Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde/Edge of Sanity

Yeah, the March Hyde make up is one of my favorites of all time.

I'm sure you're talking about a classic (one I intend to check out) but have you guys actually seen the movie in question, Edge of Sanity? It's nuts.

This is Perkins in his prime "embracing Norman Bates" period, during which he made a sizeable amount of bad horror films, doing pretty much the same thing in all of them.

Here, Perkins plays the part with a horrible British accent, chewing up the scenery at every turn. Dr. Jeckyll is "Norman-Bates-tortured" throughout. He becomes Hyde by free-basing some form of cocaine, if I remember correctly. (we know he's changed because he grows dark red rings under his eyes and acquires an oily "grunge" hairstyle from the fumes).

Mr. Hyde then becomes "The Ripper" in the newspapers, thus turning the film into a strange sort of crossover between the two, I think they even go so far as to call him "Jack Hyde." (Again, apologies for my memory, it's been a while.)

The Ripper / Mr. Hyde's victims are all S&M garbed prostitutes who say "Hallo Luv" as gaggles of them line the alleys trying to pick up Norman...I mean Jack the Rip ...I mean Mr. Hyde.

Did I say S&M garb? That's right, the time period is just barely respected or acknowledged in this over the top laugh riot.

The whole thing is very MTV and a rip on Ken Russell's style. It has to be seen to be believed. (Remember, Perkins appeared in "Crimes of Passion," one of Russell's most controversial films, the one with the game of "hide the nightstick" and the killer vibrator -- clearly the director of "Edge" was a fan.) I remember it being particularly bloody and there being an unrated and R rated VHS release for some sex related content.

This is wild stuff, fellas. If the opportunity for a six-pack and a bad movie comes up, I recommend it.

I caught this movie a long time ago on cable late one night and I barely followed it. I just remember bizarre sex scenes involving hookers dresseed as nuns.

nunsploitation's alright in my book.

Crimes of Passion is a far better bet than this other Perkins monstrosity IMO. Crimes just has this REALLY sleazy/nightmarish atmosphere going on, that's hard to match.

It had Kathleen Turner before her face went all funny.

That's great. It's my funny quote for the week.

I loved Edge of Sanity when I was a teenager. I tuned in for the nudity, but stayed for the twisted Jeckyll & Perkins story. (Or is that Perkins & Hyde?) As I recall, the character smoked a lot of opium, or crack, or something. And there was a lot of ass-smacking.

I'd like to see this flick again. Especially now that I know that Perkins was gay. It might put a whole different slant on things.