Most of my readers, I am sure are familiar with Sherlock Holmes, arguably the most famous sleuth of all time, created by the one and only, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This classic movie, starring Rathborne and Bruce as Holmes and Watson, has a screenplay that borrows elements of the plot from two works of Doyle, namely the Final Problem and the Adventure of the empty house.
The film has been hailed by critiques as one of the best Sherlock Holmes films, starring Basil Rathborne. The plot begins with London’s police force fighting a losing battle in tracking down, who they believe is a serial killer, committing gruesome murders of women. The perpetrator severs the fingers of the victim, which they believe, he keeps as a trophy.
As expected, Inspector Gregson of the police force, seeks the assistance of Sherlock Holmes, to find the killer and save the day. After examining the body of a victim, Sherlock Holmes immediately deduces, that the cut made to extract the finger, was made by a skilled surgeon.
The inspector invites Sherlock Holmes for a drink and the two go to a large restaurant, (that has American vibes for some reason). There, while discussing the case the two notice a rich elderly widower Sir George Fenwick, having a drink in the company of a younger woman who is revealed to be Lydia Marlowe.
In the following scene, we see Fendick in Marlowe’s apartment and enjoying a drink. Later, Fendick’s daughter visits Holmes and his famous roommate and friend, Dr. Watson. She tells them that her father was behaving strangely, that Fendick did not come home the night before and only showed up the following morning. Further, she had also seen him bury a forefinger in a box.
Holmes visits the Fendick house after alerting the police. He would then go face to face with an arch enemy, whose identity, should be familiar to anyone who is familiar with Sherlock Holmes stories. The plot would be revealed that the murders, that seem to be the work of a serial killer are actually part of a sinister plot from a ruthless fiend.
The movie is engaging, though it has a somewhat predictable screenplay, thanks to Rathborn’s performance and good cinematography. It makes good use of some noir elements like shadow lighting, the femme fatal and of course, the private eye.
This movie might be ubiquitous. Do not conclude that it may be of low quality, because it is easily available. This is a great movie, with great performances from the entire cast, especially Rathbone.
Cast: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Hillary Brooke, Henry Daniell
Direction: Roy William Neill
Quotes:
Moriarty: We’ve had many encounters in the past. You hope to place me on the gallows. I tell you I will never stand upon the gallows. But, if you are instrumental in any way in bringing about my destruction, you will not be alive to enjoy your satisfaction.
Holmes: “Then we shall walk together through the gates of Eternity hand in hand.”
Watson: An evil man, Holmes, but — what a horrible death.”
Homes: Better than he deserved.
Holmes: And now, Professor Moriarity, what can I do for you?
Moriarty: Everything that I have to say to you has already crossed your mind.
Holmes: And my answer has no doubt crossed yours.
Homes: I’m thinking of all the women who can come and go in safety in the streets of London tonight. The stars watch in the heavens, and in our own little way, we too, old friend, are privileged to watch over our city.
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