A black doctor develops a pioneering serum and tests it on himself, turning him into a white monster with a diabolical lust for murder.
"A MONSTER HE CAN'T CONTROL... HAS TAKEN OVER HIS VERY SOUL!"
Cult film night BAR TRASH continues with its 11th sensational season — SYNTHETIC FLESH! — a tribute to more than 100 years of monster makeup FX.
In William Crain’s infamous blaxploitation schlocker — DR. BLACK, MR HYDE aka ‘Decision For Doom’ (1976) — black scientist Dr. Henry Pryde (Bernie Casey) perfects a serum that has the potential to reverse liver damage. Beginning an unorthodox series of experiments, Pryde tests the serum on himself. The results are disastrous… transforming him into a hulking, white-skinned murdering lunatic!
Blaxploitation films — “black-cast or black-themed films “ that were “heavily promoted to young, inner-city, black audiences” — hail from a short-lived era in the 1970s that film historian Josiah Howard calls “America’s one and only African-American motion picture boom” (Blaxploitation Cinema). DR. BLACK, MR HYDE is one of the few films made by a black director, William Crain, who also directed another of the sub-genre’s stand-out horror titles, BLACULA (1972). Blaxploitation films remain controversial for stereotypical representation of black lives, frequent misogyny and homophobia. You have been warned!
Featured special makeup effects artist: Makeup and special effects legend Stan Winston’s iconic creations can be seen in blockbusters like the TERMINATOR series, the first three JURASSIC PARK films, BATMAN RETURNS and EDWARD SCISSORHANDS. But every career starts somewhere, and DR. BLACK, MR HYDE is among his early career credits.
Polite notice: We are projecting DR BLACK, MR HYDE without subtitles from the best available digital source.
/// BAR TRASH is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic Token Homo and friends. Films are served with themed drinks, introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles / captions where possible. Tickets from £3.50. Adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo or visit tokenhomo.com for all the gory details ///
Programme supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery. www.filmlondon.org.uk/film-hub-london
