Retroformat Silent Films

Three faces of evil!

With your membership in the Retroformat Vault, you can become an expert on 3 different silent film versions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, all with original accompaniment by Los Angeles Silent Film Festival Musical Director Cliff Retallick.

John Barrymore's tour de force performance in 1920 was more than just an assignment for him; it was a labor of love. His contortions during the transformation from Dr. Jekyll into the bent-over, hideous Mr. Hyde are truly mesmerizing, and remain haunting, even after 103 years.

The 1912 single reel version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde starring future director James Cruz (The Covered Wagon [1920]) is the oldest surviving film version.

Pioneer Film Corporation rushed the 1920 low budget version starring Sinclair Lewis into production to compete with Paramount-Artcraft’s John Barrymore version, releasing it just days after the Barrymore film. The result has become a favorite silent movie for fans of “bad cinema.”

100+ silent films, ready anytime. Streaming now in the Retroformat Vault (Patreon). Benefitting the Los Angeles Silent Film Festival. Starting at just $5/month for full access. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/retroformatsilents

Excitement is building as we move closer to the 2026 Los Angeles Silent Film Festival this September.

We are currently finalizing a program that will celebrate some of the greatest achievements of the silent era alongside important restorations and rarely screened works that audiences may never have had the chance to experience on the big screen before.

The full lineup will be announced soon. Since most screenings sold out last year, we strongly encourage silent film fans to join our email list now at www.losangelessilentfilmfestival.org for early announcements and first access to tickets.