The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

This initial entry in the Rathbone-Bruce series is often considered the best Holmes film ever made. For the first time in movie history, the Holmes narrative is not only kept correctly in period, but follows Doyle's original novel meticulously. Admittedly, there are minor changes and condensations, but some of these might well be considered improvements (such as the inclusion of a séance in order to introduce further suspects. As séance after all was a pretty popular pastime in the early 20th century, while Doyle himself dedicated the best part of his life to promoting Spiritism). We experts can spot some of the sets as miniatures, but the English period atmosphere is superbly judged and created all the same. Peverell Marley's absolutely brilliant cinematography (why wasn't he nominated for a prestigious Hollywood award?) is a major asset-as are the sets, costumes, special effects and music score.Best of all, of course, are the players. Basil Rathbone glides through his lines with wonderful celerity and is able to surprise us all with one of his delicious impersonations. As we might expect, he is truly more animated and fresh in this first study of what would become his most memorable role. Yes, oddly enough, Nigel Bruce has more footage than Rathbone and is in fact the real star of the movie. He makes the most of his opportunities too!With the exception of hero, Richard Greene, the subsidiary cast also rates as a total delight. Greene is a bit wet, but Wendy Barrie, Lionel Atwill, John Carradine and company lend Rathbone and Bruce some lively, appealing support. It's not usually remarked, but Mary Gordon repeated her deftly endearing characterization of Mrs Hudson (Holmes' landlady at 221B Baker Street) in all subsequent entries in the Rathbone series in which the good woman appeared. In short, this Hound of the Baskervilles is a triumph that loses nothing in atmosphere and dramatic intensity no matter how many times it is seen. Available on an excellent double DVD from Optimum with The Voice of Terror.

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and Dr Watson (Nigel Bruce) investigate the myth of the supernatural hound of the Baskervilles. Sir Henry Baskerville (Richard Greene) returns home to take up residence in the family estate on the moors of western England. Unfortunately a beast is set upon killing Sir Henry. It's up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watsons to deduce who or what is trying to commit this murder most foul, and to prevent it. This was the first time Rathbone and Watson had performed together as the detective duo, for me they are the go-to icons of the roles, and here they are brilliant. This isn't the typical bumbling portrayal of Dr Watson, this is something that the studios and Nigel Bruce evolved over time. Rathbone is as charming and engaging as ever, suave and solid as a lead. The film is only about 80 mins long and has a nicely enjoyable pace to it. There have been lots of versions of this Sir Athur Conan Doyle story, this for me is the best. The setting delivers an eerie atmosphere and is tastefully done, despite being shot in Hollywood. A great black and white film from the 1930's that never fails to fill a lazy Sunday afternoon with fun and nostalgia.

This 1939 adaptation of the novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles," is the perfect opening film for the definitive Sherlock Holmes - Basil Rathbone. We could debate until doomsday who is the best incarnation of the Baker Street sleuth. I do enjoy the efforts of Jeremy Brett, Peter Cushing, Douglas Wilmer and Robert Stephens in particular but Basil Rathbone is still my favourite. He immediately made the character his own with "The Hound of the Baskervilles." It helps this film that the time and budget were a good deal better than those of the 1940s films from "Universal" studios. Nigel Bruce isn't everyone's favourite Watson and it is true that a few liberties were taken by the scriptwriters. However, Bruce makes for a likable and loyal Watson. It should be noted that quite a few details from the original novel had to be excluded from the film. The rather short running time made this clear. The acting and the direction are brilliant and the whole film has the right look for something that is based in the late 19th century. This was one of several out of the 14 Basil Rathbone Holmes movies that came out on video in the early 1990s. It was about 1984 when I saw some clips of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" from a T.V recording. I enjoyed what I watched. The pace is good and the eerie effects of the Devon Moors serve their purpose very well.

This is my favourite of all the Sherlock Holmes tales and this is an excellent film version of it. It pairs the superb partnership of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, surely the best ever Holmes and Dr Watson. Here they investigate reports of a beast roaming the estate of a rich heir. The setting is suitably atmospheric with the fog shrouded set of the moors evoking a real sense of menace. The tale twists and turns with various suspects thrown into the mix. It's a relatively fast paced film and always entertaining with a number of expertly filmed scenes especially the one with the hound. If you only ever watch one Sherlock Holmes film then this is the one to watch.