Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again

Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again is a 1982 comedic, inverting twist on the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a vibrant collaboration of high-energy humor and spectacular slapstick. This time, far from being a dreadful horror story, it's an enchantingly hilarious ride packed with brilliant farce, captivating the unforgettable lunacy of comedy. Directed by Jerry Belson, the movie stars the versatile Mark Blankfield, delightful Bess Armstrong and charming Krista Errickson, in a dynamic combination that delivers scenes packed with comic brilliance.

The plot revamps Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless story featuring Dr. Jekyll, an accomplished and mild-mannered surgeon, portrayed with refined subtlety by Mark Blankfield. Jekyll is a staunch believer in the power of science for the wellbeing of humanity. He is on the brink of a major leap forward in medicine with his impending surgical procedure that would revolutionize the field. However, there is more to Jekyll than his commitment to science. He is also braving his inner struggle with his wild, hedonistic side.

Feelings of frission manifest when Jekyll dedicates himself to the art of laughter, to experiment with a white powder that is unconventional by medical standards. Upon taking the substance, instead of experiencing far-reaching scientific epiphanies, Jekyll undergoes a startling transformation. He begins turning into a wild, unkempt embodying alter ego, Hyde, flooded with overflowing energy, wild hairs, gold chains, and an array of glowing rings. The prim and proper Dr. Jekyll is set out of sight, replaced by Hyde, the personification of outrageous person, indulging in the excess that he was previously averse to, thereby crafting an unmatched brand of humor.

The remarkable duality between Jekyll and Hyde becomes the centrifuge around the movie spins, creating a series of comedic situations, uproarious escapades, and hilarious romantic entanglements. Mark Blankfield's phenomenal comic timing breathes life into the dual role. His excellent portrayal of the two incredibly disparate personalities serves as a lesson in comic performance.

Bess Armstrong plays Mary Carew, Dr. Jekyll's dedicated and warm-hearted fiancée. She is left in a state of bewilderment as she witnesses the abrupt shifts between the repressively reserved doctor and riotously wild man, Hyde. She battles her growing confusions and suspicions, all the while showcasing her uncompromising love for the doctor.

Krista Errickson plays Ivy Venus, the women Hyde encounters during one of his roguish excursions, offering a perfect counterbalance to Mary. She portrays an enticing and worldly woman, thrown into the enduring tug-of-war between the delightful doctor and unrestrained Hyde. Errickson adds another layer of comedy with her portrayal of naive yet practical sensuality, combined with the right amount of charm and wit, spicing up the narrative.

The supporting cast, including Tim Thomerson as Dr. Jekyll's relentless hospital administrator, adds additional punchlines and dynamic to the plot with their quirky personalities, creating an ensemble that maximized the comic potential of the script.

The movie perfectly harnesses Blankfield's slapstick humor and comic agility, giving a classic tale an audacious twist. Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again satirically critiques the puritanical repression of modern society while humorously probing the consequences of uninhibited hedonism. The narrative's absurdity is a perfect reflection of its theme, combined with a winning performance that further elevates the movie's extraordinary humor.

Moreover, the movie boasts an overall fast pace, ably supported by its background score, which heightens the comedic moments. The cinematography adds to the unique storytelling, vividly capturing the transformation from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde, and the chaotic humor that follows.

Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again is an explosive comedy that presents audiences with an unique reinterpretation of a classic literary figure. It's an unpredictable journey, adding a humorous spin on the philosophical snowball between control and wildness. It is a must-watch for those seeking undiluted humor paired with compelling storytelling that collectively make this movie a wildcard in the annals of classic comedy cinema.