The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (DVD, 2004, Digitally Restored)

Adapted from a stage play based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" stands on its own as classic entertainment for detective fans of all ages, and may well represent the peak of the vintage 14-film series from the 1930's and 40's featuring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

As the legendary sleuth, Basil Rathbone further illustrates his mastery of the role with a dominating performance, which even includes a vaudeville song & dance turn in disguise. Nigel Bruce offers ample support as the ever-loyal Dr. Watson, who doesn't appear as the bumbling sidekick he would later become in the series. Ida Lupino portrays Holmes' latest client, Ann Brandon, while George Zucco appears as this film's devious Professor Moriarty.

Set authentically in the Victorian era, the story begins with Moriarty managing to elude justice (in the form of a hangman's noose) once again on a legal technicality, despite Holmes' best efforts. Afterwards, two separate plots (one of murder, one of theft) are soon rapidly afoot, but only Holmes realizes that Moriarty is somehow manipulating these diabolical events from behind the scenes.

Amidst the sinister fog of London's nights, Holmes is subsequently pushed to his limits attempting to keep his lovely client out of harm's way from a ruthless assassin, while trying to locate Moriarty in time in order to thwart his arch-nemesis' greatest scheme yet.

Lovingly restored by UCLA, this film is greatly entertaining and highly recommended!

PAID FOR IT WITH PAY=PAL Never recieved the item. filled complaint still waiting for something to be done

This is an OK movie but not one of Basil Rathbone's best. It does have its moments but not enough for me to keep seeing it again and again. I can't say that I dislike the film but the storyline could of been better!

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are claasic and the best of Holmes. This is another great caper in wich Professor Moriety is out witted by Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Mystery ans Suspence are at hand here through out the drama. You will not be disapointed in this fantastic movie of Sherlock Holmes. I am as you can tell a great admirer of these movies and have seen them all !

If you are looking for a short review of this movie, here it is. This is the best Sherlock Holmes movie of all time and is the standard by which any subsequent Sherlock Holmes movie should be judged. Period!!! This is the best. If you enjoy mysteries, just get it.
O.K. If you want a little more detail about the best Sherlock Holmes, produced in 1939, we continue. Basil Rathbone is Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce is his steady, dependent friend, Dr. Watson. George Zucco, the very capable character actor of the 1930's and 1940's, plays Holmes' long time adversary, Professor Moriarty.
The movie opens with Moriarty being acquitted at trial, only to have Holmes rushing in with new evidence to prove his guilt. But too late; British law won't allow retrial after acquittal. Moriarty vows he will get rid of his nemesis once and for all. Ida Lupino shows up as a rich woman that is in fear of her brother's life. She seeks the help of Holmes with a note that implies her brother will die shortly. This is a diversion to conceal the plot Moriarty has in process to steal The Crown Jewels. Put your money on Sherlock Holmes and Watson.
Although made in black and white, the film quality is excellent. The plot is complex but intriguing; acting was directed very nicely by Alfred Werker, and the scenery and costumes realistic of the 1890's in London.
This is one of the best mysteries you will ever see.