Murder by Decree
3.5
Crime
Mystery
Thriller
1979
124 min
PG
Sherlock Holmes is drawn into the case of Jack the Ripper, who is killing prostitutes in London's East End. Assisted by Dr. Watson, and using information provided by a renowned psychic, Robert Lees, Holmes finds that the murders may have their roots in a Royal indiscretion and that a cover-up is being managed by politicians at the highest level, all of whom happen to be Masons.
Starring:
Crime
Thriller
Mystery
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"This is a non-canonical, Victorian Era Holmes story but it’s plot and structure is heavily influenced by the 1970s paranoid thrillers. The central conspiracy, involving the free masons, anti-government radicals and Jack the Ripper, doesn’t fully work but the performances and the atmosphere make it worth a watch.
Christopher Plummer and James Mason bring some real charisma and star power to Holmes and Watson here. Plummer plays Holmes with a warmth, empathy and emotionality that isn’t present in the source text or other adaptations. This makes him more of participant in the mystery, a la the 70s conspiracy film lead, than the cold, analytical detective. Susan Clark, David Hemmings and Donald Sutherland all stand out among a strong supporting cast.
Director Bob Clark, whose eclectic credits include A Christmas Story, Porky’s, the proto-slasher Black Christmas and Baby Geniuses, does a credible job recreating the era and giving the story a strong sense of dread.
3.5 out of 5 Stars"
R
Ryan
