Murder by Decree

Director Bob Clark has had a varied career--his résumé includes such dross as Porky's and Baby Geniuses as well as the hit A Christmas Story--but his first big break came in 1979 with this Sherlock Holmes-Meets-Jack-the-Ripper tale originally titled Sherlock Holmes and Saucy Jack (not to be confused with the 1966 A Study in Terror, which also pitted the detective against the Ripper). Written by John Hopkins, Murder by Decree basically follows Stephen Knight's 1976 conspiracy theory about the murders--an approach that would also be used, with some variation, in the miniseries Jack the Ripper (1988) with Michael Caine, and in the recent Johnny Depp movie From Hell. The strength of this version lies in its handsome physical production, evocative photography (nicely presented in this excellent widescreen transfer), and a starry cast, headed by Christopher Plummer as a more emotional Holmes, James Mason as a wonderful Watson, and strong supporting turns by David Hemmings, Anthony Quayle, Donald Sutherland, and Sir John Gielgud. On the minus side, the pace of the picture is very stately, suggesting that the makers were doubtful about viewers' ability to grasp the convolutions of the plot. Aside from the usual "extras" of a theatrical trailer, poster/stills galleries, and talent bios, Clark's commentary track isn't terribly enlightening, but a DVD-ROM accessible screenplay is a nice addition. Optional. (F. Swietek)