The attraction of marrying the Jack the Ripper mystery to Sherlock Holmes is obvious and it is surprising it has not been done more often.
Foggy, murky Victorian London has never been better represented than this film. Mist swirling round gas lamps, the hollow echoing clatter of horses hooves on the cobbles and dark spooky alleyways represents exactly how we picture London at the end of the nineteenth century. The depictions of Holmes and Watson stick faithfully to the usual conceptions. Christopher Plummer is perhaps a little too handsome and James Mason rather too old, but the two experienced troupers attack the roles with relish. The plot follows one of the most frequently imagined Ripper scenarios with one or two maybe unnecessary diversions into other areas - Donald Sutherland, as all to often, is given opportunities to dispense thick slices of ham as a medium, but the presence of Anthony Quayle and John Gielgud as senior government officials adds gravitas.
Overall, if you like your Sherlock Holmes to stick to tradition, this is highly recommended.
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