Jack the Ripper (1959)

Eddie Byrne is quite effective in this short and sweet adaptation of the "Jack the Ripper" story. Tempers amongst the populace run high as mutilated bodies are turning up in Whitechapel and the pressure is on his "Insp. O'Neill" to try to apprehend the culprit before the price of prostitutes skyrockets and/or there is a riot egged on by the malevolent "Simes" (Denis Shaw). The production makes reasonably good use of darkness, mists and shadow to help create and sustain a sense of menace as the story develops. The supporting cast provides solid, if not particularly engaging, support and the directing is well enough paced to keep the film intriguing enough. Did Scotland Yard really need an American to help out, or did the box office? Either way, this is still a watchable mystery that entertains well enough.