Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Programme Outline

Programme 2 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The programme, presented by Angie Errigo, looks at the plot and theme of the novel Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, and examines the potential of the text for the screen, highlighting the relationship between the original text and the adaptations.

A summary of the plot of the novel is given and themes discussed include Victorian society and the role of men and women, attitudes to sex and double standards, the concept of evil and how this is depicted and the idea of the mystery/horror genre.

Discussion of the different screen adaptations look at the main focus in each, examining aspects such as: sexuality, and woman as temptress; violence and horror. The portrayal of Dr. Jekyll is also looked at and the treatment or introduction of female characters. The way film adaptations illustrate the period in which they were made is also examined.

Clips are shown from Mary Reilly (Columbia Tristar, 1996); Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Dir. Rouben Mamoulian, 1932); Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Dir. Victor Fleming/MGM, 1941); Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde (Dir. Roy Baker/Hammer, 1971).

Interviewees include Jenni Calder, National Museums of Scotland; Kim Newman, novelist and film critic; Ned Tanen, producer of Mary Reilly; Sylvia Parkinson, film enthusiast; Jill Tydall, film enthusiast; Paul Danke, Disability Theorist, Warwick University; Peter Hutchings, Northumbria University, Stephen Frears, director of Mary.