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Poster for Hands of the Ripper

Hands of the Ripper

Seen it?

1971 | 85 min | Horror, Thriller

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. 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 anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Carrie, start here.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 1 hr 25 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Made in 1971: an older pace and style.

A series of murders occur that mirror those committed by the Whitechapel Ripper. Through his experiments with psychoanalysis Dr Pritchard discovers a deadly violence in one of his young female patients. As he delves into the recesses of her mind he uncovers that Anna is possessed by her dead father's spirit, willing her to commit acts of gruesome savagery over which she has no control. But the most chilling revelation of all is the identity of her father: Jack the Ripper himself.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 12K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Sasdy

  • Eric PorterDr. John Pritchard
  • Angharad ReesAnna
  • Jane MerrowLaura
  • Keith BellMichael
  • Derek GodfreyDysart
  • Dora BryanMrs. Golding
  • Marjorie RhodesMrs. Bryant
  • Barry LoweMr. Wilson
  • Lynda BaronLong Liz
  • Marjie LawrenceDolly