Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde

MGM gave the familiar story the big-budget, big-star treatment, but in the process drained it of all of its biting social and psychological implications. Spencer Tracy, who was assigned the Jekyll/Hyde role against his wishes, is woefully miscast and sinks into hokum characterization, rolling his eyes like loose marbles and working his jaw like a maniac. Ingrid Bergman was scheduled to play the sweet fiancee and Lana Turner the barmaid, but director Victor Fleming supposedly reversed the roles at Bergman's request, effectively casting them against type. Visually, the film is stodgy, save for a few standout moments: notably the shot wherein Turner's reflection appea...