Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde

Here at SGM we've been keeping a keen eye on the output of Seduction Cinema, from their mainstream comedy sexy spoof line to the oft mouth watering retro collection and the one thing we've noted is that they've been growing steadily into one of the key players in modern exploitation cinema. Case in point being their latest production 'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde'

Now before some if you start groaning in anticipation of some half baked bawdy tongue in cheek comedy spoof then be warned this is anything but that, in fact with 'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde' Seduction prove that they are ready to deliver the goods when it come to seriously erotic play it straight genre movies. Julian Wells take the lead role of psychiatrist Dr Jackie Stevenson who is carrying out scientific research into female sexual repression. Looking at the conflict between a womens dilemma between the purist nature of the homemaker and the very differing slut in the bedroom she concocts an experimental drug that will isolate and enhance the sexual side of the female psyche. She tests the drug on Martine, one of her suicidally depressed patients, but after initial success (well a scene of masturbatory delight) the experiment goes horribly wrong leading to a fatal result for poor Martine. But ever determined Dr Stevenson decides to try the drug on herself, though this time using a less potent level of the drug which leads to her discovering her sexually charged alter ego Heidi being born. Following some self-appreciating masturbation she heads out to find a plaything that will meet her newly discovered sexual gratification. Cue the gorgeous knickerless Misty Mundae as naive first time teen prostitute Dawn complete with eye-popping schoolgirl outfit with micro mini skirt and stockings. Heidi swiftly seduces Dawn (well who wouldn't) and after a night of intense passion the two become entwined. Heidi soon becomes deeply infatuated with the teen prostitute, more so when she notices that Dawn bares a striking likeness to the tragic Martine, but when Dawn turns up at Dr Stevenson's practice seeking support and advice things start to get complicated…but Dr Stevenson soon discovers that this is the least of her problems.

'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde' is a very impressive attempt by Seduction Cinema to delve into the straight genre movie scene and one that should be both supported and commended. What I found very interesting about this production is that it reminded me of the sort of vintage Euro erotica stylings of say Jess Franco but in honesty I found 'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde' to be far more gratifying than most of Franco's recent works. Whilst some may find the bawdy soft core shenanigans of some Seduction spoof titles to be less than stimulating it has to be said that 'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde' is in fact quite an arousing viewing experience. You would need to be dead not to get a kick from some of the scenes here as Seduction look to have upped the tempo with not only the onscreen antics but also with the quality of film atmospherics. Misty Mundae is at her best with some truly hot moments of eroticism (the doctors surgery masturbation scene is a cracker) and although it does look like possibly a body double was used the scene of Dr Stevenson's transformation into sexual beast Heidi is one of the hottest to appear in a Seduction production. Director Tony Marsiglia should also be commended for the fine work here and does well with Bruce Hallenbeck's solid script. Note also should be made of Don Miles score which contains one of the catchiest retro Euro erotica themes of late.

Of course whilst this is one of Seductions strongest home grown features to date that's not to say it doesn't have its drawbacks also (well hey no one's perfect). There are some scenes that look out of place to the main feature (the tacky TV interview scenes mostly) and some of the acting at times is pretty hokey (well hey this is exploitation cinema) but in the main looks great and the frenetic sex scenes and retro Euro stylings will please fans of the genre no end.

Seduction obviously know that this is a strong release and have welcomingly issued it in a limited edition double disc set that will keep most fans very much sated. Being a new production its no surprise that the film looks fantastic here, the image and audio are sharp and faultless throughout. But it is perhaps the extra features that will garner much interest, especially for fans of the much-admired Misty Mundae. First up on the extras front is a full length (77 minutes) documentary film that plays like a video diary of Misty and friend/co-star Ruby LaRocca throughout the films production. This is an excellent feature that delves candidly into the true making of these productions; at times it's fun, on other occasions it captures the tedium of low budget film production but what is very welcome is the insight into the real personas behind exploitation cuties Misty Mundae and Ruby LaRocca which should help ground fan boys masturbatory fantasies when they see that hey these are real people! This is a genuinely fascinating and honest insight into low budget genre movie production and a very welcome addition to this special edition release.

More back in line with any solid DVD presentation the disc includes (along with the obligatory trailer) an interview section with chat from both Misty and co-star Julian Wells which may seem slightly dry after the extended documentary feature but interesting nonetheless. But Seduction don't just stop there as also included in this set is a second disc containing the soundtrack CD for the film. This is a nice disc showcasing some of Don Mile's catchy score which whilst not as strong as say the previous (and stunning) 'Lustful Addiction' CD it's still got some great moments (which vary between the great laid back retro sounds and the up tempo Euro kitsch theme). As ever with any Seduction release we get the ever welcome smorgasbord of Seduction trailers showcasing both the previously mentioned Seduction spoofs (like the forthcoming and much anticipated Spiderbabe) and the essential Retro collection (buy Inga and Roxanna now).

A curious and welcome change of pace by the team at Seduction Cinema, 'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde' is both an entertaining and stimulating addition to the erotic genre scene that till now has been long heralded by the likes of Jean Rollin and Jess Franco. Fans of both Euro directors may want to check this one out. Both the main feature and the full-length documentary are equally entertaining for their contrasting reasons (the feature for it's highly erotic gratification and the documentary for its candid insight) making this a very welcome addition to any fans collection.

Review by Alan Simpson

'Dr Jekyll & Mistress Hyde' can be ordered direct from Alternative Cinema by clicking here.