THE SECRET IDENTITY OF JACK THE RIPPER is a 1988 television movie aiming to provide a fresh look at the facts and theories behind the infamous Whitechapel murders. It's an odd little concoction of reenactment footage, news-style reporting, and round-table debate chaired by the delightful Peter Ustinov.
Surprisingly, all of the above hangs together reasonably well and provides fitfully interesting viewing, although I'm sure that some experts on the case will find the material lacking - this wasn't designed to be definitive, just fun. What I enjoyed most about THE SECRET IDENTITY OF JACK THE RIPPER was the semi-serious approach that brought to mind the delights of BBC'S GHOSTWATCH, with Jan Leeming the recognisable face (as Michael Parkinson was) who grounds the whole thing.
Surprisingly, all of the above hangs together reasonably well and provides fitfully interesting viewing, although I'm sure that some experts on the case will find the material lacking - this wasn't designed to be definitive, just fun. What I enjoyed most about THE SECRET IDENTITY OF JACK THE RIPPER was the semi-serious approach that brought to mind the delights of BBC'S GHOSTWATCH, with Jan Leeming the recognisable face (as Michael Parkinson was) who grounds the whole thing.