Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

Audience Reviews

View All (83) audience reviews

Audience Member Rating: 6/10. 68/100 Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/22/23 Full Review Frances H Although not the best of the EEII Sherlock Holmes films, this one has its moments of plot twists that make it worth a watch. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/12/22 Full Review robert p Another great adventure by Sherlock Holes (Basil Rathbone) and Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) and of course Dr. Moriarty. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Brilliant old school Sherlock Homes movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review matthew d Sherlock Holmes returns for an espionage tale. Roy William Neill's espionage mystery thriller Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943) is a fascinating World War II story that feels like the inspiration for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Scott Darling and Edward T. Lowe Jr.'s writing makes for entertaining English propaganda against the Germans during WWII to convince citizens to patriotically tell the government about military secrets and spies in order to defeat the Nazis. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story sees Prof. Moriarty masterminded a plot to obtain a deadly weapon that would change the tides of World War II. Neill's noir direction keeps you in suspense as Holmes must first decipher a curious code, locate 4 scientists protecting the secret weapon, then uncover various clues to solve the mystery of the secret weapon itself. His style is very interesting. Lester White's cinematography has smooth zooms, beautiful still frames, and gorgeous wide shots for some dark camera choices. It's all standard Sherlock fare, while remaining gripping mystery stuff. Otto Ludwig's editing has cool fade out and swift cuts to keep the pace quick with heavy tension. It's only 68 fast minutes with suspense stemming from Sherlock's crucial chase of Professor Moriarty. Basil Rathbone is brilliant as usual portraying the world's greatest detective Sherlock Holmes. His sure deductions and gentlemanly manner are riveting. Rathbone's serious acting ensures his Sherlock depiction remains dramatic and pleasant. I love Rathbone telling Moriarty how he'd kill him. Nigel Bruce is funny as Sherlock Holmes' ever faithful sidekick Dr. Watson. Bruce is more silly than ever, but actually helps out with a few suggestions. Furthermore, the other supporting cast is pretty neat. Lionel Atwill's sadistic traitor to England, Prof. Moriarty, is fiercely cruel and cunning by committing torture and murder. William Post Jr. is intriguing as the genius Dr. Tobel with his ingenious new weapon and inventive coding. Kaaren Verne is lovely and engaging as Charlotte Eberli. Dennis Hoey is hilarious as the idiotic and incompetent Inspector Lestrade. Basil Rathbone delivers the finest performance of the lot. In conclusion, I think most people will enjoy Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon if they are watching through all 14 of Rathbone's Holmes films. It's got classic noir direction, creative writing, crafty black and white cinematography, and some nice music even. Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon is worth an afternoon watch if you appreciate old mystery movies. Basil Rathbone must be seen as Sherlock Holmes. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review andy f Although it is one of the wartime ones, this has the main cast at the top of their game and the film maintains a spooky atmosphere throughout. Watson asleep on the job once again and other Holmes familiarities are played out at their best. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now