Travis Simpkins: Jack the Ripper

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Murder by Decree (1979): Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper and Freemasonry

Directed by Bob Clark, based on a book by Stephen Knight, Murder by Decree (1979) finds Sherlock Holmes rushing to solve the brutal Jack the Ripper murders. The plot points at the Royal Family and the Freemasons as suspects, a scenario that would be revisited in later Jack the Ripper films. At several points, Sherlock Holmes displays knowledge of the secret signs and handshakes of Freemasonry. At this point, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's characters had entered the public domain, and new stories had sprung forth using them. Christopher Plummer presents an empathetic Sherlock Holmes, a departure from previous portrayals. James Mason plays Dr. Watson as a level headed man with a valuable skill set, also a departure from past bumbling depictions. The supporting cast is great as well, including Donald Sutherland, John Gielgud, Susan Clark and David Hemmings.

Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Jack the Ripper: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Donald Sutherland: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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Sherlock Homes and Freemasonry: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

Christopher Plummer and James Mason: Murder by Decree. Sherlock Holmes. Jack the Ripper

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"Murder by Decree"- movie trailer

Sunday, November 22, 2015

From Hell (2001): Jack the Ripper, Johnny Depp and Freemasonry

Directed by the Hughes brothers, From Hell (2001) is a stylish film adaptation of the comic book series of the same name, about the 1888 Jack the Ripper murders. A departure from the Hughes brothers' usual modern stomping ground, the team handles the 100+ year old setting surprisingly well. Much like in the Sherlock Holmes film, Murder by Decree, the story places the investigative focus of the Ripper slayings on Masonic symbols and rituals carried out by a loyal Freemason… who is supposed to have killed unfortunates in an effort to quiet a scandal that threatened the British Monarchy. It is a far-fetched notion, but one that has proven to be an entertaining and effective cinematic plot element. The truly astounding elements of From Hell, however, reside in the atmosphere, sets and cinematography created by the Art Department. They have recreated 1880's Victorian-era White Chapel District London in all it's grittiness, dirt and debauchery. It is an astounding achievement in set design and feel. The cast is excellent, including the always-great Johnny Depp, Heather Graham and Ian Holm.