Just imagine that time travel can exist, as purported by H. G. Wells, and just suppose you are able to go forward or backward in time. Would you consider changing events that have a powerful impact on other's lives? Like that little trip to Dallas in November, 1963, or a trip to Memphis in April, 1968? How about going to Columbine High School, The World Trade Center, the Pentagon? Or be in the cockpit of the Enola Gay with Paul Tibbets, Sr., as he flew over Hiroshima? Pretty heady stuff, wouldn't you say?
Certainly more deserving that what was portrayed in this movie you might think. Those things, those events, could change the entire world, the economy, and our lives.
But, perhaps you were a prostitute in the 1800's in England and the worse thing that faced you (other than starvation and venereal disease) was a mad and demented person known as Jack the Ripper.
Well, this is just a movie and a fanciful one at that, but imagine the possibilities! Ole Jack was never caught and many people were suspect over the time of his reign, including Prince Albert Victor, and many suppositions were made. Fortunately, death must have taken Jack away, and the prossies were free to ply their trade without that particular outside vermin.
Perhaps I've given too much credit to this sage, H. G. Wells and his time machine, but I was entranced with the idea of it, the general ---- what if?
This movie released in 1979, is probably based on nothing but a well-oiled mind. Starring Malcom McDowell as H. G. Wells, and David Warner as Jack the Ripper, we find ourselves transported from jolly old England in the 1800's to a museum display in San Francisco in the 1970's. Jack has managed to hop into H.G.'s time machine and shoot himself forward. As the inventor, and former good friend, H.G. must come forward as well to try to stop his enemy.
What could fall short of a good film, becomes instead a really decent production. Watching H. G. Wells introduce himself into modern America, along with modern woman, was entertaining at best. Imagine his awe as he sees his dreams have come to fruit. Likewise, listening to Jack the Ripper (supposedly an old friend of H.G.'s, Dr. John Stephenson) explain to Wells that this ‘new time' was made for him, as he flipped through television stations and shows Wells the destruction, death and devastation on daily TV news.
It was a time that was perfect for the Ripper, who would miss a few more prostitutes? After all, with all the death being shown every night on the evening news, what is a coupla more? Wells is stymied in his search because, after all, who is going to believe this guy came to San Fran in a time machine from the 1800's? Furthermore, when he does decide to go to the police, at the urging of new girlfriend, bank officer Amy Robbins (Mary Steenburgen), he foolishly gives his name as Sherlock Holmes. Who would believe he was H. G. Wells, for God's sake?
Wells devises a plan to prove to Amy that he is really who he says he is, and that Jack the Ripper is alive and well in San Fran, by putting them both in the time machine and shooting forward 3 days. While this would be a stellar idea, unfortunately they find a newspaper that shows Amy has been murdered. Needless to say, Amy suddenly believes every damn thing Wells says! Naturally, the crux of the show then begins now because there is no way Wells is gonna let the Ripper get to Amy.
But he forgets about the bumbling police he has been dealing with all along, and they throw a little snag in his path.
Of course, if you want to know if the prediction comes true and Wells is successful - both in eliminating Jack the Ripper and saving Amy, you'll have to watch the movie yourself.
Now I am sure that there have been scads of movies dealing with time travel in a more realistic sense, but I just enjoyed the heck out of this one. For one thing, the cast was great. McDowell was downright cute and just as endearing as could be in the part and Steenburgen was one hot lady. In fact, this was her first role but she wasn't camera shy in the least. She and McDowell garnered such sparks on screen that off screen they became man and wife.
Warner, as the Ripper, had just enough evil aura around him that you could believe it, but he also gave off an alluring sexuality that made you understand how he was able to tempt these ladies to their deaths. Another decent performance was by Patti D'Arbanville, an unfortunate victim, and a young Corey Feldman.
This movie was written and directed by Nicholas Meyer, based on a story by Karl Alexander and Steven Hayes. There are some wonderful special effects, compliments of Jim Blout and Larry Fuentes, especially with the time machine.
Like I said, not an earth shattering movie, but entertaining nonetheless. And just think.... what if?
Thanks,
Susi
p.s. Now if I can just get that Cyndi Lauper song outta my head I'll be fine!
The Oracle says: Patti D'Arbanville has a Bacon number of 2.
Patti D'Arbanville was in Celebrity (1998) with Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron was in 24 Hours (2002) with Kevin Bacon ***
Compliments of: Department of Computer Science
School of Engineering, University of Virginia
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