Zaza, Paul - Murder by Decree

Tracks

		Track Name	Length
	1	Murder by Decree	02:39
	2	Time to Die	00:35
	3	Moods of the Ripper	02:43
	4	The Chase	01:21
	5	Annie's Theme, Closing Music	02:39
	6	End Credits	03:39

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Information/Write-up

Murder by Decree (Meurtre par décret) is a 1979 Canada–U.K. feature film directed by Bob Clark that merges Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective Sherlock Holmes with the real-life Jack the Ripper murders. Set in the autumn of 1888, the film follows Holmes (Christopher Plummer) and Dr. Watson (James Mason) as they investigate a series of ritualistic killings in London’s Whitechapel district, while facing resistance from Scotland Yard superintendent Sir Charles Warren (Anthony Quayle). Their inquiry is further propelled by the involvement of psychic Robert Lees (Donald Sutherland), a historical figure who claimed to have assisted in the actual Ripper investigation, and by testimony from Annie Crook (Geneviève Bujold), the former mistress of a powerful suspect.

At the time of its release, Murder by Decree was the most elaborate and expensive Canada–U.K. co-production yet mounted. The film is noted for its detailed reconstruction of Victorian London, with extensive period sets, atmospheric fog, and meticulous production design. Its narrative interweaves documented elements of the Ripper case with the popular but unsubstantiated theory that the murderer was connected to the British royal household.

Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Holmes is widely regarded as one of the character’s strongest screen interpretations, while James Mason’s restrained and dignified Dr. Watson is often cited as among the finest depictions of the role. The casting was itself notable, as Plummer and Mason replaced Peter O’Toole and Laurence Olivier, who were originally slated to star but withdrew due to personal incompatibility. Strong supporting performances from Donald Sutherland, Geneviève Bujold, Susan Clark, and John Gielgud further elevate the production.

Although praised for its ambition, performances, and visual detail, the film was also criticized for its length and conventional resolution. The French-language version released in Québec was shortened from 124 minutes to 109 minutes.

Murder by Decree received eight Genie Award nominations and won five, including Lead Actor (Christopher Plummer), Supporting Actress (Geneviève Bujold), Direction (Bob Clark), Film Editing (Stan Cole), and Music Score (Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza).

Notes

Murder by Decree
(Meurtre par décret)

Year: 1979
Language: English
Format: 35mm, colour
Runtime: 124 minutes (English version)

Producer: René Dupont
Executive producers: Len Herberman, Robert Goldston
Screenplay: John Hopkins, Elwyn Jones, John Lloyd
Cinematography: Reginald Morris
Editing: Stan Cole
Sound: John Mitchell
Music score: Carl Zittrer, Paul Zaza

Cast: Christopher Plummer, James Mason, Donald Sutherland, Geneviève Bujold, Susan Clark, Anthony Quayle, John Gielgud, David Hemmings, Frank Finlay

Production companies:
Highlight Theatrical Production Corporation Ltd.
Ambassador Films Ltd.
Sands Films Ltd. (U.K.)

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