Murder by Decree (1979) Reviews

Murder by Decree (1979)
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The murders by the infamous British criminal, Jack the Ripper, catch the attention of Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer), but he does not receive the expected call from Scotland Yard because he is being purposefully excluded from the investigation. Instead, Robert Lees (Donald Sutherland), a psychic who volunteered information to the police about the murders, provides the Great Detective with the necessary incitement to action. As the murders proceed, it becomes clear to all concerned that it is more important to stop them than to announce their solution, and Holmes enters the fray with the help of his trusty aide, Dr. Watson (James Mason). The former mistress of a "prominent personage," Annie Crook (Genevieve Bujold), provides crucial information leading to a final confrontation on London's docks. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Starring:
Christopher Plummer, James Mason, (more)
Director(s):
Bob Clark
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(23 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Gary G.

I have been fascinated by the various stories surrounding Jack the Ripper for many years. Murder by Decree is a faithful adaptation of the most prominent theory about this killer; the cover-up itself is equal to that of JFK's assasination. Although Sherlock Holmes was not in any way a part of the investigation, still Christopher Plummer adds a depth to the Holmes character that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud of. I highly recommend this movie as it blends the mystery of the Ripper with the cunning deductive reasoning of Holmes. Holmes and Dr. Watson (very well protrayed by James Mason) are also wonderfully matched. If you like movies of this genre, I also highly recommend From Hell starring Johnny Depp.

Yes   |   No


Sue T.

Good film with a great cast. The plot is interesting. Unfortunately, this movie does not have any of the mystery or excitiment the the Sherlock Holmes movies that made with Basil Rathbone, or the TV series with Jeremy Brent. I was somewhat disappointed. However, it was a nice pass time for a rainy afternoon.

Yes   |   No


Allen S.

Slowly paced. A great cast wasted, it becomes a set and costume ball. The court scene at the end seems longer than the one in "Judgment at Nuremberg."

Yes   |   No


Gary G.

Started off in that slow but quaint British way, then ground to a halt. I watched the whole thing, but that second hour seemed interminable. If you love Holmes, it's OK, but not great by any means.

Yes   |   No


TONY B.

This movie was entertaining for a story and picture that has been made several times. The acting was good and the plot had you guessing all the time.

Yes   |   No


Melda S.

Murder By Decree was long and boring

Yes   |   No


Michael S.

i enjoy the older movies so much. The movie was well done and a nice surprise ending. Very good.

Yes   |   No


DUANE K.

this movie puts the current Holmes movie to shame. This is an incredible film that not only ties in the style that made Rathbone so famous, but also shows a probable answer to the mystery itself. Incredible!

Yes   |   No


Margaret D.

Best Sherlock Holmes movie ever. Wonderfully entertaining due to its fabulous cast, one fine English (or Canadian) actor after another: John Gielgud, Anthony Quayle, David Hemmings, Genevieve Bujold, Susan Clark, Donald Sutherland, and finally Christopher Plummer and James Mason at the top of their games, whose chemistry is super. Plummer has never been more handsome and dashing - and I don't care if traditionally Holmes is supposed to be cold and aloof, Plummer's passionate version is terrific. The priceless scene between Holmes and Watson (Mason) where Watson is trying to eat a pea is one of the greatest movie moments I've seen (seriously!) These actors operate in a finely rendered, atmospheric recreation of Victorian London. The tragic events are treated seriously, while the human interactions include plenty of humor along with the pathos. My favorite film to curl up with on a dark and stormy night.

Yes   |   No


David H.

Fans of the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes should like this. Christopher Plummer and James Mason give us a Holmes and Watson that are action oriented and Watson is partner, not comic relief. The twist on the Jack the Ripper legend is also well done. Saw no real reason for the psychic (Donald Sutherland) though.. All in all for a 30 year old movie..a diamond in the rough.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (23)
     
    Gary G.

    I have been fascinated by the various stories surrounding Jack the Ripper for many years. Murder by Decree is a faithful adaptation of the most prominent theory about this killer; the cover-up itself is equal to that of JFK's assasination. Although Sherlock Holmes was not in any way a part of the investigation, still Christopher Plummer adds a depth to the Holmes character that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud of. I highly recommend this movie as it blends the mystery of the Ripper with the cunning deductive reasoning of Holmes. Holmes and Dr. Watson (very well protrayed by James Mason) are also wonderfully matched. If you like movies of this genre, I also highly recommend From Hell starring Johnny Depp.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Sue T.

    Good film with a great cast. The plot is interesting. Unfortunately, this movie does not have any of the mystery or excitiment the the Sherlock Holmes movies that made with Basil Rathbone, or the TV series with Jeremy Brent. I was somewhat disappointed. However, it was a nice pass time for a rainy afternoon.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Allen S.

    Slowly paced. A great cast wasted, it becomes a set and costume ball. The court scene at the end seems longer than the one in "Judgment at Nuremberg."

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 23 Reviews
       

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