L'éventreur

This was terrible! I guess it's a very romantic notion that the Heir Presumptive could have been "Jack the Ripper," but since there's proof that he was out of the country when most of the murders were committed, why even try? Also, why throw in the love story? Just for the sake of it? It's too bad that these fine actors were wasted on such an awful concept. Samuel West, especially, is one actor I'd like to see in more movies stateside.

I loved this film. I am a lover of british movies and found this one to be unbelievable. I feel the theories about Jack The Ripper are put to rest in this film. I feel the actors were superb and the play it is based on is awesome as well.

In 1888, in London, a prostitute is slaughtered on the street. The Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Jim Hansen (Patrick Bergin) is in charge of the investigation and realizes that the killer is a person with skill in dissection. Hansen belongs to the lower class and aspires to socially climb. Soon there are other murders and the ex-prostitute Florry Lewis (Gabrielle Anwar) witnesses the killer killing a prostitute and is forced to go to the precinct to provide a lead to the Scotland Yard. Inspector Hansen assigns Sgt. Tommy Bell (Adam Couper) to protect Florry and he investigates the murder cases. Prince Albert Victor (Samuel West), who is the heir of the throne of England, becomes his prime suspect but his chief Sir Charles Warren (Michael York) tells that they need to have strong evidences against the prince to proceed the case. Sir Warren decides to use Florry as bait but Inspector Hansen has fallen in love with her and objects. But his chief makes clear that this is the only way to stop the ripper. What will Inspector Hansen do?

"The Ripper" is a surprisingly good movie for television with a different version of Jack the Ripper. Great performances, engaging screenplay, wonderful locations and cinematography make this movie worthwhile watching. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Estripador" ("The Ripper")

As a Police Officer I have always been intrigued by unsolved murders. When some one mentions unsolved murders the "White Chapel" murders attributed to "Jack the Ripper" comes to mind.

Though this film "The Ripper" is highly fictionalized, what it lacks in facts it more than makes up in acting, and authenticity in details of the period.

Patrick Bergin, and Gabrielle Anwar portray the parts of Scotland Yard Police inspector, and former prostitute , to perfection. More than a crime story It is about the relationship which develops between Bergin (the police inspector) and Anwar(a former prostitute ) . Anwar has left prostitution behind, and is by that time working in a factory. Her life takes a turn when she witnesses one of the murders, but is reluctant to come forward because of the way she's treated by most of the police. Bergin unlike the others gives her police protection, and the two eventually become romantically involved.

What made this film great was the way that the inequities of the Victorian era is portrayed. All from the separation of the classes. To the scenery, and last but not least the Superb acting of the cast.

If you're looking for historical facts about the "White Chapel Murders" this film is not for you. But if you can watch this film keeping in mind that it is not a documentary , or historical epic, and that the writer used extensive "creative license" then you must see it.

Stayed up late to watch this on TV, being a bit of a J the R geek, always ready to read or see another take on the mystery. Oh my... Almost every known fact was either omitted, twisted or misused to serve a half-baked and ludicrous movie. It would have been more logical to make this a complete fiction and call the criminal Bert The Slasher, cos this has nothing to do with the London murders of 1888. I know it's 'just a film', and actually the true story wouldn't be very satisfactorily filmic, as there's no structure, no love story and the villain remains unknown, but a few arty cuts (no pun intended) and camera angles don't make this a good film. Bergin's accent wobbles, and West's pantomime psycho act makes the best of a potty script, but really, there are better things to be doing at 1 a.m. than watching this nonsense.