This was the SIXTH movie adaptation of the book and the only creepy one. It contains the greatest of the early Jekyll → Hyde transformations. I liked it enough already as a kid, but when I found out (still as a kid) that he did the whole thing without makeup or effects, I decided that the thing was worthy of serious worship. It also did this to my young consciousness: The performance mus

John Sidney Barrymore changes from man to monster in 39 seconds using only muscle contraction—a truly astounding feat. The fact that he pulled it off suggested to my six year-old understanding that this person, Barrymore, cracked the code of real shamanic invocation. (BTW, how are trance, mediumship, and method acting any different?)

After his facial muscles have been properly reconfigured, two makeups are added—extra-long fingers, and an elongated cone-like skull. The result is a form that is both elongated and rigid. Barrymore invented the insectoid transformation towards evil. Sadly, this the meme didn’t propagate.

The one that did was made by Wally Westmore and applied to the face of Fredric March. This was the simian transformation towards evil, with a stupid-crazy frat-boy grin and gigantic redneck teeth. You can read about that one here.