Runtime: 1 hr 27 min

Starring: Bernie Casey, Rosalind Cash, and Marie O’Henry

Director: William Crain

This is described as a blaxploitation horror film. I knew there was a whole genre of film described this way, but I’m pretty sure this is the first I’ve personally watched. This doesn’t follow the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in a strict sense. We do still have our good doctor – Dr. Henry Pride, here – experimenting. Instead of trying to separate good from evil or improve mental health, Dr. Pride is working on a way to regenerate tissue. Specifically, regenerating liver tissue. He starts experimenting on animals, but that goes wrong. So, he has the bright idea – because these doctors always have “bright” ideas – to switch to humans. Specifically, on a woman who comes in for treatment who, after the injection, momentarily goes bonkers, attacks a nurse, and then dies.

Good job, Dr. Pride!

Since he so clearly fucked up, he decides, instead, to experiment on himself. I don’t understand the reasoning. I don’t recall him saying that he was sick at any point. In fact, he seems perfectly healthy to me! So, he injects himself with the serum and, lo, he turns into a different version of himself that, again, I’m not sure I understand.

I think he was supposed to turn into an albino? I think that’s what they were going for? Don’t quote me on that. What I do know is that the makeup effects make him appear more zombie-like. Also, it gives off Frankenstein vibes. He’s unsettling in his strength/invincibility. With the backstory he gives of his mother in the middle of the film – not going to spoil it for you – there are also callbacks to Jack the Ripper. Wait! At the end, there is also a King Kong-esque moment. It was a little bit of everything!

It’s not a bad film. It’s just not exciting either. I can appreciate this specific genre, though. Most movies from the 1970s do have a certain style and grittiness that I enjoy. This just had a little more than the others. It felt like a group of friends grabbing their camera and putting together a movie. It works! Especially for this type of story.

Sadly, this is the last major film from the 1970s that I could successfully locate, so we will move into the 1980s next!

Oh, by the way, Utterson wasn’t here.

Also, no will. If he did have a will, though, Dr. Pride would absolutely leave me his stethoscope.

6.7/10

Siemelle