This fast-paced adventure yarn is pretty cracking entertainment, filled with twists, turns, clues, and action. This was produced as a war-time piece of propaganda; putting Holmes and his associates in a contemporary setting was perhaps a controversial idea for purists on reflection but it makes for some interesting situations. Still, it paves the way for some stirring speeches on the greatness of Britain and the evil of the Nazis. Fans of Conan Doyle's original stories should be grateful that, although moved to war-time Britain, a lot of the themes from THE DANCING MEN are kept in the film. The short running time means that the action and twists are coming constantly, there is no time to pause for thought. Events culminate in a gun battle, the likes of which you wouldn't expect in a Sherlock Holmes film, and they also saw fit to throw in a few perils straight out of the serials which have Holmes being saved from death by the skin of his teeth (the blood-draining climax comes to mind).
Basil Rathbone seems to be really enjoying himself as Holmes here, whether it be delivering his witty lines or dressing up in all manner of guises. He's full of vitality, seemingly bounding around the screen at every opportunity, his energy rubbing off on the rest of the film. Nigel Bruce is a good foil for Rathbone as Watson, proving a few chuckles, and Dennis Hoey excels as Inspector Lestrade in a comic relief role. But it's the presence of horror stalwart Lionel Atwill who really shines as the sinister Professor Moriarty, relishing his evil turn at every opportunity - all that he needed was the twirling moustache and his comic-book image would have been complete. This may not be profound or intelligent entertainment, but it's fun and well-made and has survived the test of time well. Definitely worth a watch for mystery fans. Although not the best of the Rathbone/Holmes cannon, this is good stuff.
Basil Rathbone seems to be really enjoying himself as Holmes here, whether it be delivering his witty lines or dressing up in all manner of guises. He's full of vitality, seemingly bounding around the screen at every opportunity, his energy rubbing off on the rest of the film. Nigel Bruce is a good foil for Rathbone as Watson, proving a few chuckles, and Dennis Hoey excels as Inspector Lestrade in a comic relief role. But it's the presence of horror stalwart Lionel Atwill who really shines as the sinister Professor Moriarty, relishing his evil turn at every opportunity - all that he needed was the twirling moustache and his comic-book image would have been complete. This may not be profound or intelligent entertainment, but it's fun and well-made and has survived the test of time well. Definitely worth a watch for mystery fans. Although not the best of the Rathbone/Holmes cannon, this is good stuff.