Jack's Back
Jack's Back is a 1988 American mystery thriller film written and directed by Rowdy Herrington in his feature directorial debut.[1] The story centers on a series of brutal murders in Los Angeles that eerily replicate the Jack the Ripper killings exactly 100 years after the original crimes in 1888, with the victims being prostitutes and the attacks occurring on the same dates.[2] Starring James Spader in dual roles as twin brothers John and Rick Wesford—a young doctor suspected in the killings and his sibling who becomes determined to uncover the truth—the film blends elements of horror, crime, and drama in a tense investigation narrative.[3] Released theatrically in the United States on May 6, 1988, Jack's Back features a runtime of 97 minutes and was produced by Palisades Entertainment Group and Cinema Group.[4][5] The supporting cast includes Cynthia Gibb as nurse Christine "Chris" Moscari, Jim Haynie as police sergeant Sgt. Gabriel, and Robert Picardo as psychologist Dr. Carlos Battera, alongside Rod Loomis and Rex Ryon in key roles.[6] Herrington, who also served as screenwriter, crafted the screenplay around the centennial theme to evoke historical parallels, emphasizing psychological suspense over graphic violence.[7] Critically, the film received mixed reviews, with a 71% approval rating on the Tomatometer based on seven critics, praising Spader's versatile performance in the dual lead roles as a standout element that showcased his emerging talent.[2] Roger Ebert awarded it two out of four stars, commending the intriguing twists and character depth but noting the contrived plot elements typical of 1980s slashers.[7] On IMDb, it holds a 5.8 out of 10 rating from over 4,800 users, reflecting its cult status among fans of Ripper-inspired thrillers despite modest box office performance and a later direct-to-video emphasis.[1]Synopsis and cast
Plot
In 1988 Los Angeles, a serial killer begins committing copycat murders inspired by Jack the Ripper's crimes from a century earlier, targeting prostitutes on the exact anniversary dates of the original killings. The first victim is discovered mutilated in an elevator, throat slashed and body posed dramatically, setting off a citywide panic as news reports link the crimes to the Ripper's centennial. Over the following months, three more women suffer similar fates: the second eviscerated in an alley, the third found with her organs arranged nearby, and the fourth decapitated in a derelict building, each killing escalating in brutality and drawing intense media scrutiny.[8][9] The story centers on twin brothers John and Rick Wesford. John, an idealistic young medical student working at a free clinic for the underprivileged, treats many of the at-risk women in the community, including a pregnant prostitute identified as the likely fifth victim. Suspicious after one of his patients dies under mysterious circumstances, John investigates independently and stumbles upon the killer in the act during a house call. Confronted and overpowered, John is strangled and hanged in the clinic's elevator by Jack Pendler, his death staged as a suicide to frame him as the Ripper, given his proximity to multiple crime scenes.[8][7][10] Rick Wesford, John's estranged identical twin and a former petty criminal with a troubled past, experiences a vivid psychic vision of his brother's murder, compelling him to rush to the clinic where he discovers the body. Initially dismissed by police as grief-stricken, Rick becomes the new prime suspect when his presence raises suspicions, forcing him to go on the run. Teaming up with Christine Moscari, a compassionate nurse at the clinic and John's romantic interest who now aids Rick out of loyalty and budding affection, and initially drawing assistance from the clinic director Dr. Sidney Tannerson, Rick delves into the killings. Their probe uncovers medical records and Ripper lore suggesting the perpetrator's obsession with emulating the historical murders as a perverse tribute, with surgical precision in the mutilations; it is revealed that Tannerson manipulated Jack Pendler, a clinic worker fixated on Ripper history, to carry out the crimes.[8][7][11] As the investigation intensifies, Rick pieces together clues pointing to Tannerson as the mastermind, driven by a delusional fixation on Ripper history and a need to "complete" the canonical five murders. Under hypnosis, Rick realizes the full extent of the plot and races to Chris Moscari's house, pursued by police. He arrives in time to save her from becoming the final victim, thwarts the attack, and kills Tannerson, avenging his brother's death. It is implied that Tannerson had manipulated Pendler throughout. Rick survives the ordeal, exonerated as evidence clears the brothers' names, though scarred by the loss and the psychic bond that both saved and haunted him.[8][9][12]Cast
The principal cast of Jack's Back is led by James Spader, who takes on the challenging dual role of twin brothers John Allen Wesford, an idealistic young medical student, and Richard "Rick" Wesford, his more street-smart and rebellious sibling.[3][13] Spader's performance in these roles highlights his versatility, with the characters distinguished through subtle differences in hairstyles, clothing, and mannerisms to avoid confusion for the audience.[7] Cynthia Gibb portrays Christina "Chris" Moscari, a compassionate nurse who serves as John's colleague and romantic interest at the clinic.[3][13] In supporting roles, Jim Haynie plays Sergeant Gabriel, the determined police detective leading the investigation into a series of murders.[3] Robert Picardo appears as Dr. Carlos Battera, a stern hospital chief of staff, while Rod Loomis is cast as Dr. Sidney Tannerson, the clinic director and mastermind killer.[3][13] Rex Ryon as Jack Pendler, a clinic worker and accomplice manipulated into committing murders.[3][6] The film features a range of additional supporting actors in roles such as hospital staff, police officers, victims, and minor characters, contributing to the ensemble's depiction of urban tension and mystery. Notable among these are Jason Tomlins as Dr. Stephen Nance, a fellow doctor; Lori Ashley Hall as Nancy Reynolds, one of the murder victims; and Dan Madsen as Officer Randy Wilcox, a patrolman assisting in the case.[3]| Actor | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| James Spader | John Allen Wesford / Richard "Rick" Wesford | Dual lead roles; twins central to the mystery |
| Cynthia Gibb | Christina "Chris" Moscari | Nurse and romantic lead |
| Jim Haynie | Sgt. Gabriel | Lead detective |
| Robert Picardo | Dr. Carlos Battera | Hospital chief of staff |
| Rod Loomis | Dr. Sidney Tannerson | Clinic director and killer |
| Rex Ryon | Jack Pendler | Clinic worker and accomplice |
| Jason Tomlins | Dr. Stephen Nance | Supporting doctor |
| Lori Ashley Hall | Nancy Reynolds | Murder victim |
| Dan Madsen | Officer Randy Wilcox | Police officer |
| John Wesley | Sam Hilliard | Detective |
| Christopher Murphy | Tom | Friend of the Wesford brothers |
| Sam Scarber | Walter Landis | Supporting character |