In my take of this classic chiller Dr. Jekyll
is broad, boorish, bloated, and balding. Self obsessed with tiny squinted eyes
and displaying his high status and wealth through tailored clothes and a very
tall hat. Caring little for his suffering patients, spending more time
developing his potion that will expand his capabilities beyond the limitations
and morals of mere men.
Unexpectedly, the formula removes Jekyll's
oafish exterior leaving him a thin skeletal whisk of a man with a long face, a
sharp pointed nose and flowing black hair. This new man, Hyde is nothing of the
sort his name suggests. He is liberated and spry, often prone to bird like
energy and Gene Kelly style acrobatics and spontaneous dance but most importantly
he nows possesses love and compassion for his fellow man, bounding from
Jekyll's claustrophobic study into the wider world, bringing life and hope to
the drunkards, urchins and lowlifes he finds, even discovering romance with a
soot coated street girl.
But Hyde's stirring up the riffraff causes
trouble and a simple accident leads to his pursuit by the police plus the
publications and propaganda printed by his rich and influential alter ego (the
story we have today) brands Hyde as a monster. Hyde runs until he can run no
more. His final words being "Goodbye... Good", before being condemned
to life as Jekyll forever. Or is it?
