Jelisije J
A film that really doesn't offer no mystery and is the most straight forward checkers game between Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/13/23
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Stephen C
The greatest 01 and 01/12 hours!!!!!!!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/25/23
Full Review
Kyle E
I cannot praise this masterpiece of a series enough. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it whatsoever. In fact every one of the Sherlock Holmes are superb, but this is the definitive one.
The plots are in general true to the books, which are just as excellent, save a couple of wholly forgivable liberties. The scripts are sharp, classy and sophisticated, and all the adaptations have a certain atmosphere to them, and that is exactly what I want. The music is just outstanding, not only beautiful but very haunting, and the background music is rich and just adds to the atmosphere of the series. And the scenery, camera work and costumes are flawless.
As for the acting, one word, superlative. Jeremy Brett is without doubt the best Sherlock Holmes ever, he is just perfect as the character. He is true to the character of the books, while making some subtle differences along the way. This is all to do with interpretation, and where I am concerned, this is one masterful interpretation of a truly complex character. David Burke is suitably intelligent as Watson; while I am more familiar with Edward Hardwicke, Burke is just as good. Many great actors and actresses have come and given memorable appearances, and I cannot decide who impressed me most, because they were all great.
All in all, an absolute must-see. It is a television masterpiece. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/15/22
Full Review
Frances H
A good outing for Sherlock and Watson, but not the best. One thing I don't care for in this series is that Dr. Watson is made a comic character and a figure of fun. That's why I prefer the Jeremy Brett and Edward Hargraves series over this one.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/05/22
Full Review
robert p
Probably the ultimate bad guy movie!!!!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
matthew d
One of the most enjoyable Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes mysteries!
Alfred Werker's mystery film noir The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939) is a magnificent installment in the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce series of movies based off of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic London detective. Basil Rathbone just embodies everything you want from Sherlock Holmes. He is genius, handsome, charming, calm, perceptive, cunning, obsessive, funny, and swift in his plethora of keen deductions through his use of inimitable observational prowess. Basil just walks on screen and you know he is private detective Sherlock Holmes. Similarly, Nigel Bruce is always hilarious as Holmes' steadfast friend, personal doctor, and foolish accomplice Dr. John Watson. Bruce bumbles and guffaws as the merest insinuation at his ineptitude and it makes me laugh every time. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce were born to play Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Werker's direction brings the famous literary detective to life with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's dry wit, clever complex plotting, intriguing mystery, brilliant misdirection in several Red Herrings, and dark noir style. Writers Edwin Blum and William Absalom Drake have a fascinating sense of adventure and mystery with their excellently curious narrative. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes takes multiple Doyle stories and slaps them together into a wholly new and entertaining feature that remains one of 1939 finest pictures to this day as Sherlock Holmes must do mental battle against his archnemesis Professor Moriarty. George Zucco is excellent as the devious Prof. Moriarty. He has this harsh personality and deep voice that booms with Moriarty's nefarious malice. It's awesome to see Sherlock have a serious contender as a rival, which makes this film a particularly exciting one.
I must mention the lovely actress Ida Lupino stars as Ann Brandon, who enlists Sherlock's help in a matter of great urgency. Lupino is so natural and graceful with a realistic worry on her face. She portrays Ann very sympathetically, while also conveying how perceptive she is when lied to as she's aware of the danger surrounding her. Alan Marshal's Jerrold Hunter is perfectly sinister and distracting as needed. Terry Killburn is fun as Sherlock's apprentice Billy. Henry Stephenson is good as Sir Ronald Ramsgate with his imperative concern over the potential theft of The Crown Jewels. E. E. Clive is very funny as the stubborn Inspector Bristol from Scotland Yard. In all, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes boasts a strong leading and supporting cast.
Robert Bichoff's editing is swift with the sharpest cuts from scene to scene to provide a sense of urgency to this vital case of Holmes' for 85 pleasant minutes. Leon Shamroy's cinematography captures a grimly lit, eternally foggy, constant nighttime atmosphere of London with moody wide shots and stellar close-ups shots. His camera choices keep you enthralled by every moment of conversation and clue finding. Gwen Wakeling's costumes continue to impress with a dazzling couple of period dresses for Ida Lupino that are truly gorgeously fitted and designed. Richard Day and Hans Peters' art direction keeps you focused on little letters, various plants, and random windows to keep you constantly guessing by all the noir machinations of this Sherlock Holmes story. Lastly, Thomas Little's set decoration is quaint for Sherlock's cozy Baker Street abode and lavish for Ida Lupino's mansion estate. I love period films for their sense of fashion and impeccable style.
In conclusion, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is one of Basil's best films and that is quite a compliment for such an accomplished actor.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
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