Rent Murder by Decree (1979)

Great Sherlock Holmes Film - Murder by Decree review by GI

This is a wonderful Sherlock Holmes film and with the great and versatile Christopher Plummer playing the famous fictional detective just as he is depicted in the books. Here he is pitted against Jack the Ripper combining some history and mythology with pure fiction and it works extremely well making for a thoroughly enjoyable film. The reconstruction and imagery of a foggy Victoria London sets the film up towards a horror style narrative but director Bob Clark skimps over the gore of the Ripper murders and gives us an intriguing crime thriller instead where Holmes and Watson (James Mason - excellent casting) uncover a conspiracy behind the murders that goes to the heart of the British establishment. Several books in the 70s and 80s advanced a theory of a freemason plot involving the Crown and Government and this narrative takes elements of those in the story for this film. Admittedly the clues to who is behind the crimes are rely on Holmes telling us, the audience, but the script is rather clever and keeps you hooked in. The casting is inspired: John Gielgud, Anthony Quayle, Donald Sutherland, Frank Finlay, David Hemmings and Genevieve Bujold all give brilliant performances in a quite moving and interesting story. This is one of my favourite Sherlock Holmes films and if you are a fan of the popular TV series then give this a try it's remarkably good.

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 !!!

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.