Episode 191 - Murder By Decree (1979)

The Stinking Pause Podcast

The Stinking Pause Podcast – bringing you classic movie reviews since 2013 - some good...some not so good.

This week join Scott, Paul, and Charlie as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson hunt down the most famous serial killer of all time.

Murder By Decree (1979)

Imagine Victorian London draped in its signature fog—moody, mysterious, and murderous.

Enter Sherlock Holmes, played by the suave Christopher Plummer, whose deerstalker hat is firmly in place as he faces off against the city's ultimate boogeyman, Jack the Ripper. Accompanying him is Dr. Watson, portrayed by James Mason, the ever-patient sidekick who somehow tolerates Holmes’ insufferable genius and dramatic flair.

In Murder by Decree, Holmes is summoned to untangle the bloody mess left by Jack, only to find himself neck-deep in a conspiracy so tangled it might as well be a Victorian-era soap opera. Of course, he can’t resist. This is Sherlock Holmes, after all, the man who treats riddles like others treat dessert. What starts as a ghastly murder investigation soon spirals into a whirlwind of gasps, revelations, and the occasional philosophical musing.

Expect shadowy alleys, upper-class scandals, and Holmes side-eyeing everyone in sight. The film masterfully balances edge-of-your-seat suspense with a sprinkle of the detective's trademark wit. Oh, and Watson? He’s mostly there for comic relief and to remind Holmes to eat occasionally.

This is more than just your average "whodunnit." It’s a finger-pointing, eyebrow-raising caper that will leave you wondering if anyone in London’s elite is trustworthy—or just really good at faking it. If you enjoy mystery, melodrama and even a bit of posh chaos thrown in for good measure, then you will love this.

''When people are frightened, they turn to God, and when they have no help from him, they look to the Devil.''

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Thanks for listening

Scott Paul and Charlie