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Murder by Decree (1979)

 -  Crime | Drama | Horror  -  9 February 1979 (USA)
7.0
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Ratings: 7.0/10 from 2,419 users  
Reviews: 78 user | 48 critic

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

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(characters), (screenplay), 2 more credits »
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Title: Murder by Decree (1979)

Murder by Decree (1979) on IMDb 7/10

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Chris Wiggins ...
Doctor Hardy
...
Mrs. Lees (as Teddi Moore)
Peter Jonfield ...
William Slade
Roy Lansford ...
Sir Thomas Spivey
Catherine Kessler ...
Carrie
Ron Pember ...
Makins
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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. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

The Jack the Ripper Murders. Sherlock Holmes lifts the veil of secrecy, corruption and terror at the heart of the throne of England itself. Clue by clue... Murder by murder... See more »


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

9 February 1979 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Sherlock Holmes and Saucy Jack  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 5,000,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The lavish funeral given Catherine Eddowes in 'Murder by Decree' seems to contradict the extreme poverty in which she lived. The cathedral is filled and a long procession of mourners files in to the services. Bagpipers in uniform play and a very expensive hearse is seen covered with flowers. Although neither Eddowes nor John Kelly, her common-law husband of seven years, had any resources, the funeral expenses were paid by Mr. G. Hawke, an undertaker, for reasons that are not clear. See more »

Goofs

The Jack the Ripper murders took place in 1888, and yet we can see Tower Bridge which was not opened before 1894. See more »

Quotes

Sir Charles Warren: [Angrily] Don't play games with me, Holmes! You're running with the foxes, and you know their colors well!
See more »


Soundtracks

"Abide With Me"
(uncredited)
Written by William H. Monk
Arranged by Edrich Siebert
KPM Music Ltd
See more »

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User Reviews

The Plummer-Mason double-act is on top form
22 April 2005 | by (England) – See all my reviews

Sherlock Holmes has been played by numerous actors, the great Basil Rathbone being the best in my humble opinion, but Christopher Plummer does a fine job in this offering. There is just the right amount of sarcastic wit in his chats with Watson. James Mason is the highlight of the movie, his portrayal of Holmes' sidekick nicely judged and at times very funny. This film is so good as a result of its main cast, all of whom are talented actors. The director manages to create a chilling atmosphere at times, whilst the style of the film is nicely British. Murder by Decree demonstrates how the Brits can hold their own in a world of Hollywood domination. Its worth a look any day.


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