Well, basically "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" just confirmed what I – and everybody else with me - already knew quite certain, namely that if someone has the chance to metamorphose into an unidentifiable alter ego, he/she will only (ab-)use it for three things: get drunk, gamble and commit adultery! Wouldn't you? I know I would… And Robert Louis Stevenson also knew in the 19th century already, as he penned the idea down in a novel that would grow out to become one of the most successful and numerously adapted horror stories of all times. When a man, whether he's an acclaimed scientist or an average Joe, receives the opportunity to unleash his darkest fantasies and remain unpunished for it, he will do it of course. The awesome British Hammer studios became legendary for re- interpreting classic horror tales and pimping them into far more gruesome, shocking and experimental crowd pleasers. They also reworked Stevenson tale twice. This version, directed by the always- competent Terence Fisher came first, and then another one directed by Roy Ward Baker and starring Ralph Bates and Martine Beswick. The latter one is undoubtedly more outrageous and entertaining, but also this early sixties version is reasonably unorthodox! For his adaptation, Wolf Mankowitz turns the tables around and introduces Dr. Jekyll as the uncanny figure (with grim voice and bearded face) whereas Mr. Hyde is the handsome and sociable ladies' man. This turnaround works wondrously effective, as it's quite plausible to see Hyde infiltrate in the vivid London nightlife and even become overly friendly with Dr. Jekyll's own treacherous buddy Paul and adulterous wife Kitty. When Hyde discovers that the two people who Jekyll loves the most are maneuvering behind his back, his plans grow even more diabolical. "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" benefices the most from a couple of (atypical) acting performances and the unusually virulent portrayal of Victorian London. For example, how often do you see the sophisticated Christopher Lee in the role of an opium-addicted, gambling and sexually depraved sleaze-ball? Moreover, how many contemporary horror tales feature extended sequences of night club can-can routines or lewd snake dances? Terence Fisher's solid craftsmanship is illustrated via excessive use of colors in cinematography and a handful of powerful sequences, like when the protagonist argues with his evil alter ego in the mirror. Still, I probably won't list this version in my personal favorite Hammer top 10, mainly due to a shortage of memorable horror-moments and the lack of a continuously ominous atmosphere.

Like many Hammer Films that were pooh-poohed at the time of their release as exploitational, THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL is much better than its reputation would have you think, and it's surprisingly frank in its depictions of adultery and sexuality. It's well-directed by Terence Fisher, and the sets, costumes, set decorations and cinematography are excellent, making very good use of color (particularly in the Can-Can sequence). Performances are also excellent, particularly Paul Massie in the title roles, though he may seem a bit over-the-top at times. He does an excellent job of differentiating between Jekyll and Hyde, even vocally (though he sounds oddly post-synched in both roles). No, this isn't the foggy, gas-lit London of previous versions of J&H - color more or less ruled that out - but its nevertheless effective in its own way and deserves re-examination.

Dr. Henry Jekyll (Paul Massie) has no life anymore, chained to his work and stuck in a loveless marriage to Kitty (Dawn Addams), he busy's himself working on a character altering potion. Firstly testing it on primates, Jekyll ignores the warnings from his friend Dr. Ernst Littauer (David Kossoff) and experiments on himself. The result brings out Jekyll's alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde, a debonair gentlemen who holds within a sadistic dangerous streak. Hyde spells danger for anyone who gets too close to him, particularly Kitty, Jekyll's morally bankrupt friend Paul Allen (Christopher Lee) and more worryingly, Jekyll himself.The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll is by Hammer Film Productions. It's directed by Terence Fisher and is adapted by Wolf Mankowitz from the famous story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Tho very much a middle tier offering from the house of Hammer, this version of the often told tale puts a different slant on things to make it unique and always interesting. Jekyll here is a bland and reclusive person, the people closest to him cheat on him and he is powerless to stop it. Contrast with Hyde, handsome and charming and able to take what he wants either by cunning or brute force. This was a deliberate shift from the normal by Fisher and Mankowitz, they didn't want Hyde as some furry half man beast frothing at the mouth, they sided with evil lurking behind a charming facade. It's also notable for its ending too. Where they had the courage of their convictions to stay with a differing formula.The problems come if one is searching for a horror film in the Hammer tradition. For although Hammer traits such as a smouldering sexiness hang over proceedings, the film is in truth lacking in terror. Something which is sure to annoy the horror purists. But if you can accept this as a more restrained psychological horror piece, one that deals in the duality of man, the pursuit of something more and the often treacherous nature of the human being, the rewards are there to be enjoyed. The cast are fine, Massie is competent without the ham, and Lee is elegantly vile to fit seamlessly into character. But the bonus is with a flame headed Dawn Addams who comes up with something more than the usual heaving bosom Hammer leading lady. The cast also features an early appearance from none other than Oliver Reed, suitably playing a night club pimp type bit of muscle. Shot in Megascope and Technicolor the film thankfully looks gorgeous and has transfered excellently on to DVD. With the sultry red lipped Addams and Jekyll's garden particularly benefiting from the pinging colours.A dam good story with wit and cautionary observations of the human condition, this isn't one for the blood and gore brigade. But it has many other qualities just waiting to be discovered by the more literary minded horror fan. 7/10

This is one of Hammer's lesser known films, their attempt to due justice to this second-string horror tale.The film's biggest weakness is Paul Massie, who plays Jekyll and Hyde, and none of Jekyll's intimates can figure out Hyde is Jekyll with a shave and a sissy accent. You all though Lois Lane was dense, and usually the EVIL one has the beard.Hyde engages in all sorts of Victorian depravity, which apparently includes seeing a woman's knees in public. But Jekyll/Hyde really only wants to have sex with his wife, it seems.The real villain in this movie is Christopher Lee, as Jekyll's friend who is also having an affair with his wife, but is still tapping his friend for money. When he and the cheating wife get theirs, you cheer. Then Jekyll turns on everyone else, and you don't feel so much sympathy for him.You have the typical Hammer Reveal at the end of the film, but overall, it's not really great.