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Hands of the Ripper


Hands of the Ripper (1971) N

Jack the Ripper's daughter witnesses him killing her mother. 15 years later she's doing the killing but is she just sick in the head or possessed by her father.


Another good looking British horror from the 70s. Hands of the Ripper also looks awfully Italian for a Hammer film (especially some of the murders and the whole final scene are straight up giallo). Even the absurdity of the plot has an Italian feel to it. I don't mind that though and it's an interesting mix of Hammer, giallo and slasher.

Again the writing is rather poor at times and there are some funny goofs (like where's the point of the sword?). Pritchard feels like he's the crazy one when pursuing a cure for Anna with no regard for the lives it costs (perhaps getting killed was part and parcel of being a Londoner back then too). There's no character development at all and the script is very slasher-like (which I personally consider a flaw).

Acting is alright and Angharad Rees is very pretty as Anna. Lots of beautiful shots and settings but it's too much just style without substance. Murders aren't as brutal as in gialli but still way above average Hammer production (which obviously means that back in the day this was banned in Finland). Recommended at least if you're into Hammer films.