I watch most of the Rathbone/Bruce Holmes films over and over again, but not this one. It is set in a strange Canada, populated by Brits, Scots and surely there must be an Irishman or two in the "French café". There are too many supposedly farcical scenes where Dr Watson tries to get the locals to talk. Peripheral characters are good, though: Judge Brisson, his enigmatic housekeeper Nora, the unfortunate waitress Marie, and Potts, the Cockney postman. What's HE doing in "La Mort Rouge"?
Despite Watson's bumbling, though, he - as throughout the series - comes to the fore when a medical diagnosis is needed.
It is a shame that the initial conflict between the occultist Lord Penrose and the rational Holmes is let drop about halfway through the action.
Despite Watson's bumbling, though, he - as throughout the series - comes to the fore when a medical diagnosis is needed.
It is a shame that the initial conflict between the occultist Lord Penrose and the rational Holmes is let drop about halfway through the action.