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 & 4 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:

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

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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...

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Horror | 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:

Southwark, 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

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.

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Goofs

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

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Featured in Cinemania: Oi pio diavoitoi dolofonoi: Alithines istories! (2009)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

The Plummer-Mason double-act is on top form

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.