Murder by Decree
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Canada
Movie Reviews of Murder by Decree
Movie Review: MBD - an ingenious approach
Summary: 5 Stars
The 1979 UK/Canada co-production of MURDER BY DECREE is directed by Bob Clark and features an all-star cast including Christopher Plummer, James Mason and Susan Clark. The screenplay, by John Hopkins, was based on the most recent writings of the time, by "Ripper scholars", as to the real identity of Jack the Ripper, an unanswered question that has baffled many. What makes this film unique is the employment of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, to solve the mystery. The chase leads to people and places, high and low, accompanied by an excellent musical score. Composers Paul Zaza and Carl Zittrer team with director Clark (as they did in 1983's A Christmas Story, based on the humor of Jean Shepherd) for an excellent entertainment. Perhaps provided by Zittrer, whose credits include a number of films in the horror genre from the early '70's, the film's eerie moments are intensified by the accompanying music. The film ends on a note of bittersweet resignation and the credits roll, supported by the music heard in the midi file at
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The closing music recapitulates the brighter themes heard throughout the film. At times hauntingly beautiful, the piece grows from a violin solo played by the character of Sherlock Holmes at story's end. This music is diatonic and triad-based, always reflecting the sounds of the sea. Great Britain, its people and land, are never far from the sea, and nowhere is that more clearly represented than in the music associated with it. Whether written by native orchestral and band composers or by others seeking to evoke a sound and feeling made familiar by associations over time, the sea is always there.
Movie Review: One of the best movies I've seen - ever!
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this movie back in 1979, and have loved it ever since. Yeah, the usual stuff: a fabulous cast (who can beat Christopher Plummer, James Mason, Donald Sutherland, Sir John Gielgud?), a convincing portrait of late 19th-century London, a haunting and beautiful musical score, excellent direction, etc. -- but unlike so many technically excellent movies, this one has a wonderful story behind it, complex, sophisticated, challenging, sometimes disturbing, but also deeply moving, particularly the final scene in which all is brought to light. I was especially impressed with Christopher Plummer's performance in this movie; possibly his best film role ever.For years I sought a copy of this movie, only to discover that it had been taken "out of print;" I ended up buying scratchy used copies (through Amazon.com auctions)at high prices. So I was delighted when the DVD came out, and plan to share it now with many friends. For anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes, or who just likes movies, this would be a great gift.
I was a bit disappointed with the technical quality of the DVD -- I expect more and hope that this can be remedied in the future. But the movie itself is so superb that I think anyone can live with this issue.
I would have to include this film among my top ten favorite movies -- and it is arguably at the top of that list.
Movie Review: fantastic little known movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this flick in the theater when it first came out. I was greatly surprised that it became such a little known sleeper. Plummer was great as Holmes. So much so I hoped that he would team up with Mason again for another adventure. Speaking of Mason, I, like many of the others reviewing this movie feel that Mason was masterful as Watson. In some ways he upstages Plummer. Another great actor contributing within this movie is Donald Sutherland.
It seems in this day and age where modern day murderers have much out done Jack the Ripper, the public is still intrigued by him. That the case was never solved and he may have been the first well publicized serial killer may have something to do with that.
This movie merges several of the most popular theories as to who the Ripper was and his possible motives into one. The names and characters were real. The story teller offers this as what could have been. Fiction yes, but good fiction based on actual events with actual persons at the time of the case.
As I stated, this movie is not well known and if you own it you will be able to share an excellent thriller with friends that never knew it existed. Lastly, I am not sure how it got rated PG but it is at times graphic and I would view this before allowing younger viewers.
Movie Review: THANKS FOR MBD
Summary: 5 Stars
All right, the DVD is in the original mono, and the print has grain and in some scenes some purple scratches. But I'd like to say thanks anyway to Anchor Bay and Studio Canal for putting out what is all in all a great DVD. I didn't expect MBD to come out on DVD, and if it came out I thought such a terrific but relatively obscure movie would probably be dumped on the market as a full screen version with no extras.However, this is an anamorphic wide-screen version that I can enjoy on my Mitsubishi big screen with my DVD player's enhanced black feature turned on (which really helps clean up and strengthen the picture quality). Including a commentary track, picture gallery, trailer and -- most surprisingly the script -- is all fantastic. I would have liked Christopher Plummer to be on the commentary track, and would have liked Bob Clark to talk more, but these are quibbles.
There's a hard-core fan base out there for this clever, atmospheric and ultimately touching film, and putting forth the effort shown to make this an enjoyable DVD instead of just dumping it on us without any concern for the fans, I'm sure will result in more sales. Thanks for this respectful treatment of a minor classic. I agree with the other reviewers. This is much better than FROM HELL, and the best Sherlock Holmes movie ever.
Movie Review: One of those movies you take to the deserted island with you.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my favorite Sherlock Holmes movie ever. It is about Sherlock Holmes investigating the Jack the Ripper murders. Christopher Plummer and James Mason are outstanding as Holmes and Watson; their relationship is just as you would expect two old friends. Sometimes some minor squabbling but always there for each other when the chips are down. When both have been bloodied by the bad guys, they're passing their one gun back and forth between them is both amusing and very touching. Watson is the epitome of the decent citizen who staunchly supports Queen and country. Holmes is less gung ho but the movie turns when he too is caught in the riptide of social change and conspiracies. The dream cast is like a who's who of the 70s; Anthony Quayle, David Hemmings, Frank Finlay, Genevieve Bujold, Susan Clark, Donald Sutherland and even John Gielgud shows up at the end. The plot is deliciously complicated and the production wonderfully atmospheric, a Victorian England come to life. Bob Clark does a great job of directing this cast of thoroughbreds and the showdown between Holmes and the bad guy is edge of your seat stuff. I highly recommend this movie - you won't be sorry.