After three films in which Sherlock Holmes battled the Nazis, even Universal must have grown tired of their gimmicky attempt to "modernize" the Great Detective. With "Sherlock Holmes Faces Death," Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are back on more familiar turf and solve a mystery having absolutely no connection to World War II.
For the first time in the series, a film doesn't merely credit a story by Arthur Conan Doyle, screenwriter Bertram Millhauser actually makes use of one, "The Musgrave Ritual," a traditional murder mystery involving an old family curse. The story gives director Roy William Neill plenty of opportunities to pour on the atmosphere that is the series' best attribute, aside from stars Rathbone and Bruce, of course.
With this entry, the series greatly improved, and greater adventures were still to come for the famous detective from Baker Street.
Brian W. Fairbanks
What's Next...Peace in the MidEast?
As I wrote an extensive build up of these movies, prior to their release. I am now pleased to say that about 98% of my anticipation was not misguided. Overall, these are the clearest and sharpest versions I have seen in my lifetime. In comparison to some of the non Key Video versions that were out on VHS these offerings from MPI are stunning. My only letdown was, as others have mentioned, is that there could have easily been more additional material offered. A short commentary was offered on the restoration of Orson Welles' "The Third Man" by Criterion and was fascinating. Something similar to this would have been easy to produce and Holmes fans like myself who have put up with public domain trash copies for decades would have eaten up such a documentary. I also have wondered for years if there are any out-takes from the films that still exist. How fascinating that would have been, and would still be....hint....hint. At the very least, Filmographies of Rathbone and Bruce, or trivia facts about the series or the actors, or the productions, or at least even the trailers should have been included. Little things, such as pointing out the appearance of a young dark handsome Milburn Stone in "Faces Death" who later became "Doc" on Gunsmoke. There are several instances where the Captioning is lazy. Such as in "Faces Death" when Holmes says "anno Domini" in a sentence and the caption writer just put "Domino." Even with occasional lapses in the captioning, it was indeed nice to have them captioned. Of all the films in this Volume, the one I found most curious was "Faces Death." Even after reading the liner notes, I still wonder why some of the extreme deterioration marks on individual frames could not have been repaired by computer. Much worse deterioration existed on the "Third Man" and it was restored flawlessly. And oddly, there are a few sections of the Key Video version of this Film that are clearer than this MPI restored version.....?.... Was this a real case of Wet vs. Dry printing or laziness on the part of those in the restoration process? All that said, the other three films are near pristine, especially Holmes in "Washington". I think there will never be another version of these prints released that will surpass the quality of this offering. Lastly, for the snobby Holmesian purest who nearly worship the Brett/Granada versions of the Holmes stories, I think this offering will go a long way in explaining to many why Rathbone is beyond doubt the nearest thing to Holmes incarnate that has or ever will exist. The Granda versions are draining, dripping with overcharachterization and forced melodrama...did I mention contrived? Brett often behaves like a neurotic narcissistic snot who sees and loves his own image off a distance in a mirror somewhere. These films with Rathbone and Bruce are timelessly engaging, underplayed, entertaining, perfectly moody and just downright fun in every aspect. Rathbone and Bruce had a chemistry that so completely complimented each other. Rathbone especially....you never catch him playing Sherlock Holmes...he just "is" Sherlock Holmes. Now, if we can just get the first two Rathbone and Bruce films restored and captioned and in our libraries....well what's next...Peace in the MidEast?
Superb Transfer; Thank God Holmes Is Back With Us!
There's very little to say; these are the classic Universal "modern" Holmes films from the 1940s, and they are now finally available on DVD in superb transfers, complete and uncut, absolutely pristine in their presentation, and now generally available. If you liked these years ago, you will love them now; taken from superb 35mm materials in three countries, the films look as clean as when first released. Buy them all! This is cinema history.
I loved this entry in the series. It was full of pithy, classic, Holmes deductions and Watson wise cracks. I enjoyed the other two WWII movies that were part of the Sherlock Holmes series and highly recommend this one as well. I thought it was excellent!!!! This movie is homeschooler friendly! More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Basil Rathbone - Nigel Bruce Director(s): Roy William Neill DVD Release Date: Released the 28 October 2003 Usually ships within 24 hours
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The story begins with a printed disclaimer explaining why the famous Victorian-era detective is living and working in London of the 1940s. Sherlock Holmes' appeal is timeless, they claim, and he is quite capable of living in the then-present day. They are, of course, correct, although the real reason for updating him was that it allowed the filmmakers to produce a series of propaganda films wherein the greatest British detective of all time goes head to head with German spies and emerges victorious. The format works. I love these films, as far removed as they are from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories.
The beginning film in this Sherlock Holmes series as produced by Universal jumps right into its Sherlock Holmes vs. the Nazis motif. The British government is stumped. At regular... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Basil Rathbone - Nigel Bruce Director(s): John Rawlins DVD Release Date: Released the 28 October 2003 Usually ships within 24 hours
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Another entertaining Sherlock Holmes movie. Rathbone and Bruce are by far and away the best Holmes and Watson there is. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie and it completed the series for me. More Info about this DVD Director(s): Roy William Neill DVD Release Date: Released the 27 January 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce star in this 1939 adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's frequently filmed novel, and the result is one of the most atmospheric and purely enjoyable versions of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Except for minor changes, the script is true to Doyle's enthralling mystery about a centuries-long curse against heirs to the Baskerville estate, situated within the haunting and deadly Dartmoor in the southwest of England. With the arrival of a new master, Canadian Henry Baskerville (Richard Greene), Sherlock Holmes (Rathbone) and Dr. Watson (Bruce) are called upon to solve the strange case of the "gigantic hound" that may be readying to savage the poor fellow. Wonderful sets, crisp performances, and Rathbone's accessible but no-nonsense take on the Great... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Basil Rathbone - Nigel Bruce Director(s): Sidney Lanfield DVD Release Date: Released the 27 April 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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One of the most engaging features from 20th Century Fox's Holmes series, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is also of historical interest as it based on a hugely popular, early 20th century stage play written by and starring William Gillette. Basil Rathbone cuts a fine figure as the lean, hawkish Great Detective, drawn into a complicated conspiracy by fiendish Dr. Moriarty (George Zucco) to distract Holmes while quietly preparing to steal the Crown Jewels. Nigel Bruce is on board as a buffoonish Dr. Watson, and British-born Ida Lupino is very good, and quite gorgeous, as a young woman who may be the target of a family curse. True-blue Sherlockians know that very little of Gillette's tale, and next to nothing about Zucco's or Bruce's performances, have anything to do with Sir Arthur... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Basil Rathbone Director(s): Alfred L. Werker DVD Release Date: Released the 27 April 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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