Synopsis
Writer H. G. Wells pursues Jack the Ripper to modern day San Francisco after the infamous serial killer steals his time machine to escape the 19th century.
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Cast
- Malcolm McDowellH. G. Wells
- David WarnerJack the Ripper - John Leslie Stevenson
- Mary SteenburgenAmy Robbins
- Charles CioffiLt. Mitchell
- Kent WilliamsAssistant
- Andonia KatsarosMrs. Turner
- Patti D'ArbanvilleShirley
- James GarrettEdwards
- Keith McConnellHarding
- Leo LewisRichardson
Recommendations
- 83
The A.V. Club
It may eventually champion love as the guiding light amidst so much homicidal darkness, but Meyer’s film—happy ending be damned—resonates most deeply when confronting the ugly, inescapable reality that man’s murderous past is likely also his future. - 80
The New York Times
A movie that's as sweet as it is clever, and never so clever that it forgets to be entertaining. - 80
Variety
A delightful, entertaining trifle of a film that shows both the possibilities and limitations of taking liberties with literature and history. Nicholas Meyer has deftly juxtaposed Victorian England and contemporary America in a clever story, irresistible due to the competence of its cast. - 75
Rolling Stone
Nicholas Meyer deftly mingles fish-out-of-water comedy and touching romance with discreetly gory danger. - 75
TV Guide Magazine
Meyer makes a fine directorial debut, pacing the film for optimal suspense despite some obvious holes in the script. - 75
Chicago Reader
It lacks a certain grace in execution, but this SF/romantic comedy-thriller, directed by Nicholas Meyer from his own novel, is clever and well calculated. - 75
The Associated Press
Preposterous? Of course, but somehow the movie watcher becomes thoroughly involved in the author's chase after the mad killer. [13 Aug 1979] - 70
Washington Post
Diverting, polished chase thriller. [28 Sep 1979, p.E1]
