Watch Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde

Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde is a 1976 horror film that is loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The movie is directed by William Crain, who is best known for his work on the cult classic Blacula, and stars Bernie Casey, Rosalind Cash, and Marie O'Henry. The film follows Dr. Henry Pride, a prominent African-American doctor who has a successful medical practice and is admired by the community. However, unbeknownst to his colleagues and friends, Dr. Pride has been conducting experiments in his laboratory in an attempt to find a cure for a rare disease that affects individuals with dark skin. His experiments involve a serum that he has created, which has the unintended side effect of transforming him into a monstrous, white-skinned version of himself whom he calls Mr. Hyde.

As the story unfolds, Dr. Pride struggles to keep his Hyde persona under control, as it becomes more and more violent and erratic. He becomes increasingly paranoid that his secret will be discovered, and as he struggles to maintain his facade of respectability, he finds himself torn between his two distinct identities.

What sets Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde apart from other adaptations of Stevenson's story is its incorporation of issues of race and identity. The film takes place in a predominantly African-American community, and the main character's struggle with his dual identity is reflective of the broader experiences of African-Americans in the United States.

Bernie Casey delivers a strong performance as the conflicted Dr. Pride/Mr. Hyde, and he imbues both roles with depth and complexity. Rosalind Cash, who is best known for her work in blaxploitation films, offers a powerful portrayal of Dr. Pride's loyal assistant, Linda. Marie O'Henry also shines as Dr. Pride's wife, who is initially unaware of her husband's experiments but ultimately becomes entangled in his descent into madness.

The film's production values are somewhat low, and its special effects, particularly those used to depict Hyde's transformation, are somewhat crude by today's standards. However, the film's grittiness and low-budget aesthetic give it a unique charm that sets it apart from more polished horror films of its era.

One of the most interesting aspects of Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde is the way in which it plays with the conventions of the horror genre. Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares and gore to terrify their audiences, this film is more atmospheric and psychological in nature. The horror is rooted not in supernatural monsters or inexplicable phenomena, but in the terror of a man struggling with his own identity.

In many ways, Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde is a film ahead of its time. Its exploration of issues of race and identity, as well as its unconventional approach to horror, make it a unique and thought-provoking addition to the canon of horror films. While it may not be as well-known as other horror classics of its era, it is certainly worth seeking out for fans of the genre who are looking for something a bit different.

Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde is a 1976 horror movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.