Sunday, November 1, 2009

Hands of the Ripper (1971)


4.5 / 5 Oct '09
Tagline: A new terror-filled X film
Directed by: Peter Sasdy
Written by: L.W. Davidson, Edward Spencer Shew
Actors include: Eric Porter, Angharad Rees, Jane Merrow
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Length: 85min
Banned: Norway
Country: UK

Review:
Pretty darned excessive for a typical Hammer film, but I think that's what makes it so special. We start out watching the Mother of Jack the Ripper's daughter being killed in front of their little girl (Anna). We jump ahead to when she is a beautiful young lady who seems to be struggling with life (and being pimped out to customers of a fake psychic). She seems to have no recollection of her past, but seems to be erm acting out. The kindly Dr. John Pritchard (Eric Porter) takes her into his house hoping to cure her of her troubles. Of course things are made all the more difficult by the fact that her father's side of the family is triggered whenever she sees something shiny (which you can well imagine happens quite a lot). I think the fact that the actress playing Anna looks extremely young and innocent makes this all the more enjoyable! One of the better Jack the Ripper take-offs, and one of the better Hammer pictures too, a definite treat!

Availability:  On DVD in the UK only so far

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