Robert Rodat, the scribe behind "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Patriot," cut his teeth on this made for television film that surprises the viewer with its excellent performances. Patrick Bergin is London inspector Hansen investigating Jack the Ripper. The film makers show us early the killer is Prince Eddy (Samuel West), Queen Victoria's grandson and heir to the throne. West does an incredible job as the prince, a bitter syphilitic who is taking revenge on the prostitutes who probably gave him the disease. Gabrielle Anwar is also very natural as the prostitute Florry, who sees the prince, and finds protection in the arms of Hansen. Michael York rounds out the cast as Bergin's superior Sir Charles Warren. While the historical accuracy of all of this could be questioned, the cast does a great job with the sometimes stiff material. Meyers' direction is also good, not crossing into exploitation but not boring us with Merchant/Ivory-type dialogue. The set is also good, as the credits read this was filmed in Australia. "The Ripper" is a good detective yarn that would definitely appeal to fans of British murder mysteries and suspense fans alike. I do recommend it.
