U.V.RAY

Jack The Ripper. Starring Michael Caine, Lewis Collins and Jane Seymour. Directed by David Wickes


Anyone remember this excellent made for TV mini-series with Michael Caine as Inspecrtor Fred Aberlaine leading the hunt for arguably the world's most notorious serial killer.

I've recently bought the 2002 DVD release.

One of the best Jack The Ripper films, if not the best. The ending is absolutely thrilling.

cully

Yes, it was great and I still have it on tape. I seem to recall that when the programme came out to coincide with the centenary of the Whitechapel murders they had 4 different endings filmed in case somebody gave the game away and revealed the film's ending. During the same week in 1988 there were a number of other programmes on the Ripper including a fascinating one compiled ONLY from police records from the time where they revealed that the cops were told who he was but were unable to make an arrest/make any kind of headway because the Jewish guy who was going to finger the Ripper was persuaded not to by his connections because they feared a bloodbath against the Jews in the East End. Which would explain why the murders stopped abruptly (ie he was quietly seen to or, more likely, whipped away to a loony bin where he died in the early 1900's which is one of the theories anyway).

Jim

Agreed - BUT where did Lewis Collins get that ludicrous trilby hat from? [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif[/img]

Good morning boys.

theuofc

Hi, U.V.RAY,

Oh, I totally agree! I stumbled across it on cable one night and couldn't stop watching. Caine was wonderful in it. I didn't realize it was out on DVD. Does it have any special features? nice to have an interview with Caine, director's audio commentary, etc.

Thanks for bringing this up. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clapping.gif[/img]

Best,

Barbara

theuofc

Hi, Cully,

Fascinating post. Do you happen to remember the title of the programme compiled from police records?

Thanks,

Barbara

mysteriesofedgarwallace

Yep, it's a cracker; Michael Caine, Susan George, Edward Judd and Lewis Collins.

U.V.RAY

The DVD is great - it's all on one DVD in two parts, total running time is a little over 3 hours.

Special features include full length commentary with the director and the researcher, Sue Davies and 20 mins of extra not seen before footage. Plus the usual stills gallery and actor biographies.

Fremantle media / Anchor Bay Entertainment. mine is the "special edition."

It's a great DVD.

And once again, as in another thread regarding another film, I forgot to mention Susan George is also in it. Thanks for mentioning that, Mr Edgar Wallace.
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clapping.gif[/img]

Someone also mentioned another programme that was on TV at the time - I might mention that this film was also based on extensive research with interviews with leading criminologists and study of the original Scotland Yard files.

I also should mention the fantastic performance by Ken Bones who plays Robert Lees - the Queen's personal psychic (and often the undeserving recipient of Inspector Aberlaine and Sergeant Godley's humorous ridicule).

I really think this was one of the very best British TV productions ever.

cully

I'm afraid not, Barbs, and the irritating thing is that as far as I know it's never been repeated. I always make a point of checking programmes about the subject as they are broadcast but whereas the Michael Caine film is shown every now and again the police records one isn't. Now that you mention the TITLE I think a bit of investigation on IMDB is called for....

cully

Just checked..IMDB has a programme from 1988 called The Secret Identity of Jack the Ripper which someone in a message forum says was one of the programmes produced for the centenary so this MAY be the one. However, I do recall there were at least 4 programmes on the subject in that big week in 1988 so... The guy in the forum, writing in 2005, says it is available on/from Blockbuster.

Rob Compton

Well if it is The Secret Identity, it's available on DVD from quite a number of retailers. Find-DVD says that it's cheapest at £4.95 from DVD world at http://www.dvdworld.co.uk/product.ph...9086&a=jclarke

The Michael Caine film is also listed on Find DVD and is available from Play.com at £12.99.

However, I guess DB7 would quite like you to use his affiliate links! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup.gif[/img]

rgds
Rob

Steve Crook

Check the reviews at places like DVD Times
It's nothing special.

Steve

theuofc

Many thanks Rob and Cully,

I'll try to get these various titles through interlibrary loan and have a look. Full report if I do. I find it fascinating to know what _really_ happened.

Best,

Barbara

Rob Compton

Thanks Barbara, I'll look forward to that, if you manage it. However, I'm not sure these are still what REALLY happened. There have been so many theories, but no-one can really prove for sure

rgds
Rob

cully

Yes, thanks Barb, will be interested to know if it's the one I'm thinking of.

nellybly

I don't remember which book it was in but I remember something in a preface about all these people lined up who thought they knew who Jack the Ripper was and someone admits to being Jack the Ripper and they'll say "Who???"

It was a wonderful treat
To hear the patter of horsey feet.

Thanks For The Buggyride recorded by Percival Mackey