With the release of SHERLOCK HOLMES starring Robert Downey the world has once again discovered the penultimate sleuth. So what better time than now to go back and pull forth from the archives every Sherlock Holmes film ever made? The classics starring Basil Rathbone have been dusted off as well as the first competition between Holmes and Jack the ripper, STUDY IN TERROR. But perhaps one of the best films made about Holmes has been MURDER BY DECREE.
In a set up is simple: Sherlock Holmes investigates the murders committed by Jack the Ripper. But the story delves more deeply than most would dare and results in a tale more terrifying in its implications than the usual fare. Rather than a simple brush off that pits the most famous detective against a serial killer, we find that there was a possible story behind the murders.
Jack the Ripper is terrifying the streets of London with his gruesome murderous ways, killing prostitutes in the streets and alleys of the East End. At the same time, Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer) is at odds, trying to find something to pique his interest while between cases. After a night at the theater, Holmes’ companion Dr. Watson (James Mason) suggests he use his abilities to find the killer. But this is not to be until Holmes abilities are called upon.
With each miniscule clue that Holmes finds, he discovers that this is not the work of a simple minded brute out to murder for no reason. The skill with which the women are eviscerated shows the work of a surgeon as opposed to a dock worker.
And other clues lead Holmes to discover that there may be ties to a secret organization that fears it may be discovered roaming the halls of government. The problem lies in Holmes finding the right clues and putting them together, finding the right people involved so that he can solve the riddle before more women die on the streets of the East End.
I know this isn’t much in the way of describing what it is that Holmes finds or how he goes about discovering one clue after another. But to do so would remove all enjoyment that any viewer would get from this film, not just offering a spoiler but to give away the clues that would be used at the films end when Holmes sums up the tale before some of the most powerful men in England at the time.
Instead know that when you see this film you are witness to several craftsmen at the top of their game, making one of the best detective stories ever filmed. First off is Plummer, best known for his performance in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, but who shines here as Holmes. While watching him at work here you almost forget the collection of Basil Rathbone films that were held up as the epitome of Holmes movies. Plummer shows Holmes with a tough of wit, a bucket of indignation and the compassion that is rarely offered with the character.
We are also allowed to see the genius that was Bob Clark. Clark made a number of films in various genres but never seems to get much recognition. Like director John Badham (who made SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, SHORT CIRCUIT, DRACULA, BLUE THUNDER, WAR GAMES and STAKEOUT), Clark was a director who was never pigeonholed and who gave his all for every film he worked on.
Starting with three classic horror films (CHILDREN SHOULDN’T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS, DEAD OF NIGHT and BLACK CHRISTMAS) Clark went on to make this film as well as the drama TRIBUTE, the PORKY’S comedies and one of the most watched films ever, A CHRISTMAS STORY. It’s a shame that he passed away this last year before being recognized for his work.
Clark takes what could have been a routine mystery and turns it on its ear by giving a depth to the tale of Jack the Ripper that few films have. This was in part due to new research into the tale at the time (the film came out in 1979) but it would have been easy to dismiss it all and go for the easy path. Instead Clark offers a new look at the possibility of who Jack was or was a part of. And in so doing, we are presented with a mystery that exceeds most expectations.
I have little doubt that the new SHERLOCK HOLMES film will be a treat. And the classic films that featured Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce will always be fantastic. But for fans of Holmes, don’t make the mistake of missing this one.
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