JACK THE RIPPER (1988)

Michael Caine and Lewis Collins

JACK THE RIPPER (two-part mini-series/1988). Director: David Wickes. 

In Whitechapel London in 1888, Scotland Yard Inspector Abberline (Michael Caine) is assigned to the case of the grisly murder of a young prostitute over the objections of the local constabulary. Abberline, who "tibbles" a bit too much, is partnered with the handsome Sgt. George Godley (Lewis Collins, who looks like something out of Gentleman's Quarterly.) As the murders continue, and "Jack the Ripper" sends a letter to the press, Abberline is concerned that the killer may be a member of the royal family. 

Armand Assante

Suspects include actor Richard Mansfield (Armand Assante), who is starring in a theatrical version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; clairvoyant Robert James Lees (Ken Bones), who allegedly has visions of the killer; Prince Albert Victor (Marc Culwick), who visits the fleshpots in Whitechapel; vigilante George Lusk (Michael Gothard of Lifeforce), who stirs the populace up against the police; Sir William Gull (Ray McAnally), one of the queen's personal physicians; coachman John Netley (George Sweeney); and others. 

Michael Caine pursues the Ripper

I first watched this when it aired in 1988 and found it riveting; less so this time around, although it is still entertaining enough. The problem I have this time is that the alleged solution, which was touted at the time as being a brand-new theory but really wasn't, has since been discredited and the reputation of a perfectly innocent, indeed admirable, man has been besmirched. Michael Caine gives a dynamic performance -- too dynamic, as he seems to be ferociously chewing on the scenery in several segments, his character's anger and frustration notwithstanding -- Lewis Collins provides a more restrained and credible counterpoint to Caine/Abberline. I far more enjoyed the performances of such excellent players as Armand Assante (who is just perfect as Mansfield) and the amusingly-named Ken Bones as the psychic. There's a little too much of George Lusk in this story, although he is well-played by Gothard, and there are other good turns as well, especially from Jane Seymour as, I believe, a fictional artist named Emma. Susan George and Edward Judd are also in the cast but I didn't recognize either of them. 

Verdict: Interesting take on Jack the Ripper -- employing mostly real-life characters -- as long as you recognize that the denouement is crap. ***.

LIFEFORCE

Steve Railsback

LIFEFORCE (1985). Director: Tobe Hooper. 

Colonel Tom Carlson (Steve Railsback) leads a crew of astronauts who are investigating Halley's comet when they come across a huge derelict spaceship. Inside it they find many deceased bat-like creatures, and are unaware that three of the survivors of the alien race have transformed themselves into attractive humans. One of the trio is a naked female (Mathilda May) who begins to entrance the Colonel. This "woman" is an energy vampire, and back on earth she and her companions create havoc, leading to a plague in London and a near-apocalypse that only Carlson can stop. 

Pitiful victim of the space vampires

Lifeforce was not well-received when it was released -- I always thought the film was actually not bad -- maybe because the plot was a little confusing and audiences at the time may have been sick of zombies. But Lifeforce moves at a swift pace, is well-acted, has some marvelous special effects and stand-out sequences, and the riot scenes in London are very well-staged. In fact, Tobe Hooper's direction [Texas Chainsaw Massacre] is on-target every step of the way. There's a terrific sequence involving an autopsy, as well as a scene inside a copter when the vampire uses blood to form a surrogate body. Although one wouldn't expect this is the kind of material to be scored by Henry Mancini, the composer does an excellent job. 

Steve Railsback and Patrick Stewart 

Steve Railsback gives a very effective performance as Colonel Carlson. As for the supporting cast, Peter Firth seems to be channeling Brian Donlevy as Professor Quatermass in his generally cold portrayal of Colonel Caine. Patrick Stewart scores as Dr. Armstrong, who runs a psychiatric institution and who has been possessed, in a way, by one of the vampires. There's a wild scene when Tom Carlson smooches Dr. Armstrong on the mouth, thinking he's kissing the lady from space! Frank Finlay and Michael Gothard are also good as scientists fighting against the vampires. 

Mathilda May

Lifeforce was undoubtedly influential on Species -- which also featured a sexy female creature --  which came out ten years later. It's also possible that Lifeforce was influenced by Alien, as well the 1979 "Proteus" storyline in the X-Men comic book, in which the villain absorbs energy from victims, leaves them desiccated husks, and takes on their form. One might argue that the entertaining and fast-paced Lifeforce is a bit too busy at times, and is borderline campy, but in general the film is quite well-made and entertaining, if rather cold-blooded.

Verdict: One of Hooper's best pictures. ***.