Review of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This film is another adaptation of a classic horror novel by Dan Curtis, the man who pretty much owned TV horror in the 1960s and 1970s. Jack Palance gives a very good performance in the dual role, and this version of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, although hampered by the TV budget, is appropriately authentic and atmospheric. Dick Smith, the man behind THE EXORCIST, supplies the make-up effects, which are unusual and effective, and some seasoned character actors like Leo Genn and Denholm Elliott work well in support. One stand-out is a young Billie Whitelaw as a prostitute, who receives an 'introducing' credit. The film is slightly overlong at two hours, but the scenes of high drama are effective, and the transformations, although low fi, really work.