Movies

Universal’s Forgotten First Monster Movie Deserves an Epic Modern Comeback

BBG News

Universal Pictures has been providing memorable movies for more than a hundred years, ranging from classics like “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park” to blockbusters such as “The Fast and the Furious” and “Back to the Future”. It’s worth noting that without the daring move to produce horror films and adapt famous tales, these cinematic masterpieces wouldn’t have been made. Today, these genres are a cornerstone of the studio and continue to push boundaries as some of the most innovative franchises in their respective fields and in cinema history.

It’s often debated that the start of Universal Monsters’ cinematic universe can be traced back to Tod Browning’s Dracula, which predates the Marvel Cinematic Universe by decades. While iconic creatures like Frankenstein’s Monster and the Invisible Man are well-known for shaping this world, it might surprise you that the very first Universal Monsters movie was a 30-minute silent short film based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Having been largely forgotten for over a century, the time seems ripe for a resurgence of this monster in today’s era of Universal Monsters revival.

Classic Literature Gave Life to Universal’s Monsters

Dracula and Frankenstein Remain Horror Staples

Today, there’s an abundance of innovative horror concepts unlike ever before, with productions such as “Talk to Me” and “Hereditary” being prime examples of contemporary horror masterpieces. Remarkably, this phenomenon wasn’t entirely new even in the early 1900s; the difference was that adapting earlier horror and science fiction stories was more common back then. Carl Laemmle and his son were pioneers in the horror genre for Universal Pictures, bringing classics like “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” to life on the silver screen. However, it’s important to note that these tales originated from books by Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley respectively. This allowed audiences to instantly relate and enjoy stories that sent shivers down their spines.

In my opinion, what truly sets these classic films apart isn’t just the captivating performances by actors like myself, but also the ingenious way the stories were adapted from their original sources. For instance, in the case of ‘Frankenstein’, though the book was largely untouched, the movie ‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ seemed to capture the essence of the novel more faithfully. Yet, it still managed to deliver enough tragedy and terror to make it stand out among countless adaptations that followed. Similarly, ‘The Wolf Man’, not based on a book per se, was ingeniously crafted from various folklore tales to weave a modern mythology. However, the pre-‘Dracula’ films were particularly ambitious given the studio constraints they operated under.

One of the initial and highly influential works in the horror genre, notably “The Phantom of the Opera,” gained widespread popularity through Lon Chaney’s exceptional makeup artistry and was inspired by Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel of the same name. Films that followed built upon the horror elements and spawned something remarkable with one of the largest sets and casts of the era. Notably, Lon Chaney also played Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” although it’s not traditionally considered a horror movie. The adaptation of Victor Hugo’s story successfully conveyed tragedy and grotesquerie, paving the way for Universal Horror. Interestingly, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” was left untouched in the decades discussed, despite its appearance once. It remains unclear whether this was due to rights issues or a lack of interest on the part of Universal Pictures.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde May Have Been the First Universal Monster Movie

There Have Been Many Iterations of the Story

The novel “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” penned by Robert Louis Stevenson presents an extraordinary science fiction narrative about a scientist who develops a concoction that enables him to transform into a manifestation of himself that’s not only feral but also wicked, yielding to his darkest impulses. In reality, it symbolizes the perils of unrestrained liberty within a civilized society and the theme of power and corruption. As the virtuous doctor is both repelled and drawn to his creation, he finds himself often turning into the monster to satisfy those desires. It’s a classic horror story with a profound message that has been adapted numerous times for the silver screen, but only once by Universal Pictures.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of watching “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” produced by Laemmle’s independent company, IMP, and distributed by the universally recognized Universal Pictures. This gripping masterpiece was penned and directed by the talented Herbert Brenon, with King Baggot gracefully filling the shoes of our titular characters.

The movie takes us on a chilling journey through Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into the malevolent Mr. Hyde, his descent into darkness, and the chaos he leaves behind. Despite its brief 26-minute runtime, it masterfully encapsulates the manic and terrifying essence of this iconic character.

Since its release, it can be argued that this film serves as the genesis of Universal’s Monster movie franchise, and without a doubt, it deserves its revered position within it. However, it was not Universal who would carry the torch for this story in the ensuing decades.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the numerous adaptations of the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Paramount Pictures oversaw several remakes, but one that truly stands out is the 1920 film featuring John Barrymore. However, the 1931 version starring Fredric March as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is equally captivating. Each rendition serves as a testament to the evolution of movie-making, showcasing how special effects and storytelling were advancing during that era. From fading effects to using creative filters, each film pushed the boundaries, trying out different techniques to transform the doctor into the monster. It’s interesting to note that Universal Studios might have missed a chance to revisit this character due to distribution rights held by Paramount Pictures, but now that the story has entered the public domain, it seems like Universal has a golden opportunity – one that is ripe for a reinterpretation and long overdue.

Now is the Time for Universal to Resurrect Their Earliest Monster

Universal Monsters Have Undergone a Resurgence in Popularity

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must admit that over the past few years, Universal Studios has been making a valiant effort to regain its prominence in cinema by revisiting their iconic monster characters. Regrettably, some attempts have fallen short of resurrecting the brand, but films like “The Invisible Man” and “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” demonstrate that creative reinventions of these timeless characters are still possible. The upcoming “Wolf Man” in 2025, despite being divisive, had the courage to be unique while maintaining the essence that made the original so endearing – the heart-wrenching transformation and breathtaking practical effects.

Despite an abundance of movies being produced or remade, the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has been notably scarce in recent years. The last time we saw the character on the big screen was in 2004’s Van Helsing and its animated prequel, Van Helsing: The London Assignment. Following this, Russell Crowe portrayed him in 2017’s The Mummy, but the reception was mediocre. In these films, the character was depicted as a remorseless murderer, offering an entertaining villain but failing to delve into the character’s tragic backstory. However, with current opportunities for exploration, there’s potential for a more in-depth portrayal of the character and story. Additionally, from a makeup perspective, it could offer the chance to create the most authentic representation of the character yet.

One compelling aspect of Dr. Jekyll’s tale that Universal could capitalize on today is its exploration of power and how it can transform even an upright individual. Given our current societal emphasis on power, this narrative provides a subtle yet poignant commentary. The concept of a beast lurking within us all, yearning for release, is chilling in itself, and regardless of whether the story is set in the past or present, the message about navigating that internal struggle remains relevant.

Over the span of several years, Universal Studios’ theme parks have delved into the realm of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. During Halloween Horror Nights, he has cohabited a haunted house with the Invisible Man and the Phantom of the Opera. Although he doesn’t star in a ride, an apothecary owned by Doctor Jekyll can be discovered within that world, hinting at his persistent presence. The short film, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” was a grand endeavor, and even though Universal hasn’t revisited the story since then, it’s an ideal moment to check if the monster is still active now.

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2025-05-11 03:12

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