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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

This is the first entry in Universal's modernized version of the Sherlock Holmes series.

Rated: B-

Dec 31, 2009

Full Review

Phil Hall

IdentityTheory

John Rawlins, normally a minor director, did a smashing job in framing the story with moody noir-style cinematography.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 21, 2009

Full Review

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.

Goatdog's Movies

It almost completely lacks the moody atmosphere and tight pacing of the previous two films.

Rated: 2/5

May 2, 2006

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Jelisije J

Considering that England was at war with one of the greatest evil in human history when this movie was filmed, it really adds inspirational layers to this decent Sherlock Holmes film.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/21/23

Full Review

Frances H

Although purists might look down their noses at these wartime propaganda outings for Doyle's great detective, putting Sherlock in other times and places has been successfully done in our own century with Benedict Cumberbatch. Although the 40s films with Rathbone and Bruce are not quite so well done as their films in the original time period of Doyle, they are still full of plot twists enough to keep the audience puzzling.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/06/22

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matthew d

Wartime espionage in this dark mystery thriller! John Rawlins' mystery crime drama Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942) is a very solid World War II era piece of propaganda. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes writing is peerless with complex narratives and keen observations. John Bright and Lynn Riggs' screenplay is neat with a disturbing story about Nazis announcing terror attacks against London before they happen right on the radio. The dialogue is sharp with careful phrasing about the evil of German Nazis and patriotic appeals to the English viewers in order to sell war bonds. The story creates intrigue with some darker implications as to what we must sacrifice for our country. I liked Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror more than ever after this viewing. Basil Rathbone is stellar as Sherlock once again with his stalwart dedication to portraying an accurate Holmes character for the silver screen. Rathbone is calm and cautious with ever diligent powers of deduction. Nigel Bruce continues to be a source inspired comedy about the foolish and fastidious Dr. Watson. Evelyn Ankers is very sweet and gripping as Kitty. Her dramatic speeches and tearful worry on her face are captivating. It's very cool to see Hillary Brooke as a taxi cab driver before she was later the villainess in The Woman in Green. Henry Daniell is a fun Red Herring as Sir Anthony Lloyd. Russell F. Schoengarth's editing is swift and makes The Voice of Terror's 65 minutes feel even briefer. Elwood Bredell's cinematography is full of dark, foggy wide shots that feel spooky. I love the look of these old noirs. In short, Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror is a startlingly fast picture with plenty to say.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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martin a

Holmes and Watson must outwit the terror of the German Nazi party, thrilling stuff an outstanding classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

good mystery suspenser

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce battle Nazis in the first of the "modern day" Sherlock Holmes adventures. Director John Rawlins lends the typical formula (many suspects, but one true and surprising villain) a distinct noir look with lots of shadows and some down-and-out London locales. Fortunately, the comedy is downplayed - but its absence is filled by patriotic fervor, designed to rally the troops in support of embattled Britain (at the end there is an ad for war bonds). For those who like these kind of genre pics, this is a good 'un. Plot: a radio announcement from the Nazis is delivered at the very moment that acts of sabotage occur but no one can figure out the source or stop the next terrorizing attack.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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John Rawlins

Director

Basil Rathbone

Sherlock Holmes

Nigel Bruce

Doctor Watson

Evelyn Ankers

Kitty

Reginald Denny

Sir Evan Barham

Thomas Gomez

Meade

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Synopsis

In wartime England, cryptic radio broadcasts from Nazi Germany are spreading panic throughout the region. Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and his devoted assistant, Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce), are summoned by British intelligence to find the source of the mysterious "Voice of Terror." A slain informant's tip sends Holmes to London's grimy Limehouse district. There the stalwart sleuth gains the trust of the informant's wife, Kitty (Evelyn Ankers), and evades capture by a Nazi spy.

Director: John Rawlins
Screenwriter: Lynn Riggs, John Bright
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 18, 1942, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 3, 2019
Runtime: 1h 5m

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