Three star

THIS is not a bad film, it's just not a great film and it had the potential to be.

Based on Jack the Ripper's life-choice of slaying and slicing prostitutes, From Hell has strong acting, atmospheric sets and a 'whodunnit theory' which stands up to scrutiny.

Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp), is a potentially brilliant policeman but his 'chasing the dragon' hobby somewhat delays his promotion prospects.

When the lusty ladies of the night start turning up dead, Abberline discovers a link between them all - asides from their career choice.

He becomes romantically entwined with prostitute Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), the beauty of Whitechapel.

Not only does her one dress stay immaculate throughout, she is also lucky enough to be looked after by a pimp who offers his girls a great company dental package.

All this is an area of London where the women are mostly gap-tooth harridans with foul mouths and limited hygiene standards.

Depp is very good. His English accent is well done and avoids the Dick Van 'Cockney' Dyke style and, praise be, sounds nothing like Keanu 'Someone remove this plum from my mouth' Reeves in Dracula.

This film is worth a watch but could have been more dramatic and infinitely more scary.

The DVD also includes numerous featurettes, documentaries and suspect profiles.

HC