Watch Hands of the Ripper

Hands of the Ripper is a British horror film released in 1971. Directed by Peter Sasdy, the movie stars Eric Porter, Angharad Rees, and Jane Merrow. The plot revolves around Anna, a troubled young woman who is possessed by the spirit of her dead mother, a serial killer known as The Ripper. The film takes place in the late 19th century and showcases the underbelly of Victorian London, where gruesome murders are on the rise.

The movie begins with a chilling scene of Anna's mother, an infamous serial killer, being killed by an angry mob. Anna, who was a small child at the time, witnesses the traumatic event and falls into a state of shock. Several years later, Anna is a young woman struggling to come to terms with her traumatic past. She is taken in by a fraudulent psychic, who uses her in his fake seances to earn money. During one of the seances, Anna suddenly becomes possessed by the spirit of her dead mother and goes on a killing spree. Terrified and confused, Anna finds solace in the arms of Dr. John Pritchard, a renowned psychiatrist who becomes convinced that Anna is not responsible for the murders.

The movie is a classic example of the psychological horror genre, which was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The film explores the dark themes of mental illness, trauma, and the supernatural. It provides a unique perspective on the Jack the Ripper mythos, which has been explored in countless films and books. The movie also highlights the harsh realities of life for women in Victorian England, where they were often exploited and oppressed.

One of the key strengths of Hands of the Ripper is its cast. Eric Porter is excellent as Dr. Pritchard, a man torn between his duty as a doctor and his growing affection for Anna. Angharad Rees is also impressive as Anna, conveying both vulnerability and menace as her character transitions from victim to killer. Jane Merrow is another standout as Laura, Dr. Pritchard's colleague and love interest, who brings a much-needed dose of levity to the film.

The direction by Peter Sasdy is also notable. Sasdy is known for his work on Hammer horror films in the 1970s, and this movie is no exception to the high standard he set for himself. Sasdy expertly creates a sense of tension and unease throughout the film, using clever camera angles and atmospheric lighting to great effect. The movie also benefits from a haunting score by Christopher Gunning, which perfectly captures the mood of the film.

However, the movie is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and there are moments where the dialogue feels stilted or melodramatic. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat rushed and leaves a few unanswered questions.

In conclusion, Hands of the Ripper is a classic British horror film that will appeal to fans of the genre. The movie boasts strong performances, atmospheric direction, and a haunting score. Although it is not without its flaws, it offers a unique spin on the Jack the Ripper mythos and provides an interesting window into Victorian London. Overall, it is a must-see for horror fans and a worthy addition to any horror movie collection.

Hands of the Ripper is a 1971 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.