Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1912)

Dr. Jekyll, a pioneering physician, is obsessed with the notion that his practice can influence not just the body, but the soul too. His old friend, Lanyon, a traditionalist doctor, shares many a debate with him on this radical approach. Undeterred, Jekyll embarks on a series of secret experiments which eventually bear fruit. He concocts a potion that awakens his malevolent nature, along with an antidote to suppress it. When he embodies his sinister alter ego, the results are chilling. He becomes such a vile, grotesque being that the pursuit of science is overshadowed by his horror, prompting him to hide his discovery from the world. But the path to evil is a slippery one. The reprehensible figure that he momentarily becomes for the sake of science haunts him incessantly. In these bouts of transformation, the refined and compassionate Dr. Jekyll morphs into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, an entity feared and loathed by all. Although his medicine allows him to fend off Mr. Hyde, the unpredictable nature of the transformation often leaves him stranded, unable to access his antidote. During such times, he exists as Mr. Hyde in shabby quarters, secretly visiting Dr. Jekyll's residence under the guise of an intimate friend, much to the surprise of Jekyll's acquaintances. Amidst this turmoil, Dr. Jekyll nurtures a tender love for the vicar's daughter, a love reciprocated by the young maiden. One day, as he visits her, the transformation strikes. He makes a hasty exit, only to return transformed into the malevolent Hyde, intent on harming her. The vicar, hearing his daughter's cries, rushes to her rescue but is no match for the deranged Hyde and meets a tragic end. Hyde escapes, leaving Dr. Jekyll to grapple with his profound grief and guilt when he regains his original form. As time progresses, the intervals between the transformations become increasingly shorter, and an unfortunate accident leaves Dr. Jekyll without his antidote. He barricades himself in his room, ordering his faithful servant to bring certain drugs. The servant, unacquainted with Hyde's voice, panics, believing Jekyll to be in danger. When the police arrive, Hyde, unable to revert to Jekyll and with his life forfeit, consumes poison just as they break down the door. The tragic tale of the dual existence of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ends in a bitter climax, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of horror.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a horror movie featuring James Cruze and directed by Lucius Henderson.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is currently streaming on Fandor.