Murder by Decree
Seen it?1979 | 124 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, gritty.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 2 hr 4 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Sherlock Holmes is drawn into the case of Jack the Ripper, who is killing prostitutes in London's East End. Assisted by Dr. Watson, and using information provided by a renowned psychic, Robert Lees, Holmes finds that the murders may have their roots in a Royal indiscretion and that a cover-up is being managed by politicians at the highest level, all of whom happen to be Masons.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 66K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Bob Clark
- Christopher PlummerSherlock Holmes
- James MasonDr. Watson
- David HemmingsInspector Foxborough
- Susan ClarkMary Kelly
- Anthony QuayleSir Charles Warren
- John GielgudPrime Minister
- Frank FinlayInspector Lestrade
- Donald SutherlandRobert Lees
- Geneviève BujoldAnnie Crook
- Chris WigginsDr. Hardy