Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde (1925)

Introduction
"Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde" is a quiet, black-and-white funny brief movie released in 1925. Directed by Percy Pembroke, this film is a parody spin-off of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". The film stars Stan Laurel, more known as half of the comical duo 'Laurel and Hardy', and he plays the dual character of the affable Dr. Pyckle and misbehaving Mr. Pryde.

Plot Summary
The film commences with Dr. Pyckle, who is affable and mild-mannered, making an inexplicable discovery about a brand-new formula. This formula, he believes, can change a guy's good personality to evil, and vice versa. In an attempt to check the formula, Dr. Pyckle volunteers himself, administering the mixture and subsequently changing into Mr. Pryde; a mean, deviant character considerably different from his initial persona.

Disguised as Mr. Pryde, the medical professional produces havoc across town with a series of mischief and tricks. His shenanigans include interrupting a video game of checkers, taking ice cream from children, terrorising senior women, and kicking loose a guy's wooden leg. As Mr. Pryde, he ends up being an infamous figure, resulting in the authorities introducing a full-scale search.

Characterisation
Stan Laurel, portraying both Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde, excellently encapsulates the sharp dichotomy between the two characters. Dr. Pyckle is depicted as a gentle, well-respected professional in his neighborhood, in stark contrast to the rowdy, naughty Mr. Pryde. The change scenes, marked by bubbles and smoke, provide a clear delineation in between the 2 personalities and increase the comedic spectacle.

Conclusion and Reception
The movie concludes with Mr.Pryde being caught by a mob and beaten up, during which he changes back into Dr. Pyckle. As soon as back in his original kind, Dr. Pyckle is lauded as a hero for obviously capturing Mr. Pryde, adding a last touch of irony to the movie.

"Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde" is celebrated for incorporating components of slapstick funny into its story and plays on the classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in an amusing yet thoughtful manner. Its comical take on the duality of humanity, stellar performance from Stan Laurel, saw the film favored during its release. Although less recognized today, the movie stands as a shining example of early Hollywood comedic short movies.

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