Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson Hunt Jack the Ripper in This Thriller

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  • ‘Murder by Decree’ Links Jack the Ripper to the British Royal Family
  • James Mason Is a Splendid Dr. Watson in ‘Murder by Decree’
  • ‘Murder by Decree’ Is From the Director of ‘Black Christmas’ and ‘Porky’s’

In the 1887 detective novel “A Study in Scarlet” by Arthur Conan Doyle, the well-known detective duo consisting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson made their first appearance. Over time, these characters gained widespread popularity through a series of films, with Basil Rathbone portraying Holmes beginning with the 1939 Gothic mystery film “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” In this production, Rathbone’s Holmes is depicted as a witty and logical perfectionist, while Watson, played by Nigel Bruce, is presented as Holmes’ amiable but frequently bewildered sidekick.

One of the early films that deviated from the traditional formula was the 1979 mystery thriller “Murder by Decree,” where Christopher Plummer took on the role of Sherlock Holmes and James Mason portrayed Dr. Watson. In this film, they were tasked with investigating the real-life Whitechapel murders committed by Jack the Ripper in 1888. Unlike previous versions, Plummer’s Holmes showed more compassion and enthusiasm in “Murder by Decree.” On the other hand, Mason’s Watson was portrayed as a competent investigator whose medical and scientific knowledge proved crucial to Holmes, not only in capturing Jack the Ripper but also in saving Holmes’ life.

‘Murder by Decree’ Links Jack the Ripper to the British Royal Family

The movie titled “Murder by Decree” draws inspiration from the 1976 non-fiction book, “Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution“. This book proposes a theory that suggests the Jack the Ripper murders were part of a complex conspiracy linked to the British royal family. Much like the book, “Murder by Decree implies that the Ripper crimes were orchestrated to conceal a secret marriage between Prince Albert Victor“, also known as the Duke of Clarence, and Annie Crook, a former prostitute who was rumored to have a child with the Duke of Clarence. This controversial theory was later depicted in the 2001 Ripper film “From Hell“, starring Johnny Depp as Frederick Abberline, a real-life investigator involved in the Ripper case.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself captivated by “Murder by Decree,” where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic duo, Holmes and Watson, are drawn into the grisly Jack the Ripper case not by the lure of praise, but rather their insatiable thirst for knowledge. This intrigue stems from the puzzling question: why hadn’t Scotland Yard sought their assistance earlier? In this gripping tale, they follow the trail set by Robert Lees, a real-life British medium who claimed to have psychic visions of the Ripper murders in 1888. Interestingly, in the film, Lees, portrayed masterfully by Donald Sutherland, extends his help to the police in apprehending the Ripper, but is dismissed as a madman. This sets the stage for Holmes and Watson’s investigation, where they delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Ripper case with the aid of this enigmatic figure.

James Mason Is a Splendid Dr. Watson in ‘Murder by Decree’

In a similar vein to Jude Law’s portrayal of Dr. Watson in the Guy Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes films, James Mason’s depiction of Watson in Murder by Decree emphasizes his strong bond with Sherlock Holmes, serving as a loyal and dependable ally. At first glance, his character may seem reminiscent of the bumbling Nigel Bruce version from the Basil Rathbone movies; however, Mason’s unconventional Watson showcases his remarkable medical and scientific abilities in Murder by Decree. His role is indispensable to Holmes, as he provides crucial support, both emotionally and professionally.

In the movie “Murder by Decree”, Christopher Plummer plays a charming and sophisticated Holmes, but it’s Ronald Mason who truly shines as Watson. Mason’s portrayal of Watson is hilarious, intelligent, and witty throughout the film. His interpretation of Watson is that of a man who is utterly captivated by his eccentricities, to the point where he compromises his dignity in order to gather information, even if it means associating with prostitutes – a depiction that adds an intriguing twist to the usual Holmes and Watson dynamic.

‘Murder by Decree’ Is From the Director of ‘Black Christmas’ and ‘Porky’s’

The movie “Murder by Decree” was helmed by Bob Clark, who had previously created the influential 1974 horror film “Black Christmas”, often recognized as one of the early pioneers of the slasher genre. Unlike “Murder by Decree”, which earned less than $2 million at the U.S. box office, Clark’s next project was the 1981 sex comedy film “Porky’s”, which raked in over $100 million domestically and essentially launched the teen sex comedy genre. Between these two films, Clark also directed the 1980 comedy-drama film “Tribute”, for which Jack Lemmon received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his performance.

Clark, who passed away in 2007 at 67 years old, showcased his versatility in the heartwarming 1983 comedy film “A Christmas Story,” which has since become a cherished holiday staple. Although “Murder by Decree” isn’t as widely recognized, modern critics often praise this film (currently boasting an impressive 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) as one of the finest Sherlock Holmes films ever made. The impact of “Murder by Decree” can be seen in the ongoing television series “Watson,” where Morris Chestnut’s John Watson, similar to James Mason’s portrayal, skillfully employs the analytical abilities he gained while working alongside Holmes. You can stream “Murder by Decree” on Philo. The new TV series “Watson” is available on Paramount+.

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2025-02-16 03:32