MovieChat Forums > Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932) Discussion > BODICE-RIPPING!

BODICE-RIPPING!

posted 19 years ago by bok602
8 replies | jump to latest

This is a strange question, but let's see if any of you can back me up on this.

We've all seen scores of films in which a woman hides something by tucking it down her cleavage. It's an old standby in melodramas.

DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE, however, is the first and only film I'm aware of in which a woman has tucked something in her bodice and the man has directly gone in and gotten it out.

I refer to the money Ivy receives from Jekyll, which Hyde later takes out and throws in her face.

Is anyone else aware of another film where the man simply reaches right in and grabs the hidden item?

"If you don't know the answer -change the question."

[–] mark_shleck-1 19 years ago

Yes, 'The Lady Has Plans', features a similar scene.

[–] mansursyed 19 years ago

since the movie was precode, it makes sense that the content was so graphic, especially for its time in 1931. yeah i'm taking a film class and now i'm spewing forth the froth of knowledge.

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] bok602 15 years ago

"Pre-Code," ah yes, that EXTREMELY daring nude scene! Not surprising that it was the first thing those old prudes snipped out; I am astounded that the film makers managed to get it into the film in the first place. I'm thankful that the footage was found and restored, not just because Miarim Hopkins was quite the dish, but because the scene is positively drenched with a degree of precocious sexuality that films today cannot even begin to capture with all their explicit nudity and graphic activity.

"If you don't know the answer -change the question."

[–] maki82 16 years ago

Haha Yes, I agree. I had a suspicion that this was pre-code when I saw that scene! And not to spoil much but after he leaves, is there a reason why we see her image of leg dangling as he's walking down the road??

[–] BillieDove 16 years ago

They call it "temptation"

I don't pray, really, because I don't want to bore God.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] scotbpens 15 years ago

IIRC, the rather dull Western They Came to Cordura (1959), starring Gary Cooper and Rita Hayworth, has a scene in which Rita has something of value hidden in her shirt -- can't remember exactly what -- and Cooper, in a most ungentlemanly manner, pulls open her shirt and grabs her McGuffin.

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