The world’s most famous amateur detective tracks THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, a notorious demonic fiend intent on destroying the last descendent of an ancient family.
20th Century Fox brought Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale to vivid life in this excellent mystery thriller. Whether the setting is Baker Street’s cozy study, the foggy lanes of London, or Dartmoor’s moody wastes, the concise direction and superior production values transports the viewer into the world of Queen Victoria’s 1880’s. Sir Arthur’s original story is altered somewhat to meet the requirements of the cinema, abbreviated in spots and fleshed-out in others, but this happens to nearly all literature when translated to the screen and does not diminish the enjoyment a whit.
This was the first of what was to become fourteen films, the only American-made movie series based on Holmes’ adventures. Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson would become forever identified with the roles and they were perfect: Rathbone with his aquiline features and haughty aristocratic mien, the absolute embodiment of a supreme intelligence; and Bruce, bumbling & pudgy, but intensely loyal and good-natured (and also cognizant of the fact that a little comic relief would help him hold his own in scenes with Rathbone).
Richard Greene, who actually receives screen credit above that of Rathbone, makes a stalwart young hero–the returning heir whose life is placed in danger by the devilish Hound. The rest of the cast is also most proficient, especially sinister actors Lionel Atwill & John Carradine (as the Baskerville lawyer & butler, respectively). Beryl Mercer plays Atwill’s spooky little spouse and Eily Malyon, as Carradine’s wife, is quite effective as a woman with secrets to hide.
Pretty Wendy Barrie, and Morton Lowry as her naturalist brother, portray Baskerville’s neighbors on the moor, while old Barlowe Boyland provides some humorous moments as a highly litigious rascal.
Smaller roles are equally well filled: Mary Gordon is perfectly cast as a grandmotherly Mrs. Hudson; E.E. Clive as a London cabby with surprising information; gaunt silent screen actor Nigel De Brulier as a fugitive convict; and, in a flashback, Ralph Forbes as the infamous Sir Hugo, the first Baskerville to meet the Hound.
The climactic attack by the implacable Hound is presented with real menace & suspense and the satisfied viewer is left ready for the next film in the series which would be THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1939).
