Hands of the Ripper is a 1971 British horror film directed by Peter Sasdy and starring Eric Porter, Angharad Rees and Jane Merrow. It was produced by Aida Young for Hammer Film Productions, and written by L. W. Davidson from a story by Edward Spencer Shew. The film was released in the U.S. as a double feature with Twins of Evil (1971).
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Plot
As a three-year-old, the daughter of Jack the Ripper is witness to the brutal murder of her mother by her father. Fifteen years later, she is a troubled young girl who is seemingly possessed by the spirit of her late father. While in a psychotic trance she continues his murderous spree, but has no recollection of the events afterwards. A sympathetic psychiatrist takes her in and is convinced he can cure her condition. However, he soon regrets his decision.
Cast
Eric Porter as Dr. John Pritchard
Angharad Rees as Anna
Jane Merrow as Laura
Keith Bell as Michael Pritchard
Derek Godfrey as Mr. Dysart
Dora Bryan as Mrs. "Granny" Golding
Marjorie Rhodes as Mrs. Bryant
Lynda Baron as Long Liz
Marjie Lawrence as Dolly, the maid
Margaret Rawlings as Madame Bullard
Elizabeth MacLennan as Mrs. Wilson
Barry Lowe as Mr. Wilson
April Wilding as Catherine
Douglas Chippendale as Jack the Ripper
Production
It was filmed at Pinewood Studios, with some location work at St. Paul's Cathedral, London. The film was financed by the Rank Organisation.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Disappointingly routine Hammer offering, with the usual virtues of good performances and period authenticity, but all the faults as well – a weakly developed plot, rhubarbing extras, and a basic appeal to sadism rather than imagination in the horror sequences. ... Peter Sasdy does his best with the traumas (flickering light on Anna's face, slow zoom-in intercut with flash shots from the early murder scene), but the bloodlust turns into a parade of picturesque variations on the theme of impalement (poker, hat pins, broadsword – even lorgnettes). The traditional Hammer formula – bizarre atrocities erupting in a soberly recreated past – fails here because the rift is too great: the atrocities are not so much bizarre as outlandish, and the period recreation has taken on the stuffed, solemnly expensive look of a BBC costume serial."
The Independent Film Journal wrote: "Above average Hammer film with a far-fetched plot about Jack the Ripper's daughter who's inherited a few of Daddy's peculiarities. What distinguishes the film is an excellent cast led by Eric Porter and, especially, Peter Sasdy's direction. An atmospheric feast for Victorian horror lovers. And, believe it or not, it makes for one of the better Hammer Films in quite some time."
Variety wrote: "Here Hammer breaks away from its vampires and monster formula and gives a highly intriguing twist to the Jack the Ripper murders which shook London back in the 90s and have fascinated writers and filmmakers. Weil-directed by Peter Sasdy, the tension is skillfully developed. Murders are particularly gruesome and there are shocks that will have the most hardened filmgoer sitting up."
Boxoffice wrote: "This Hammer production has the usual virtues of this genre: good performances, fine sets, and period authenticity. ... It follows the traditional Hammer formula: bizarre atrocities erupting in a psychologically recreated past. The final sequence is especially well done. This film will interest general audiences and intrigue horror film buffs.''
Critic Leonard Maltin gave the film 2.5 out of a possible 4 stars. In his review he stated that the film had "[a] good atmosphere and solid performances, but after a good start, dissolves into a series of bloody murders."