The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)

I found myself laughing pretty hard at some of the scenes. "ONE OF THESE DAYS YOUR GOING TO ASSUME A BROKEN ASS!" < I am going to work this quote into life as much as possible from now on!One of the earlier scenes has Sigerson in a fight with two horse drawn buggies and gets into a whip fight... I have never scene a whip fight and it was funny. Up until this point I was kind of watching the movie while doing other things but it quickly grabbed my attention and I found myself really enjoying it.This is what I would consider a well done silly movie. Something you can sit back and laugh at. I just finished watching Speilberg's 1941 before this one and it too was supposed to be silly and failed. I would totally recommend watching this one.

I'm not a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, so usually Holmes films appeal to me if they do something unique with the formula. The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother is not only a comedy which spoofs with reverence its source material but is also a straight up action/adventure swashbuckler; a vehicle for writer, director and star Gene Wilder to show off a full range of talents including comedy, singing and fencing.What prevents me from considering Holmes' Smarter Brother from being a masterpiece is that the movie is not consistently funny. The first third of film had me laughing a lot, particularly the scene in which Wilder, Marty Feldman and Madeline Kahn are introduced to each other had me laughing a lot with their kangaroo hoping madness (plus that fencing machine is one of the most amusing props ever); after that I only laughed seldomly. Most of the jokes after the first third are only chuckle worthy but at least avoid being embarrassing.Even with the depleting laughs there is enough to the film to keep it afloat. Firstly that the movie works on its own as an action/adventure film, full of interesting characters as well as a heavenly chemistry between the trio of heroes. I was still able to care what was going on even with the largely incomprehensible plot. Likewise despite being as neurotic as he is, Gene Wilder does make for a convincing romantic hero – an intriguing, contradictory combo. Holmes' Smarter Brother was one of Wilder's directing ventures and he definitely has an eye for detail with the film's handsome and lush production values – another aspect which helps elevate the film above its comic shortcomings.The film also hosts some exciting swashbuckling action scenes in which Wilder gets to show off his skills as a swordsman. The final duel between Holmes and Moriarty is a real treat, taking place in a costume and props storage room of a theatre; it's full of clever and inventive uses of the surroundings. It reminds me of the scene in The Lady Vanishes in which the two protagonists inspect the cargo bay of the train.The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Bother misses the mark of being a comedy masterpiece but is still a fun time.

I saw this movie as a teenager back in 1975 at the local movie theater. I loved the movie then and I still love it. It hasn't gotten the reputation of some other Wilder, Brooks, or Edwards movies of the same time period, but it really should have. Excellently done by Gene Wilder, who really has outsmarted Conan Doyle in this movie. Absolutely brilliant story plot, as well as hilarious gags. I believe this to be a must see if you like Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Cluseau, or the Mel Brooks movies of the mid 70's. If you are also a fan of the Wilder, Pryor movies, you will enjoy this as well. Very clean movie for the most part, so the whole family can truly watch.

One of the funniest films ever made, this delightfully fast-paced satire will literally have you falling off your chair from go to whoa. And there are plenty of thrills too as our heroes, Wilder and Feldman, fall foul of Leo McKern's full-blooded villain and his crazy henchmen (including Roy Kinnear). The film is also notable for the gorgeous presence of Madeline Kahn whose brilliant sense of comic timing in both gesture and delivery is on full display here. The movie starts on a high comic note – and stays there! In fact, it actually gets funnier and even more comically inventive as it moves along at a truly remarkable pace. You really need to see it twice to catch up on all the crazy quips and luxurious bits of business that you missed whilst you were doubled up with laughter the first time. Gene Wilder's direction is so vigorous, lively and totally assured, that I was amazed to discover that this was his first venture behind the camera. Alas, to date he has directed only five movies all told, but maybe he can be persuaded out of retirement?