Directed by:
Christopher LewisScreenplay:
Bill GrovesCinematography:
Paul MacFarlaneComposer:
Rod SlanePlots(1)
One of the most feared figures in all of history, the elusive Jack the Ripper prowled the streets of Whitechapel in London, England in the 1880s, murdering and eviscerating a number of women before disappearing back into the shadows… until now. A century on from these gruesome crimes, a professor at a Midwestern college, teaching a course on famous crimes depicted on film, happens across an old ring at an antique store, which bears an uncanny resemblance to one believed to have been worn by Jack the Ripper himself. No sooner has the professor started wearing the ring than he finds his dreams assailed by visions of women being gruesomely disemboweled. When grisly real-life murders start taking place in the local area bearing the hallmarks of the murderer of Whitechapel, could it be that a Jack the Ripper copycat is on the loose, or is something even stranger afoot? (Degausser Video)
(more)Reviews (1)
Richard Harwell teaches a seminar at the University on the greatest murderers in history and their portrayal in films and the first is the famous Jack the Ripper. When he spots his ring in an antique shop, he tries to get it. Through it, he has terrifying dreams, nightmares, and the next day discovers that the dream murders really happened. But Richard doesn't go out anywhere, and so the killer becomes a mystery. The manner of his murders gives him the name of the infamous Ripper. And honestly, the murders are the best part of the whole movie. Although Tom Savini is not credited in connection with them, I have no doubt that he had a major part. The best part is the opening set in the 19th century, then the film catches a fluctuating pace. Shortening it would have definitely benefited all those overused scenes. The visuals are nice, making use of Dario Argento’s favourite colours: red, blue and yellow. Richard and his girlfriend watch Lewis' Blood Cult from the same year on TV. Probably mainly appreciated today by die-hard fans and collectors.
()