The Ugly Duckling (1959) in Color — Starring Bernard Bresslaw & Jon Pertwee

The Ugly Duckling (1959) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover The Ugly Duckling, the 1959 British comedy directed by Lance Comfort and starring Bernard Bresslaw and Jon Pertwee, now available as a professionally colorized version. This hilarious take on the Jekyll and Hyde story follows Henry Jekyll, a bumbling and awkward buffoon who discovers a medical formula that transforms him into the suave and sophisticated Teddy Hyde. Bernard Bresslaw delivers a brilliant dual performance as both the timid Henry and his confident alter ego, while Jon Pertwee co-stars in this charming comedy of transformation and self-discovery. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Henry Jekyll has always been the outsider, a bungling and awkward buffoon relegated to waiting for his invitation to participate in life that never arrived. He works as a humble assistant in a medical laboratory, invisible to his colleagues and unnoticed by everyone around him. His life changes dramatically when he discovers a medical formula developed by his late uncle, which claimed to turn “a man of timid disposition into a bold, fearless dragon.” Desperate to escape his life of invisibility and rejection, Henry decides to try the formula.

Taking a draught of the elixir, Henry is transformed into Teddy Hyde, a suave, sophisticated, and highly desirable man who exudes confidence and charm. Armed with his new persona, Teddy is ready to face the world and make his mark. He quickly becomes the toast of society, charming everyone he meets and attracting the attention of women who previously wouldn’t have given Henry a second glance. But as Teddy’s popularity grows, Henry struggles to maintain control over his transformation and the consequences of his new dual life.

The film follows Henry’s attempts to balance his two identities, with Teddy taking over at increasingly inconvenient moments. His family and colleagues are confused by his sudden personality changes, and Henry finds himself in a series of comic situations as he tries to keep his secret while managing the complications that arise from Teddy’s bold actions. The story builds to a climax as Henry must confront the reality of his situation and decide who he really wants to be — the timid but kind Henry or the confident but reckless Teddy. Through the comedy, the film offers a gentle exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and the idea that true confidence comes from within rather than from any magical formula.

Cast & Crew

Director: Lance Comfort

Stars: Bernard Bresslaw, Jon Pertwee, Reginald Beckwith, Maudie Edwards, Richard Wattis, Elwyn Brook-Jones, Michael Ripper, David Lodge, Keith Smith, Michael Ward

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The Ugly Duckling was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the contrast between Henry’s drab, colorless existence and Teddy’s vibrant social life. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the drab laboratory where Henry works to the glamorous parties and social gatherings where Teddy makes his mark. The colorized version reveals new visual richness in the transformation sequences, where the shift from Henry’s muted world to Teddy’s colorful existence becomes even more striking. Bernard Bresslaw’s dual performance gains additional dimension in color, his ability to convey two distinct personalities through posture, expression, and movement enhanced by the visual detail that color brings. The 1950s British settings — the offices, the pubs, the social venues — gain period authenticity that transports viewers to a specific moment in British post-war society. Now also available in colour.

Buy The Ugly Duckling in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1959, The Ugly Duckling is a comedic twist on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” reimagining the dark tale of duality as a light-hearted comedy of social transformation. The film reflects the British film industry’s post-war tendency to adapt classic literary works into popular entertainment, making them accessible to mass audiences while retaining the core themes. By turning the horror of Stevenson’s original into comedy, the film speaks to the post-war British desire for entertainment that acknowledged life’s complexities without dwelling on darkness.

Bernard Bresslaw, a towering figure at 6 feet 7 inches, was known for his comic performances in the Carry On films and British comedies of the 1950s and 1960s. His dual performance as Henry and Teddy showcases his remarkable range as a comic actor, his physical comedy skills allowing him to create two distinct characters through posture, movement, and expression. Jon Pertwee, who would later become famous as the Third Doctor in “Doctor Who,” brings his characteristic charm and energy to the supporting role. Director Lance Comfort, who had been making films since the 1930s, brought experience and craftsmanship to this production, balancing the comedy with genuine warmth for Henry’s character.

The film’s title, referencing Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling,” suggests a theme of transformation and self-discovery that runs beneath the comedy. Unlike the fairy tale’s swan, Henry’s transformation is artificial and temporary, raising questions about authenticity and self-acceptance that add depth to the comic surface. Through modern colorization, this charming British comedy reaches new audiences who can appreciate its gentle humor, Bresslaw’s remarkable performance, and its playful engagement with literary tradition.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 84 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is The Ugly Duckling based on the Jekyll and Hyde story?
A: Yes, the film is a comedic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” reimagining the dark tale of duality as a light-hearted comedy about a timid man who transforms into a confident alter ego.

Q: Who plays the dual role in The Ugly Duckling?
A: Bernard Bresslaw delivers a brilliant dual performance as both Henry Jekyll, the timid outsider, and Teddy Hyde, his confident and sophisticated alter ego. Bresslaw’s physical comedy skills allow him to create two distinct characters through posture, movement, and expression.

Q: Is The Ugly Duckling related to the fairy tale?
A: The film’s title references Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling,” suggesting a theme of transformation and self-discovery. However, the story is a comedic take on Jekyll and Hyde rather than a direct adaptation of the fairy tale.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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• Too Many Crooks (1959)
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