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Crime Cult Classic

Fog-shrouded London streets, a notorious killer, and an American detective on the hunt.

JACK THE RIPPER

This "Lady" Has Taken Her Last Walk!

1959 · 1h 24m · NR · Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller / Drama / History · IMDB TMDB

A serial killer is murdering women in the Whitechapel district of London. An American policeman is brought in to help Scotland Yard solve the case.

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Quick Answer

What is Jack the Ripper about?

Jack the Ripper is a 1959 United Kingdom crime, horror, mystery, and thriller film directed by Monty Berman and Robert S. Baker about an American detective aiding Scotland Yard in the hunt for a serial killer terrorizing Whitechapel.

Programmer's Pick

Where else can you find an American cop dodging London fog, pub brawls, and Victorian propriety—all while chasing history's most infamous killer? Jack the Ripper mixes proto-giallo style with a whodunnit twist, making its shadowy alleys worth exploring.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in 1888, Jack the Ripper plunges viewers into the gaslit streets of Whitechapel, where a serial killer's reign of terror grips London. Scotland Yard's Inspector O'Neill enlists the help of his old friend, New York detective Sam Lowry, to unravel the mounting mystery. As the police investigation intensifies, Sam finds himself drawn to Anne Ford, a woman ahead of her time, though her guardian Dr. Tranter is firmly opposed to their connection. Layered with suspense and a growing sense of dread, the film follows the detectives’ determined pursuit as fear and intrigue ripple through a city on edge.

Details & Specs

Directors
Monty Berman, Robert S. Baker
Writers
Jimmy Sangster, Peter Hammond
Release
1959
Runtime
1h 24m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
French, English
Genres
Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, History
Also Known As
Jack l'éventreur

Why This Matters

This film adapts Leonard Matters' theory from his book The Mystery of Jack the Ripper, shifting the motive for the murders to personal vengeance and introducing a 'whodunit' structure with a twist ending revealing the least likely suspect as the killer.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Directors: Monty Berman +1 more Writers: Jimmy Sangster +1 more
Lee Patterson Lee Patterson Sam Lowry Eddie Byrne Eddie Byrne Inspector O'Neill Betty McDowall Betty McDowall Anne Ford Ewen Solon Ewen Solon Sir David Rogers John Le Mesurier John Le Mesurier Dr. Tranter George Rose George Rose Clarke PL Philip Leaver Music Hall Manager / O'Reilly BB Barbara Burke Kitty Knowles Anne Sharp Anne Sharp Helen Morris Denis Shaw Denis Shaw Simes EM Endre Muller Louis Benz Esma Cannon Esma Cannon Nelly George Woodbridge George Woodbridge Blake Bill Shine Bill Shine Lord Tom Sopwith Marianne Stone Marianne Stone Drunken Woman GG Garard Green Dr. Urquhart DS Dorinda Stevens Margaret / Maggie John Barrett John Barrett Onlooker at 2nd Murder Scene Patricia Phoenix Patricia Phoenix Rowdy Woman in the Crowd Jennifer White Jennifer White Beth

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Why Cult

Proto-Giallo Vibes

Long before giallo became a genre, this film weaves mystery and murder with stylish menace in the foggy streets of London.

American Cop in Victorian London

The fish-out-of-water dynamic adds tension and wit, as a New York detective navigates British crime and customs.

19th Century Atmosphere

From hansom cabs to music halls and swirling London fog, the film’s period detail immerses viewers in the gritty underbelly of 1880s Whitechapel.

Classic Whodunnit Mystery

A line-up of suspects and mounting suspense keep you guessing as the killer’s identity is slowly uncovered.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Jack the Ripper's killing spree

Threat

serial killer stalking Whitechapel

Effect

murders of women and public alarm

Setting

Whitechapel district, London

Questions from the Vault

When was Jack the Ripper released? +

Jack the Ripper was released in 1959.

Who directed Jack the Ripper? +

Jack the Ripper was directed by Monty Berman and Robert S. Baker.

How long is Jack the Ripper? +

Jack the Ripper has a runtime of 84 minutes.

What genre is Jack the Ripper? +

Jack the Ripper is a crime, horror, mystery, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Jack the Ripper? +

Jack the Ripper is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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