This second movie of the film serial with Basil Rathbone starring as Sherlock Holmes is no less suspenseful than the first, "The Hound of the Baskervilles"; in this case, the creepy atmosphere of London's dark, foggy streets provides the adequate atmosphere. And this time we also get to know (again) Holmes' arch-enemy Professor Moriarty, magnificently portrayed by 'shady' character actor George Zucco.
Moriarty has just been acquitted once more of a murder charge, and in all his megalomania he promises Holmes that this time he'll really make the 'coup' of the century - and predicts that not even Holmes will be able to stop him... Now, just like Holmes is able to put himself in Moriarty and his thoughts, so is the criminal mastermind vice versa: he develops a 'double plan', to divert Holmes' restless mind with a 'usual' murder case - while he's planning to steal the crown jewels from the Tower! So, Holmes and his 'sidekick' Watson share the jobs, very conveniently for Holmes: he protects pretty, frightened young Ann Brandon (Ida Lupino, who shows her great talent even from this early role on!), whose brother has just been murdered and now her own life is being threatened; while Watson carefully oversees the procedure of a new stone being added to the well guarded jewels collection - only something goes wrong there, and Holmes has got to step in himself, and even get somewhat violent in another breathtaking climax face to face with Moriarty...
A VERY worthy sequel for the series, this movie (again being set in a wonderfully nostalgic recreation of London at the turn of the 20th century) again proves Basil Rathbone as a perfect choice for the title role, and gives him a chance to show ALL facets of his huge talent: he even does a very funny 'Gay Nineties' style vaudeville act! Generally, all the really frightening atmosphere (some nightly scenes make it look almost pre-noir) is lit up quite a couple of times by light humor, which is very welcome at moments when shivers are running down your spine... One more example of the absolute CLASSIC 'Sherlock Holmes' movies, no doubt!
Moriarty has just been acquitted once more of a murder charge, and in all his megalomania he promises Holmes that this time he'll really make the 'coup' of the century - and predicts that not even Holmes will be able to stop him... Now, just like Holmes is able to put himself in Moriarty and his thoughts, so is the criminal mastermind vice versa: he develops a 'double plan', to divert Holmes' restless mind with a 'usual' murder case - while he's planning to steal the crown jewels from the Tower! So, Holmes and his 'sidekick' Watson share the jobs, very conveniently for Holmes: he protects pretty, frightened young Ann Brandon (Ida Lupino, who shows her great talent even from this early role on!), whose brother has just been murdered and now her own life is being threatened; while Watson carefully oversees the procedure of a new stone being added to the well guarded jewels collection - only something goes wrong there, and Holmes has got to step in himself, and even get somewhat violent in another breathtaking climax face to face with Moriarty...
A VERY worthy sequel for the series, this movie (again being set in a wonderfully nostalgic recreation of London at the turn of the 20th century) again proves Basil Rathbone as a perfect choice for the title role, and gives him a chance to show ALL facets of his huge talent: he even does a very funny 'Gay Nineties' style vaudeville act! Generally, all the really frightening atmosphere (some nightly scenes make it look almost pre-noir) is lit up quite a couple of times by light humor, which is very welcome at moments when shivers are running down your spine... One more example of the absolute CLASSIC 'Sherlock Holmes' movies, no doubt!