Directed by the Hughes Brothers Albert and Allen, From Hell is based on the novel of the same name by Alan More and Eddie Campbell. The film adaptation deviated away from the novel in many ways. For example the film is more of a horror murder mystery whereas the novel does nothing to cover up ‘Jack the Ripper’s apparent identity. The story is set in London largely in Whitechapel and the year is 1888 when London’s poor were living in appalling conditions. Mary Kelly (Heather Graham) and her group of friends can do nothing else but work the streets as prostitutes to earn a living. Unbeknownst to them they get drawn into a conspiracy and get picked off one by one with each murder becoming more gruesome than the next. Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp) investigates with the support of Sergeant Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane). Ian Holm stars as Sir William Gull a key figure throughout. From Hell had a budget of $35 million and grossed $75 million worldwide; it got mixed reviews. The streets of Whitechapel were largely created on a vast set in the Czech Republic but some locations were selected in the UK particularly for a number of re-shoots. It was also a gruelling schedule as most of the Whitechapel filming had to be done at night and most of the set were open air. This also meant that they needed to be covered on days of glorious sunshine and blue skies!

Release / Airing: 08/02/2002