Murder By Decree

This new release of one of the best period crime thrillers ever made (merging Jack The Ripper with Sherlock Holmes) is one hell of a missed opportunity!

Made in 1979 and boasting a world-class cast including Christopher Plummer, James Mason, David Hemmings, Donald Sutherland, Geneviéve Bujold, John Gielgud, Frank Finlay and Anthony Quayle, Murder By Decree fuses Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional character of Sherlock Holmes with real-life Victorian serial butcher Jack The Ripper.

The plot concerns one of the many ‘who was Jack The Ripper’ theories that keep the minds of criminologists ticking to this day. In this case (or movie, rather), the finger is pointed at the Duke Of Clarence (Prince Albert Victor) and various members of Parliament (all dabbling in Freemasonry). Although that theory has been going for many years, director Clark thought it wise to write the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes into the script, to avoid the wrath (and possible lawsuit) of the Royal family (and ensure his head doesn’t get chopped off in the Tower of London). Nonetheless, the Royal family was incensed upon the films initial release, for it re-opened speculation about ‘Prince Eddy’ and his possible connection with the Ripper murders.

However, thanks to the controversy the movie proved to be a smash hit at the box office and it’s obvious to see why: C. Plummer as Sherlock Holmes and James Mason as his sidekick Dr. Watson are simply superb, as is Donald Sutherland as medium Robert Lees and all the rest of the cast.
In parts, the film is surprisingly graphic despite its 12 Cert, and as for the locations; several key scenes were filmed around London’s Clink Wharf area – adding to the eerie and menacing atmosphere.

In short, Murder By Decree is as thrilling and entertaining now as it was then, therefore it seems a real shame that this new release hasn’t been digitally restored and above all, that is misses any bonus material. How about some ‘Featurettes’ including ‘Jack The Ripper in film and literature’ or ‘What was the real Victorian East End like?’, or why the character of Sherlock Holmes continues to inspire directors and screenwriters… The possibilities are endless.

At £15.99 retail price, this DVD release almost seems a cut too deep!