The following titles are being released on Tuesday, June 23, unless otherwise noted: By Bob Bloom Murder by Decree (Blu-ray) Details: 1979, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: PG, violence The lowdown: “Murder by Decree” is the second film to pit Sherlock Holmes against Jack the Ripper. The first, 1965’s “A Study in Terror,” was more sensational than this feature. What they had in common was postulating that the killings were done by a member of the British aristocracy. The more cerebral “Murder by Decree,” though, went further than its predecessor, linking the grisly killings to the royal family. Christopher Plummer makes a very fine Holmes; he is coldly logical but is allowed scenes of emotion that display is humanity. James Mason is a wonderful Watson, sharp and supportive. A note of interest: Frank Finlay, who plays Inspector Lestrade played the same character in “A Study in Terror.” The movie is a must-see for Holmes fans who also enjoy the pastiches that differ from the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories.
New to View: June 23
New to View: June 23
New to View: June 23
The following titles are being released on Tuesday, June 23, unless otherwise noted: By Bob Bloom Murder by Decree (Blu-ray) Details: 1979, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: PG, violence The lowdown: “Murder by Decree” is the second film to pit Sherlock Holmes against Jack the Ripper. The first, 1965’s “A Study in Terror,” was more sensational than this feature. What they had in common was postulating that the killings were done by a member of the British aristocracy. The more cerebral “Murder by Decree,” though, went further than its predecessor, linking the grisly killings to the royal family. Christopher Plummer makes a very fine Holmes; he is coldly logical but is allowed scenes of emotion that display is humanity. James Mason is a wonderful Watson, sharp and supportive. A note of interest: Frank Finlay, who plays Inspector Lestrade played the same character in “A Study in Terror.” The movie is a must-see for Holmes fans who also enjoy the pastiches that differ from the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories.