Just because it has the same basic cast as "Young Frankenstein" doesn't mean anything. If the script has nothing for them too say and do, it doesn't matter. This is a one joke movie where Gene Wilder's other Holmes tries so hard to one up Sherlock. Madeline Kahn is doing the same stuff here, but the interactions with the other characters just don't click very well. Also, some people think this is a Mel Brooks film. It is not. Wilder is fun to watch with his paranoid, defeated, second banana act, but he never can overcome the aforementioned writing. Don't hesitate to see it. Just don't expect too much. I'm certain this was project for some actors during time between more meaningful films.

Gene Wilder is Sherlock Holmes' overshadowed brother Sigerson in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother," a 1975 film directed by Wilder and also starring Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Dom Deluise, and Leo McKern. Sherlock is busy on a case, so he gives Sigerson one to work on, causing Sigerson to come up against Moriarity (McKern), falls for a music hall singer (Kahn) and ends up on an opera stage singing about sexy wine.This is one of those films that demands multiple viewings. Some of it comes out of left field - such as the "Kangaroo Hop" - and some of it is so hilarious, you want to see it again any. Unlike "The Producers," it's an uneven movie. And one stops caring about what the case actually is long before it's solved, though the case was never the point.McKern gives a flamboyant performance as a completely insane Moriarity, who seems to have trouble with basic math. It's always both a happy and sad occasion to see the wonderful Madeline Kahn - she's terrific as always, but now we've been deprived of her beauty and talent. I'm not entirely sure that she sings the operatic portions of the film, but she does sing throughout in her lovely voice. She and Wilder are a riot together, as are Wilder and Feldman. Wilder has such sweetness and warmth, as well as humor, in his portrayal.For me, though, the funniest scenes are with the operatic tenor Eduardo Gambetti (Dom Deluise) - truly one of the best characters ever in cinema. When he's counting the money in Italian, I was in tears. His entire portrayal is genius.If you see this film and are a little put off by its craziness, I suggest you see it again. You'll appreciate it more. Maybe a movie shouldn't require a second viewing to be liked, but this one is worth it.

Definitely an underrated film. One of my favorite scenes is where Professor Moriarty is having everyone bid for the letter and his assistant is eating from the bowl of potato chips and finally makes his assistant spit out the potato chips because they are for company. The scene with Gene Wilder and the ambassador where he is attempting to hide the fact that we eating the box of chocolates was hilarious. I would like to know if any of the songs from the movie are original to the movie or are they just old songs. They sound as if they could have been written years ago. I have seen this movie on cable and sometimes they edit some of the funny lines.

Gene Wilder became the first (soon to be followed by Marty Feldman and Dom DeLuise) to jump into the director's chair after successful collaborations with Mel Brooks. His debut as writer/director is "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" which is a hit and miss comedy with more misses then hits.The idea is interesting enough with the great detective having a younger, jealous brother. Sigi (Wilder) refers to his famous older brother as Sheer-luck and it's a classic moment that makes one yearn for more throughout. Wilder certainly borrows enough from Brooks (characters break out in song unexpectedly; modern items pop up in this period piece) but he strains to get the laughs. Marty Feldman is amusing as Sigi's sidekick but Madeline Kahn is wasted as the heroine.The other major flaw is the story itself. The mystery isn't much of one in the first place so we never really get caught up in it. Wilder relies too much on the sight gags to sustain ones interest.The bottom line is Wilder has made a lesser Mel Brooks film when he should have brought Brooks on board and perhaps turned this mediocre comedy into something more. As it is it may be amusing but without Brooks at his side amusing just isn't enough.