Okay, they’re not literally from the Jurassic period. But they are pretty early! And I mean earlier than anything I’ve dug up for Hollywood Ripper thus far.

The other day, I noticed that I was getting a number of hits from one of the Forum pages on the astounding Casebook: Jack the Ripper site. This happens from time to time when a particularly hot discussion is going on over there about Ripper movies. So I followed the link and found a far more intriguing discussion than I had imagined.

One researcher had found a reference to a 1914 Mexican film named “Destripador” (i.e. “Ripper”). That prompted Casebook Editor, Stephen Ryder, to provide info on several early Ripper titles he’d found via the Library of Congress.

I don’t know who this will interest, but it sure interested me! So here’s a link to a fabulous discussion involving Ripper (and possible Ripper) titles from before 1910… and even a turn-of-the-century look at Whitechapel.

Casebook: Jack the Ripper - Message Boards: 1914 Film

Oh, and while you’re over there, please check out the Casebook’s Mission Statement. It will be worth your time.

Thank you , Stephen, for remembering what the search for Jack the Ripper is truly about. And thanks, Casebook, for making the Ripper Lady’s work easy today!