Murder by Decree (1979)

Sherlock Holmes investigates the murders commited by Jack the Ripper and discovers a conspiracy to protect the killer.

Director:

Bob Clark

Writers:

Arthur Conan Doyle (characters), John Hopkins (screenplay)

Stars:

Christopher Plummer, James Mason, David Hemmings

5 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Plummer	...	Sherlock Holmes
James Mason	...	Dr. John H. Watson
David Hemmings	...	Inspector Foxborough
Susan Clark	...	Mary Kelly
Anthony Quayle	...	Sir Charles Warren
John Gielgud	...	Prime Minister Lord Salisbury
Frank Finlay	...	Inspector Lestrade
Donald Sutherland	...	Robert Lees
Geneviève Bujold	...	Annie Crook
Chris Wiggins	...	Doctor Hardy
Tedde Moore	...	Mrs. Lees (as Teddi Moore)
Peter Jonfield	...	William Slade
Roy Lansford	...	Sir Thomas Spivey
Catherine Kessler	...	Carrie
Ron Pember	...	Makins

Storyline

Sherlock Holmes investigates London's most infamous case, Jack the Ripper. As he investigates, he finds that the Ripper has friends in high places.

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Plot Keywords:

jack the ripper | sherlock holmes | murder | psychic | prostitute | 

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Taglines:

Can the genius of Sherlock Holmes stop the terror of Jack the Ripper?

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Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 February 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Sherlock Holmes and Saucy Jack

Filming Locations:

Greenwich, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC), Famous Players, Highlight

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Bob Clark, the budget was less than $4 million.

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Goofs

Near the end of the movie Sherlock Holmes is in a Hansom cab going over Westminster Bridge. There is scaffolding on one of the Houses of Parliament towers and a modern yellow line (indicating parking restrictions) painted by the kerb.

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Quotes

Sherlock Holmes: We've unmasked madmen, Watson, wielding scepters. Reason run riot. Justice howling at the moon.

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Connections

References A Study in Terror (1965)

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Soundtracks

Preludio
(uncredited)
from "Partita für Violine solo Nr.3 E-Dur BWV.1006"
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Arranged by Paul Zaza and Carl Zittrer
Played by Holmes on violin

User Reviews

"There is still decency." A marvellous film.

This is a remarkable little movie that has never reached classic status for some reason. Aside from an incredible cast, all of whom suit the dignified proceedings admirably, there are two other stars who lift this film above the level of an excellent thriller. One is the production design. The old Hollywood style of foggy streets and dark alleys, with sinister cabs skulking along, is the stuff nightmares are made of. The East End is horrible, a hell on earth. The other unsung hero is the music. A beautiful soundtrack which ranges from chilling strings and harps to the charming end music. Christopher Plummer is fabulous as Holmes, heroic and ingenious but with a strong sympathy which no other actor in the role apart from Jeremy Brett has captured. His scenes with Mason are a joy; the pair really work together, complete with catchphrases and a mutual respect. Donald Sutherland is also captivating as Robert Lees...his eyes are those of a man living in helpless terror. The film's finest moment is the scene between Holmes and Annie Crook. Genevieve Bujould is heartbreaking in the role,a perfect piece of casting despite her accent, and Holmes' reaction to her plight is deeply moving. Make no mistake, the theory of the Ripper murders is barmy, but wonderful entertainment. It does slander Sir Charles Warren and Lord Salisbury unbelievably; Anthony Quayle puts in a gloriously over the top turn in repulsive corruption. There is an interesting subtext to the film as well, namely the fight between decency and corruption. Annie's innocence and goodness is uncorrupted even by her plight, and the decency of Mary Kelly is a ghost that hangs over the last half an hour. The end credits are beautiful, with gorgeous theatrical and old-fashioned cast and credits, such as "Frank Finlay was Inspector Lestrade." There is decency in the most unlikely of places, and Holmes and Watson are the solid rocks while around them people sink and swim in the chaos. A moving, brilliantly realised and frightening film.