The Diary of Jack the Ripper: Beyond Reasonable Doubt?

The Diary of Jack the Ripper: Beyond Reasonable Doubt? (1993)

*** (out of 4)

If you're a history buff or into true crime documentaries then you'll certainly want to check this one out as it takes a look at an alleged diary written by Jack the Ripper.

I've seen quite a few documentaries on the Ripper but I had never heard of this diary. I was a bit shocked that I had never heard of it but after reading a few others reivews it seems many others weren't familiar with this. I thought the documentary did a good and honest review of the diary by questioning various items in it and also trying to trace when it was actually written.

A lot of the documentaries that are made today already have their minds made up right at the start. They'll either want to prove or disprove something but this one doesn't fall into that trap. Instaed, it presents the diary as a piece of evidence and then it breaks everything down to try and determine why it could be real or fake.

I thought the honest approach to the subject matter is what made this so fascinating because it plays out like a thriller. Sometimes you feel that this is a legit diary while at other times you feel it must be a fake. By the time the end of the documentary comes you will be able to make up your own mind on what the diary is.

I confess to being a little prejudiced upon seeing the title of this Doc. After all, there have been as many Ripper identity theory shows as grains of sand, and I had watched my share of them. I decided, however, to give this a chance for no particular reason, and I'm glad I did. What was initially startling to me, was that they were talking about an actual alleged diary of the Ripper. I had thought the use of the word diary in the title, was for verisimilitude. I had never heard of this controversy, and this Doc is more than 24 years old. The Doc leaves you to draw your own conclusions at the end. My general feeling is against authenticity, for many different reasons, that I wont give here. This Doc is riveting, and will draw in the viewer, which all good Docs of its kind should do.

My reasons for and against its authenticity are irrelevant. Its for you, the viewer, to decide. Is it authentic? Only you can be the judge. This Doc aired in 1993. In 1995, Barett swore out affidavits, but I wont introduce that here. Those interested in more info about this, and other information on Maybrick, should do a search of his Wiki, and later day info on The Diary of Jack the Ripper.