Although never used in the production for the version of the film that came to fruition, this original life cast was produced by legendary Hollywood make-up artist Dick Smith in the late 60s. It reflects Jason Robards in preproduction test make-up for a television movie adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. After a strike halted the initial production and Robards was no longer available, the movie of the same name was eventually made with Jack Palance instead of Robards. Smith applied the star’s make-up for the telefilm.
Dick Smith is known as the “Godfather of Make-up” because of his remarkably successful career, which includes credits for The Godfather Part I and II. He is also responsible for the make-up artistry of 3 other Academy Award Best Pictures winners including Amadeus, a film for which he won an Oscar himself (Best Make-up). In addition, Smith left audiences with unforgettable imagery from his work on Taxi Driver and The Exorcist. His protégé, prominent make-up artist Rick Baker, presented Smith with an Honorary Oscar at the 2011 Academy Awards.
Dick Smith painted the face and applied the acrylic (or glass?) eyes himself. The excess compound seen around the eyes of the Mr. Hyde life cast can easily be removed, but has been preserved to remain like the condition it was when Smith last handled it. Overall the life cast is in great condition.
