Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | 1932, rare first photoplay edition.


£750.00 GBP £850.00

The rare first photoplay edition of the gothic novella, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated with seven black and white stills from the iconic 1931 Paramount movie adaptation. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, the film stars Fredric March as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Miriam Hopkins as the prostitute Ivy Pearson, and Rose Hobart as Muriel Carew.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde photoplays are uncommon on the market and as such are highly sought-after, particularly in such pristine condition as seen here. As mentioned, it includes seven stills from the film, making it a must-have for collectors. 

Also, for a bit of dustjacket trivia, the eerie depiction of Frederic March (as both Jekyll and Hyde) to the front dustjacket panel features him with a moustache, despite the actor not having one in the film. Unlikely one might be asked that in a pub quiz, but you never know and now you will be ready!

Description and Condition:

First edition, first impression, first state with the movie illustrations (the second state was published without the photoplay photographs but with the same pictorial dustjacket). A fine example internally, crisp white pages (quite remarkable really) and the original blue and red binding is near pristine. This example is complete with all requisite six plates (to include the frontispiece and the double-page illustration at page 30). The dustjacket is near fine with some nicks to the extremities. A seriously amazing example. The only defect to mention is a tape repair to the back of the DJ but this isn't noticeable from the front. A near fine to fine example.

Published by Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1932