Review - The Hound of the Baskervilles Released 3-31-39 Delightful start to the series of movies featuring Rathbone and Bruce. Ignoring where the series went with fourteen movies total, the face value of this film was entertaining. Having seen all of the films in the series, it is easy to pick out the various differences, but until the second movie began, this was quite fulfilling for several reasons. The story carried well throughout, the supporting cast was top notch, the scenes were realistic upon the moors, the dog was frightening, the characters were believable, although I missed Scotland Yard playing a role. Richard Greene was a welcome sight for two reasons, he is an accomplished actor playing Sir Henry Baskerville, and he is the familiar face needed at the time, not knowing the series would carry into 1946. Mary Gordon was there at the beginning as Mrs. Hudson, and through all the films in the series. A pleasant actress filling a key part in Doyle's story. The story is the plot to do away with Sir Henry Baskerville, coming to live on his late uncle's estate, home to Sir Charles Baskerville, who was likely murdered, killed by a ferocious large dog while out on his property. Holmes' presence has been requested to protect Sir Henry until the dog and others are eliminated. There is a love story in bloom while the plot thickens and the various characters all play their respective parts in either the capture of the murderer or the hinderance to his arrest. The intrigue is ever there with Holmes in and out of disguise, trying to nail the suspect in the act of plotting to rid the estate of its rightful owner, Sir Henry. With all the Baskervilles out of the way, the claimant to the land and castle could be his and the hound were to be blamed. Holmes is not about to let that event happen without unfortunately having to put Sir Henry's life in jeopardy. Certainly a great watch for everyone as the search for the guilty party evolves.

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.

Everything went right with this version of the famous Sherlock Holmes story. The stars as well as the other performers fit their roles perfectly, the atmosphere was convincing, the story was well-paced, and there was humor, but not overdone. The mystery in the story was not too difficult to figure out, but there were still some unexpected twists.The story itself: the wealthy lord of a country estate dies, evidently of heart failure, some sort of wild man finds him but is scared off, and the man's nephew comes from Canada to claim the title and property. Trouble is, there is the story of how heirs to the estate have all died violently, so as a safety measure, Sherlock Holmes and Watson are brought in by an old friend of the family.The movie isn't perfect; the romance subplot seems rather contrived and there are characters who have nothing to do with the actual storyline. But overall the movie is both scary and entertaining.

Sidney Lanfield directed this film adaptation of the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel that stars Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Doctor John Watson. Here, the plot involves a murder plot being planned against the heir(played by Richard Greene) of the Baskerville estate, an American hoping to come into his inheritance, but someone else has plans to usurp his title, involving a local legend about a huge hound that has cursed the family for generations. Is the supernatural at work, or is it of human origin? Good cast, especially Basil Rathbone, though muddled story and lack of a music score hurt it. The novel was much superior, but this version is acceptable.