Rent Murder by Decree (1979)
3.5 of 5 from 91 ratings
1h 58min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- London 1889 - When Scotland Yard fails to stop the gruesome rampage of Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer) and his trusted associate Dr. Watson (James Mason) decide to investigate. Undeterred by the police withholding crucial information, the duo begin a dangerous adventure through London's underworld, finding themselves at the door of psychic Robert Lees (Donald Sutherland) who helps to set them on the right path. But even if Holmes' remarkable powers of deduction can unmask the maniacal fiend, can he and Watson face the most shocking secret of all?
- Actors:
- Christopher Plummer, James Mason, David Hemmings, Susan Clark, Anthony Quayle, John Gielgud, Frank Finlay, Donald Sutherland, Geneviève Bujold, Chris Wiggins, Tedde Moore, Peter Jonfield, Roy Lansford, Catherine Kessler, Ron Pember, June Brown, Ken Jones, Terry Duggan, Hilary Sesta, Anthony May
- Directors:
- Bob Clark
- Producers:
- Bob Clark, René Dupont, Robert A. Goldston
- Writers:
- Arthur Conan Doyle, John Hopkins
- Studio:
- Momentum Pictures
- Genres:
- Classics, Drama, Thrillers
- Collections:
- A History of British Queens in Film, Drama Films & TV, Getting to Know: James Mason, Historical British Prime Ministers On Screen, The Best of Sherlock Holmes, Top 10 Films and Shows About British Princes, Top 10 Films of 1979, Top Film and TV Detectives: Guide to Screen Sleuth
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 28/06/2021
- Run Time:
- 124 minutes
- Languages:
- English LPCM Mono
- Subtitles:
- English Hard of Hearing
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Widescreen 1.85:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- BLU-RAY Regions:
- B
- Bonus:
- Audio Commentary with film journalist Kim Newman and crime fiction historian Barry Forshaw
- Interview with film journalist Kim Newman
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Reviews (2) of Murder by Decree
Murder By Decree has Dark and Light Story-Line - Murder by Decree review by RR
Murder By Decree is a warm, and by contrast has violent content connected with the searching of a Mother and Baby.
This is understated.
Although some of the content is appalling there are some great moments and an excellent cast which contribute to a Light and Dark story-line.
I have to confess my favourite bit is when Sherlock is summoned to government chamber with the Home Secretary, and Prime Minister and the Commissioner of police being chastised BY Sherlock and the conversations that run through is nothing short of Magnificent.
The is a well thought out Film and entirely absorbing.
Any Sherlock Holmes Fan should be satisfied with this. Enjoy !!!
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A Masterclass - Murder by Decree review by John's List
Murder by Decree is not just another Sherlock Holmes film it is for me possible one of the best Holmes films there is, now there have been several such telling's of this tale and although good they are missing something which this film has in abundance, and that is a story to tell.
This film takes the story of a Princes indiscretion and wraps it up into the lore of jack the Ripper and Government cover up in such a way that it is hard not to think of them both being one.
Christopher Plummer plays a impassioned Holmes which is beautifully counter-balanced by James Mason as Dr. Watson, for me this teaming of Plummer and Mason makes for the best Holmes and Watson you will see.
The supporting cast is also well placed with the likes of David Hemmings, Anthony Quayle,Donald Sutherland,Geneviève Bujold and Frank Finlay and Sir John Gielgud as the Prime Minister.
For me to go into any depth on this movie would dilute you'r future enjoyment of this film.
This is one of those gems that seems to be forgotten today where films rely on special effect and gore to tell a tall, this film rely's on a good script and some very fine acting for that, and that alone should be enough for it to be watch time and time again.
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