For the record, I am an unabashed ‘fan’ of the mystery surrounding the Whitechapel Murders involving the infamous, still unidentified “Jack The Ripper.” Well saying ‘fan’ may be a bit of a stretch. I have read several novels and short stories (including the fantastic Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper, written by Robert Bloch in 1943). In fact, a seminal childhood memories is of my grammar school friend reading this story to me over the phone one Friday afternoon. This was probably the moment which sparked my “Jack the Ripper” interest.
More recently on a trip to London, me and my friends stopped by the Sherlock Holmes Museum and among other forms of kitsch and paraphernalia, there was a sweet collection of bits related to the crimes committed in 1888.
This fascination goes beyond the printed page and jumps on to the silver screen. Among my favorite ‘Ripper-themed’ films are:
- The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1923) dir by Hitchcock
- The Lodger (1944) starring George Sanders and Merle Oberon
- Man in the Attic (1953) starring Jack Palance
- Time After Time (1979) starring Malcolm McDowell, David Warner and Mary Steenburgen
- From Hell (2001) based on the Alan Moore graphic novel and directed by the Hughes Brothers. Starring Johnny Depp, Heather Graham and Ian Holm
So you are probably wondering where this all leading. While watching Law and Order: UK as I do on Wednesday evenings, there was a preview for a ‘new’ series coming to BBC America. It is called Whitechapel and it is premiering here in the States on October 26th.
The plot is pretty basic – in modern day London, there is a killer on the loose whose M.O. mirrors that of the Victorian-era serial murderer. Here are the opening credits.
So what do you think? Is this something that you are interesting in watching this?
Ja Dawson says
October 13, 2011 at 10:20 amAnd don’t forget the “Jack the Ripper” inspired episode on the original Star Trek series. 😉
iluvcinema says
October 13, 2011 at 2:01 pmYup, missed that one from the list! Thanks! 🙂
YVette says
October 14, 2011 at 1:28 pm…and the supposed ‘solving’ of the case by Patricia Cornwell. And also MURDER BY DECREE which pitted Sherlock Holmes against Jack.
I always thought Cornwell made a good case for that artist being IT. But I’m not all that intrigued by the whole Jack the Ripper thing – haven’t seen any of the films except MURDER BY DECREE in which I surely did not like Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Holmes.
I must say the actors in this promo don’t look especially interesting.
But maybe that’s just me.
iluvcinema says
October 14, 2011 at 2:07 pmI never saw Murder by Decree but in my ‘research’ I was like oh yeah, another one 🙂
I watched that Cromwell thing on Nat Geo last year (I think – memory spoils with old age). It was interesting enough.
Jack Deth says
October 14, 2011 at 3:03 pmHi, iluv and company:
Jack The Ripper has intrigued me off and on for decades. Particularly enjoyed Slade’s take on a modern day Jack with their novel, Ripper from that time in the 1980s you mentioned.
Murder By Decree is a close to essential viewing as one could find. Superb cast headed by Christopher Plummer as Holmes and James Mason as Watson. Very well researched story with a plethora of clues, suspects and Red Herrings.
I caught the teaser for Whitechapel and for a moment thought that Idris Elba’s Luther would be in charge of the investigation. More’s the pity. Though the assigned cast looks more than up for the job.
Definitely will keep my eyes open for it!
iluvcinema says
October 14, 2011 at 5:46 pmJack
Wednesday night drama on BBCA really takes the cake. Luther is awesome. Can you imagine him going after the likes of the Ripper?
iluvcinema says
October 24, 2011 at 11:43 amJust saw this from Fathom Events!
http://www.fathomevents.com/originals/event/thrillerthursdays_2.aspx?utm_source=Fandango&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JackTheRipper&wss=fanmail&type=Standalone&mailing=10.24.11%20Jack%20the%20Ripper%20Standalone