Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper is the main antagonist of the 1964 black comedy film, Dr. Strangelove (or how I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb). He was Captain Mandrake's supervisor and the Strategic Air Command General who blamed the Russians for contaminating his "precious bodily fluids" and ruining his sexual performance and was convinced they were planning a sneak attack.
He was portrayed by Sterling Hayden.
Why He Rocks
- Even though he's pretty insane, he did have certain justifications that weren't too far off from other people's fears during the Cold War.
- He's shown to be a smart strategist who's prepared for nearly any outcome or attempt to counter his plan. As he had confiscated various radios to prevent the Russians from planting false radio transmissions and so the Americans wouldn't find out the truth.
- He was able to manipulate his army into thinking the Russians were attacking America, by keeping a straight face and talking about the plan in a calm voice.
- He's also pretty strong in physical combat as he was able to hold his own when he thought he was fighting against Russians.
- Plus, the man keeps a machine gun in his golf bag. Being the crazy one does have its coolness factors.
- He sincerely sees himself as a hero to America, to the point where he's willing to shoot himself so wouldn't "get tortured into revealing the recall code".
Trivia
- His name is based on the real-life English serial killer Jack the Ripper.
- His character is the Trope Namer for the "General Ripper" trope, where high-ranking, war-hungry military leaders have paranoia and hate for specific foes.