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Fantasy Cult Classic

Janet Smith inherits more than a manor—she may have inherited Dr. Jekyll's monstrous legacy.

DAUGHTER OF DR. JEKYLL

Blood-hungry spawn of the world's most bestial fiend!

1957 · 1h 11m · NR · Fantasy / Horror · IMDB TMDB
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What is Daughter of Dr. Jekyll about?

Daughter of Dr. Jekyll is a 1957 American fantasy horror film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer about a young woman who discovers she is the daughter of the infamous Dr. Jekyll and begins to fear she may share his deadly split personality.

Details & Specs
Director
Edgar G. Ulmer
Writer
Jack Pollexfen
Release
1957
Runtime
1h 11m
Country
United States of America
Language
German, English
Genres
Fantasy, Horror
Also Known As
Die Totengruft des Dr. Jekyll (1957), Die Totengruft des Dr. Jekyll

Overview

Set in the mid-1910s, Daughter of Dr. Jekyll follows Janet Smith as she arrives at a shadowy English manor on the eve of her 21st birthday, ready to inherit the estate alongside her fiancé, George. Their introduction to the house’s uneasy staff and Janet’s soon-to-be ex-guardian, Dr. Lomas, sets an ominous tone, especially as strange superstitions and odd behaviors grow apparent. Maggie, Janet’s maid, is especially anxious to leave before moonrise, hinting at the local fears that envelop the estate. As Janet and George move through the manor’s labyrinth of secrets, they encounter unsettling warnings, hidden rooms, and the promise of a revelation tied to Janet’s inheritance, all swirling with gothic atmosphere and psychological unease.
Ending Explained Spoilers — click to reveal

Janet, tormented by nightmares and convinced she is responsible for a series of killings, is eventually revealed to be the victim of manipulation and not truly a monster herself. The actual threat is unmasked, clearing Janet of guilt.

The ending reframes Janet's ordeal as a case of psychological manipulation rather than supernatural inheritance, challenging the gothic trope of doomed bloodlines. By exposing the real antagonist and absolving Janet, the film lands as a commentary on fear, suggestion, and the burden of family legacy.

Why Cult

Gothic Manor Mystery

The film unfolds in a sprawling English manor layered with secret entrances, hidden rooms, and a shadow of superstition.

Female Hyde Legacy

Janet confronts her possible inheritance of Dr. Jekyll’s monstrous alter ego, giving the classic tale a gender twist.

Ulmer Direction

Cult favorite Edgar G. Ulmer directs, bringing his off-kilter style to this blend of horror, fantasy, and melodrama.

Period Gothic Flair

Set in the 1910s, the film is thick with period costumes, eerie candlelight, and a theremin-heavy score.

Threat File

Trigger

Janet’s 21st birthday and her discovery of her parentage

Threat

Possible inherited split personality and murderous urges

Effect

Janet fears she may become a ruthless killer like her father

Setting

English manor and estate

Cast & Crew

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Director: Edgar G. Ulmer Writer: Jack Pollexfen
John Agar John Agar George Hastings Gloria Talbott Gloria Talbott Janet Smith Arthur Shields Arthur Shields Dr. Lomas John Dierkes John Dierkes Jacob MM Mollie McCard Maid Maggie Martha Wentworth Martha Wentworth Mrs. Merchant Marjorie Stapp Marjorie Stapp Woman Getting Dressed RG Reita Green Young Woman MP Marel Page Young Man Ken Terrell Ken Terrell

Scene Gallery

Trailers & Clips

Questions from the Vault

What is Daughter of Dr. Jekyll about? +

Daughter of Dr. Jekyll is a 1957 American fantasy horror film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer about a young woman who discovers she is the daughter of the infamous Dr. Jekyll and begins to fear she may share his deadly split personality.

When was Daughter of Dr. Jekyll released? +

Daughter of Dr. Jekyll was released in 1957.

Who directed Daughter of Dr. Jekyll? +

Edgar G. Ulmer directed Daughter of Dr. Jekyll.

How long is Daughter of Dr. Jekyll? +

Daughter of Dr. Jekyll has a runtime of 71 minutes.

What genre is Daughter of Dr. Jekyll? +

Daughter of Dr. Jekyll is a fantasy horror film.

How does Janet discover her connection to Dr. Jekyll? +

Janet learns about her infamous parentage from Dr. Lomas, her guardian, during her visit to the manor upon her 21st birthday.

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