The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
Runtime: 80 minutes
Directed by: Sidney Lanfield
Starring: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Richard Greene, Wendy Barrie, Lionel Atwill
From: 20th Century Fox
My first Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes film… but not my last. Quite simply, recently I realized that I should watch this version of Sherlock Holmes as I’ve seen other takes on the character in my life, including Peter Cushing in The Hound of the Baskervilles 20 years later. Familiarity with that won’t breed contempt in this case.
For those unfamiliar, Holmes and Watson visit the estate of the Baskervilles as there is an alleged curse involving a hellhound that has lasted for generations and it has started claiming victims once more. The duo is there to investigate/protect the last living decedent of the family. The film introduces Holmes & Watson by presenting that while the latter is an observant fellow, the former is much more so due to logic and deductive reasoning.
The estate is in foggy, swampy, craggy moors which naturally leads to great atmosphere and mood; that was brought to life rather well by the film. The manor and its “dreadful eeriness” was apparent. It’s a compelling story that was quite enjoyable here due to the cast and direction; concerning the former, I was tremendously charmed by the lead duo and how while Holmes could be on the brusque side, he wasn’t an insufferable ass as has unfortunately happened in other interpretations. Rathbone is gone for a long stretch in the story yet that did not hinder the movie due to the story and also Bruce’s performance that is just as good as Basil’s.
They made fourteen of these movies starring those actors in those roles. Who knows when but in my future will be at least one more of these pictures.
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