This film is a curiosity in that neither Karloff nor Lugosi do the Jeykll-and-Hyde bit. Instead, this role falls to Stanley Ridges who gives a remarkably powerful performance. His make-up is very effective, and his ability to change his voice is a gripping phenomenon. Director Lubin keeps the film moving at a smart pace, although his over-use of trick editing whirls gets a bit tedious. Skilled photographer Woody Bredell takes full advantage of a few fine set pieces (the visit to the sewer). Both Lugosi and Miss Nagel have very small roles. Anne Gwynne gives a good account of her treacherous nightclub singer. John Kelly has a delightful cameo as a disgruntled cab-driver.
Lugosi was originally cast in the Kingsley/Cannon role. But director Lubin scrapped his already shot footage and replaced him with Stanley Ridges. Lugosi was then given the only other role of any consequence — Marnay. Fully aware that those who had appreciated the Karloff- Lugosi combination in previous films would not appreciate Lugosi's lesser role (especially as he now had no scenes with Karloff at all!), Universal's publicity people wheeled in a professional hypnotist, Manley P. Hall, who attempted to use his powers on Lugosi during the actor's death scene, so as to give it greater realism!
Lugosi was originally cast in the Kingsley/Cannon role. But director Lubin scrapped his already shot footage and replaced him with Stanley Ridges. Lugosi was then given the only other role of any consequence — Marnay. Fully aware that those who had appreciated the Karloff- Lugosi combination in previous films would not appreciate Lugosi's lesser role (especially as he now had no scenes with Karloff at all!), Universal's publicity people wheeled in a professional hypnotist, Manley P. Hall, who attempted to use his powers on Lugosi during the actor's death scene, so as to give it greater realism!