoiled by some serious flaws, JEKYLL & HYDE is still a pretty enjoyable movie, mainly because of the good cast and the authentic-looking setting.

The major flaw with this film is the misjudging of the horror scenes. They may be violent, but the character of Hyde is so ridiculous-looking that he isn't scary in the slightest. Instead the makeup guys really went overboard with Caine's appearance, covering his face and hands with air-sacks in order to make his rubbery flesh expand and pulsate. The comical scenes of Caine transforming seem more like something out of THE INCREDIBLE HULK than a serious horror film, which this tries to be, and the two different methods are at odds; on one hand you have the atmosphere-building and scene-setting, and on the other a series of cheap shock tactics designed to make the viewer jump. It doesn't work, and Hyde just ends up being laughable and a big disappointment.

The acting, though, on the other hand, is fine, even if most of the cast indulge in television-movie histrionics and go over-the-top at times. Caine is fine as the romantic lead, but he really goes overboard sometimes when he transforms. Cheryl Ladd is given a rather dumb blonde to play, but she does it well and convincingly. Joss Ackland appears as a rival doctor to Caine's Jekyll, and is pretty good, as are all the familiar British faces supporting the cast, especially David Schofield as the sleazy journalist, Snape. Watch out for an ancient Lionel Jeffries briefly appearing as Jekyll's father. In all, this is a well-shot and directed drama, but as a horror it falls short. The shorter running time than JACK THE RIPPER means that there are none of that film's pacing problems, and a wealth of action means that JEKYLL & HYDE never becomes boring; just stupid occasionally. In all, an average adaptation, seriously flawed but with its fair share of points in its favour.

Ridiculous but with lot of B-movie charm

[rose-294 · 7/10 · 9 December 2008]

This TV movie starring Michael Caine and Cheryl Ladd has nothing to do with the plot of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1885 story Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, it is just an excuse for writer/director David Wickes to show 'Orribly Gothic melodrama set in late 19th century London. Hyde (Caine in a bad make-up) terrorizes prostitutes and Jekyll's beloved Cheryl Ladd and while the film is ridiculous as Hell, it has also lots of not too subtle charm. Ladd gets to parade in some lovely period costumes, sets are good and Miriam Karlin as red-dressed Madam is another proof how make-up department in this film really went over-the-top.

A nice cast in this passable rendition loosely based on the Robert Louis Stevenson's macabre story

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 7 April 2022]

Set in London where Dr Henry Jekyll : Michael Caine is experimenting with potions and other scientific means to get his twisted purports . Along the way , he gets into trouble with his father-in-law : Joss Ackland and falls in love for his his sister-in-law : Cheyl Ladd . As the good Doctor turning himself into Hyde who lures women, prostitutes to their death through an East End in panic.

It is an acceptable Jekyll entry but rarely rises above the routine , despite the important efforts of Michael Caine . It is a sotisphicated variation on Robert Louis Stevenson's novel made for television and in budget enough . The classic story and known tale about a Doctor pitting everyone against each other , has been partially modified , and , packing an evocative production design, adequate costumes and colorful cinematography . The cast is pretty good giving decent interpretation. Michael is pretty fine , as always, he's well accompanied by various attractive charactes , being well-fitted to their roles , such as : Cheryl Ladd as his lover , Joss Ackland as father-in law , Ronald Pickup, Kim Thomson , Kevin McNally as cop Sergeant , Lionel Jeffries as his father , Lee Montague as inspector , David Schofield as a reporter , among others . The motion picture was professionally directed by David Wickes who also made in similar style : Jack the Ripper with Michael Caine and Frankenstein with Patrick Bergin .

Other versions about this classy story are the following ones : Silent rendition 1920 with John Barrymore . Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 1931 by Rouben Mamoulian with Fredric March, Míriam Hopkins . Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 1941 by Victor Fleming with Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana Turner , Donald Crisp. The two faces of Dr Jekyll by Terence Fisher with Paul Massie , Dawn Addams, Christopher Lee . Dr Jeyll 1968 with Jack Palance, Oscar Homolka , Denholm Elliott . Dr Jekyll and his sister Mrs Hyde 1971 by Roy Ward Baker with Ralph Bates ,Martine Beswick , Lewis Fiander . Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by David Winters with Kirk Douglas , Donald Pleasence , Susan George ,Michael Redgrave . Dr Jekyll and Mrs Hyde 1995 by David F Price with Sean Young , Tim Daly , Lysette Anthony . Dr Jekyll 1999 by Colin Budds with Adam Baldwin, among others.

"Yes sir, we will proceed... it's just that none of the teams sent to discover redeeming qualities have been successful."

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 5/10 · 20 March 2008]

Now, it's not really that this has absolutely nothing to offer... it's really more that it takes an idea with such massive promise, and not only fails to deliver, but actually ruins parts, adds and changes without doing anything, at least positive. I have not read the original by Stevenson, but I am not certain anyone working on this did, either. There's marvelous conflict in the very idea of the character, and this barely manages to realize that at all. The look of Hyde is just bad, and the design of the transformation, the concept used, seems dumb. Much is unintentionally silly(as the other reviewer comments, this would have been good for Mystery Science Theater 3000). I've seen excellent films using non-linear time-lines, but this plays around with time so much, and for so little point(some setting up the final twist, which could have been considerably better, as with the rest of them)... the plot has enough threads, with little to nothing, most notably *not* the main subject of the character(I did notice that the credits said "derived from", not "based on", when listing the book), actually resolved or properly addressed. It also has too many things going, at the same time. The dialog has select moments that are noteworthy, with the rest, the very most part, being utterly preposterous. The acting is seldom commendable, save for Caine, and even he has weak instances. Effects tend to be poor. Ladd's character and what she brings to the story is worse than useless, it hurts the movie. Music is unimpressive, and portions are far too loud. Attempts at comedy are ironically the least funny bits in the film. A lot of things happen without this ever engaging or interesting the(or at least this) viewer. Editing and cinematography cut corners and has so little to offer, you have to wonder why they bothered to make any effort at all. This may also feature the least helpful/discreet(in unexpected situations, at least) servants I've ever seen, even if they do(at times) seem to have good intentions. I recommend this to... well, those people who just *must* watch every adaptation and/or Michael Caine feature out there. The rest of us, please remember that just because it's TV, it doesn't have to mean it's bad; this is outdone even by productions in the same(financial and whatnot) class. 5/10

Good....but extremely different from the Stevenson novel.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 5 November 2022]

Many years ago, I read Robert Louis Stevenson's "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde". While I was familiar with the story, I also noticed that it was quite a bit different from other versions I'd seen on film. However, some of the films were much closer to the Stevenson novel than others....and about the least similar is this made for TV film from 1990. Now saying it's very different does NOT mean it's a bad movie...it's just quite a bit different.

In this reworking of the original, by the time the film begins, Dr. Jekyll has already perfected his formula which turns him into Mr. Hyde. He also has apparently already committed a variety of atrocities. New to the story is a backstory about a dead wife, an angry father-in-law as well as a hot sister-in-law (Cheryl Ladd) who wants Jekyll in the worst way! What's next? See the film.

There are two wonderful things about the film. First, the transformation scenes are truly amazing...especially for a made for TV film. Second, Michael Caine is a wonderful actor and was lovely in the lead.

What is there to not like? Well, not much other than the familiarity of the story (there have been so many versions) and the unfamiliarity of the story (folks might recognize that the film deviates a LOT from the book). Overall, however, the good easily outweighs the bad...and it's worth seeing. It's currently on YouTube in case you want to find it.

Bald Jekyll and Hyde

[Cineanalyst · 2/10 · 6 September 2018]

This TV adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella doesn't deserve Michael Caine in the eponymous role. Although it has better production values than other TV movies I've seen, that's about all that I have to say in its favor. Otherwise, it's yet another adaptation to add a romance to a story that had none; in this case, an affair with his late-wife's sister, who is married to another man. On top of this, Dr. Jekyll is given a personal, as well as a professional, feud with Dr. Lanyon, the father of Jekyll's lover here. It's part of the only theme the movie seems to understand about the book, which is the scientific cautionary tale. Despite all of the drugs Caine's Jekyll/Hyde takes, it doesn't seem to grasp the obvious allusion to drug addiction. Despite the rapes, it doesn't seem to get that Hyde is Jekyll's doppelgänger, exercising perversities that were always within him. Nope, he's just a scientist who was too curious. How bland. There's also an awful framing narrative added with Mr. Utterson, the main narrator in the novel.

In this one, Hyde is a super-strong bald and ugly deformed creature whose body bubbles during transformations, which here are mostly accomplished via editing for makeup changes and practical effects for the inflating skin.

Brilliant Adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's Classic

[dwindler-652-298703 · 9/10 · 12 June 2011]

I watched Jekyll and Hyde Movie featuring Michael Caine, It was amazing, This Version of Stevenson's Classic took the dark side of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Michael Caine portrayed as Dr. Jekyll is Brilliant, In this movie Dr. Jekyll is troubled man, His wife died, His friendship between him and Dr. Lanyon is destroyed, So he created a portion that bring transformation of mankind, That bring us to Mr. Hyde. The Transformation in this movie was awesome, Br Jekyll goes by his self to Ugly Mr. Hyde in seconds, The Cast in this movie are amazing as well, Michael Caine did excellent job as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Cheryl Ladd is good job as Sara Crawford a daughter of Dr. Lanyon who Played by Joss Ackland, Who have feud against Dr. Jekyll after his other daugther dies who also Dr. Jekyll Wife and Ronald Pickup is Brilliant as Jeffery Utterson as well. This is outta a doubt a best adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story.

Hyde Lives !

[elshikh4 · 7/10 · 27 July 2011]

Robert Louis Stevenson's novella (Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - 1886) summarizes the immortal conflict of good and evil inside the human. Its sad ending has penetrating melancholy which makes it a tragedy of the human weakness in front of evil. That's why I believe that it is one of the most lasting novels in the history of humanity. Actually, as times goes by, it develops insisting presence, because, as the devil said it better in (The Devil's Advocate - 1997): "Don't try to deny that the 20th century is mine". Obviously, Hyde - as the novel predicted perfectly - prevails, and so many times lately!

Now this is not "based on", but "derived from" the famous novel. It's a TV movie, namely - this time - simple, talkative and a bit poor (Hyde's mask was "apparently" a mask!). But I loved the first transformation's scene, it freaks out. The plot is interesting with Cheryl Ladd's storyline. And surely Michael Caine adds a lot to it.

Back then, Caine was seduced by historical and based on famous literary pieces, especially done for the TV. Between the end of the 1980s and the end of the 1990s, he played: Chief Insp. Frederick Abberline in (Jack the Ripper - 1988), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in (Jekyll & Hyde - 1990), Captain Nemo in (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - 1997). Not to mention that in the same period's cinema, he played Sherlock Holmes in (Without a Clue - 1988), and Ebenezer Scrooge in (The Muppet Christmas Carol - 1992).

His presence gives (Jekyll & Hyde) an electrifying sense. He makes it memorable. I can't forget his moment running in the street, screaming for help, while his last transformation into Hyde.

The movie displays tender movie-making, especially the cinematography. However, what really stands alone is the last shot. It's one of the most shocking endings, rather moments, I have ever experienced. The truth of the son who Dr. Jakell leaves as Hyde's is so cleverly written and directed. And on a deeper level, it assures that the world will be for Hyde not Jakell. Naturally I think, since we're all the breed of Cain!

Nice movie altogether, with a majestic Michael Caine, and some dark twist which leaves unmistakable bitter feel.

A refined, earnest adaptation of a classic

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 29 October 2023]

Not to discount the work it takes to translate prose novels to the screen, but in the decades since the advent of motion pictures there have been so many adaptations of the tale of Jekyll and Hyde that I have to imagine it would be hard to screw up another. Let there be no doubt that David Wickes' 1990 rendition for television, with the esteemed Michael Caine, is unquestionably well written and made, and the only real question on hand is the minutiae of choices made along the way. In this iteration we get a little more body horror than in some others; there's accentuation of the war of words between Jekyll, with his new ideas of science, and the old guard, with personal matters further fanning the flames. To the latter point, this version also rather latches onto the word on the street, and the impressions of additional figures on the course of events. The reveal to supporting characters of the dual identity of Jekyll and Hyde comes unexpectedly early - preceding the third act - allowing the last portion to zero in on the heartfelt drama of Jekyll's plight, and of the lingering interpersonal issues, before the inevitable dark turn and build to the climax.

How much one favors this 'Jekyll and Hyde' over other adaptions comes down entirely to personal preference. I don't think this one is a total must-see, nor necessarily the premier example, but it's completely solid and compelling - even as it arguably deemphasizes the genre flavors to a slight degree, moving them to smaller corners, and plays up the drama of the scenario. All along the way the contributions of cast and crew alike are reliably outstanding. The filming locations, sets, costume design, hair, and makeup could not be sharper or lovelier in bringing the period setting to bear; like John Cameron's score, Wickes' direction works always to maximize the effect of every beat, whether the mood be one of violence, desperation, and horror, or of love, heartbreak, and tragedy. The cast is a treasure, with Caine of course leading the way in a relatively infrequent role in a genre piece; as one would expect he very adeptly embodies both the charm and candor of Jekyll, and the uncontrolled rage of Hyde. Among others, though, I'm also earnestly impressed with Cheryl Ladd, who even in a supporting part threatens to upstage Caine as love interest Sara.

I don't agree with every choice made, for example the especially exaggerated makeup of Mrs. Hackett or Lucy. (Although, far be it from me to judge; maybe the historians in the audience will say their appearance is accurate for the period.) Yet by and large this film is fantastic, ably evoking real feelings in response to Jekyll's growing anguish. There is ultimately only one concrete criticism that I would offer, and it is is that the very last shot in the length is a gauche, ill-considered step too far. In contrast to the nuance with which Wickes commanded the production all along, the last seconds are so tawdrily heavy-handed that they diminish to some slight degree the esteem in which I had otherwise been holding the viewing experience. It would have been a flaw that was very easy to adjust, without truly changing the import of the ending. Still, setting this unfortunate bit aside, far more than not I'm very pleased with just how enjoyable and satisfying this TV movie is, and whether one is specifically a fan of those involved or just looking for something good to watch there's not really any going wrong here. Even compared to other adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson this won't necessarily meet with equal favor for all, but I had a good time watching, and I think most other folks would, too. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you have the chance to check out 1990's 'Jekyll and Hyde' then it's well worthwhile.

The best Jekyll and Hyde

[StormSworder · 10/10 · 5 December 2009]

Michael Caine plays the scientist whose breakthrough in drugs turns him into a savagely powerful brute who thinks only of violence and satisfying his carnal desires.

This is the best version of this famous story I've seen. There's never a dull moment, it has just the right mix of suspense, thrills, romance and occasional dark humour to make it a masterpiece. The storyline involving Lanyon as the father of Jekyll's late wife is a bold step, the star-studded cast are all convincing and the sets all look wonderfully authentic. A powerful and brilliantly-crafted piece of television.

One of the best horror movies ever

[jacobjohntaylor1 · 10/10 · 30 November 2015]

This a great film. Doctor Jekyll discovers a potion that brings out his evil side. This is very scary movie. It is one of the scariest movies ever made. This movie has a great story line. It also has great acting. It also has great special effects. It is very intense. Micheal Caine is a great actor. And this got to be his best movie. If you like a good horror movie then you need to see this movie. If don't like this movie then you probably don't know what good horror movie is. 6.2 is to low of a rating for this movie. It is a true horror classic. Cheryl Ladd is a great actress. Joss Ackland is a great actor. This is one of the best TV movies I have ever seen.