Silent Sundays - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Norman Studios Silent Film Museum and the Hotel Indigo® Jacksonville will screen Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at the next Silent Sundays event on Sunday, October 22, 4pm.

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this 1920 cinematic version stars John Barrymore as Dr. Henry Jekyll, known for his enthusiasm for science and his selfless acts of service. But an uncharacteristic visit to a music hall, where he's entranced by an alluring dancer, sparks a fascination with the two contrasting sides of human nature. Back in his laboratory, he obsessively experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and finds success – but at a terrifying cost.

First published in January 1886, Stevenson's enduringly popular story sold nearly 40,000 copies within six months – a staggering figure for the time. Biographer Graham Balfour wrote in 1901 that the book's success was probably due rather to the "moral instincts of the public" than to any conscious perception of the merits of its art, noting that it was read even by those who rarely read fiction and quoted in pulpit sermons and in religious papers. By 1901, it was estimated to have sold over 250,000 copies in the United States alone and since has spawned more than 120 stage and film versions.

Jacksonville University's Tony Steve and the Silver Synchro Sounds will provide live musical accompaniment. Tickets are $5 and available at the door (cash or credit) and online.

Silent Sundays proceeds support efforts of the Norman Studios Silent Film Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing public knowledge of Northeast Florida's early film industry and the preservation and restoration of Jacksonville’s only remaining silent film studio. The Norman Studios was among the nation's first to produce films starring all African American casts. Find out more at normanstudios.org.