Hands of the Ripper (1971)

59% of users liked it
(69 ratings)

Hammer's trademark gothic style permeates this suspenseful thriller, considered one of the acclaimed British studio's superior efforts, thanks largely to the directorial skills of Peter Sasdy. This marked his last feature-length collaboration with the studio until 1980, when he returned to direct… More Hammer's trademark gothic style permeates this suspenseful thriller, considered one of the acclaimed British studio's superior efforts, thanks largely to the directorial skills of Peter Sasdy. This marked his last feature-length collaboration with the studio until 1980, when he returned to direct installments of the Hammer House of Horror television series. In the film's prologue, young Anna, the infant daughter of the notorious Jack the Ripper, witnesses her mother's brutal murder at her father's hands. Years later, the lovely teenage Anna (Angharad Rees) is plagued by traumatic memories of the incident and repressed impulses in which love and death are inextricably linked. These impulses finally turn homicidal when her emotions are stirred, spelling doom for anyone who arouses her. Anna's case is handled by the repressed psychoanalyst, Dr. Pritchard (Eric Porter), whose growing physical attraction to the girl could result in far worse than a mere breach of professional ethics. Sasdy weaves the psychological elements through the story with finesse, paralleling the sexual tension between the doctor and his patient with the mounting horror of the inevitable outcome. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Peter Sasdy
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Horror

In Theaters: Oct 17, 1971 Wide
On DVD: Sep 13, 1989

No Critic Reviews Found…

Featured Audience Ratings

David S

A more interesting movie than Hammer's typical output at this time this film still has plenty of gore but the use of Freud's theories to diagnose the killer and Porter's sympathetic but misguided doctor suggest that the writer was at least trying something a bit… More
A more interesting movie than Hammer's typical output at this time this film still has plenty of gore but the use of Freud's theories to diagnose the killer and Porter's sympathetic but misguided doctor suggest that the writer was at least trying something a bit different. The ending in St Paul's is almost operatic and brings a grandiose to the proceedings that is missing from most Hammer of the 70's. There are still plenty of silly bits in there and one gratuitous nudity sequence but otherwise this isn't half bad horror.
Eduardo C

Made during Hammer's descent into gore (but before their tits and gore last gasp days), "Hands of the Ripper" is a stylish, atmospheric and particularly well acted little horror film. Unlike, say, "To the Devil a Daughter" it actually feels like a Hammer film.… More
Made during Hammer's descent into gore (but before their tits and gore last gasp days), "Hands of the Ripper" is a stylish, atmospheric and particularly well acted little horror film. Unlike, say, "To the Devil a Daughter" it actually feels like a Hammer film. Whatever its minor flaws may be are more than redeemed by the fantastic, moving climax. Eric Porter is fucking great.

Cast

            Eric Porter as Dr. John Pritchard

            Angharad Rees as Anna

            Jane Merrow as Laura

            Keith Bell as Michael Pritchard

            Derek Godfrey as Dysart

            Dora Bryan as Mrs. Colding

            Lynda Barron as Long Liz

            Norman Bird as Police Inspector

            Charles Lamb as Guard

            Barry Lowe as Mr. Wilson

            Elizabeth MacLennan as Mrs. Wilson

            Margaret Rawlings as Mme. Bullard

            Marjorie Rhodes as Mrs. Bryant

            Ann Way as Seamstress

            Molly Weir as Maid

            Vicki Woolf as 2nd Cell Whore

            Katya Wyeth as 1st Pub Whore

            A.J. Brown as Rev. Anderson

            Anne Clune as 1st Cell Whore

            Beulah Hughes as 2nd Pub Whore

            Philip Ryan as Police Officer

            April Wilding as Catherine

            Marjie Lawrence as Dolly

            Tallulah Miller as Pub Whores

            Peter Munt as Pleasants
See full cast

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Hands of the Ripper (1971)

No Critic Reviews Found…

Featured Audience Ratings

David S

Eduardo C

Cast

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