Robert Mann - A 'New' Suspect

[scarletpimpernel]

should we just stick to the time honoured and discounted suspects? obviously not one of the tired old suspects is a genuine contender. Does it really hurt to bring in some fresh blood? Robert Mann has to be better than royalty or famous people that have raised their dull ugly heads before?

Versa,

I agree. I watched the programme twice last night and it gives a really plausible reason how JTR managed to slip through the net completely unnoticed. To me... that has always been the stumbling block presented by the more fanciful " suspects " for example: How does an actor goes to his lodgings dripping in blood, or any of the others ? that explanation is never given. Whilst here, for the first time, it really offers a resonable explanation how it was done and why it has eluded detection even after 100 years. The Robert Mann suspect is as good as any other suspect and better than most.

[Fisherman]

Right - was it him? Putting it otherwise: Has the TV show been aired?

Back here is Sweden, we have not had access to the show, leastwise. And since I have ordered the book and will be getting it by mail this week, it would be nice to know if I´m in for a treat or a laugh. I enjoy both, but prefer the former.

The best,
Fisherman

[Versa]

should we just stick to the time honoured and discounted suspects? obviously not one of the tired old suspects is a genuine contender. Does it really hurt to bring in some fresh blood? Robert Mann has to be better than royalty or famous people that have raised their dull ugly heads before?

[Trevor Marriott]

Claire
You have firmly hit the nail on the head congratulations

[claire]

I'm wondering if this sudden flurry of positive identification isn't the result of Mr Trow's agent pressing him to write another book--'and if you could name someone this time, Mei, that would be marvellous. Think of the sales.' It's not a million miles off standard practice in a lot of agencies...non-fiction sales, celeb autobiogs aside, aren't exactly strong right now. Imagine what a ripping yarn a new ripper suspect would make. Et cetera.

[Trevor Marriott]

I believe that's what Trow is saying. The bayonet killed her, and then Mann stabbed the body.

If he is saying that then Mr Trow should change his name to "Hans Christian Anderson"

[Trevor Marriott]

Doors would have also been locked and staff would have been on duty all night to prevent residents leaving and undesirables from trying to get in.

Please no one say "Ah but he could have got out un be known"

[dixon9]

have been browsing through a few sites and found site about workhouse life(etc),stating inmates had to wear a uniform.This was basically washed out blue stripped shirt,ill fitting trousers tied by cord below the knees,thick vests woollen draws/socks,and a neckerchief.In cold weather they were given a coarse jacket.
Now if this was the case surely some of the 'eye witness' would have noticed Mann dress code?
Finally in the rules it states inmates bedtime was 8pm(bell would awaken them at 6/7 am depending on time of year)unless Whitechapel was different.


Dixon9
still learning

[Mascara & Paranoia]

Several previews of the programme can be seen here.

Ain't some of them reconstuction-y clips and scenes from another documentary? They look like they were in the one where the detective lady was doing her profile of what kind of guy Jack probably was. Not that I'm nitpicking, just an observation.

I think the morgue attendant would make for a better [fictional] book rather than a serious suspect though. Undressing Nichols' (was it Nichols?) cadaver seems more like an act of incompetence than to admire his handiwork to me.

[Howard Brown]

Montpelier...

I hear you buddy...I wasn't trying to be sarcastic. I mean...its not as if Mr. Trow is basing his entire theory on the speculation of some shady lawyer after his own client died now, is it?

Dear Lynn:

Mr. Trow has been around the block, as we say over here in Palookaville. He's been in a recent documentary ( last two years or so..can't remember the title...I believe Lindsay Siviter and that Hutchinson guy were in it ) and I enjoyed hearing his views.

[Trevor Marriott]

I will be waiting with baited breath so see what motive Mr Trow puts forward for Mann.

Has anyone done any research into that specific workhouse to see what sort of regime it was and what were the rules.

[lynn cates]

relief

Hello Howard. In a funny sort of way, I am relieved by your message. If this chap is a bit of a ripperologist, at least he understands some of the intricacies of the case. I feared he was some hotshot virgin with some new old ideas.

Cheers.
LC

[Monty]

How,

Unless MJ has come across new and daming evidence since 97.

Monty

[Howard Brown]

Its funny...and I mention the following with nothing but respect for Mr. Trow....but he appears to be among or in fact is, the first Ripper author who wrote a Ripper book and who stated that he "personally believed that we will never know who JTR was " ( Page 175 of his 1997 work, The Many Faces of Jack The Ripper, Summerdale).......and then, wrote a book/appeared in a suspect oriented documentary espousing the candidacy of a particular individual. I know Mr. Harris used to be down on D'Onston back in the day..but he didn't write a Ripper book before coming out promoting a candidate.

Its an unique situation...in that its been the rule with no exception...that Ripper authors don't write books promoting suspects after stating his identity would remain unresolved forever.

[The Grave Maurice]

I believe that's what Trow is saying. The bayonet killed her, and then Mann stabbed the body.