Category: Sherlock Holmes-Related

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THE RATINGS GAME: BEST & WORST OF BASIL RATHBONE’S SHERLOCK HOLMES FILMS

In tribute to Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce’s Sherlock Holmes movie legacy, Odd Moon Media Reviews offers its candid assessment of their 1939-1946 movie franchise. 

Twentieth Century Fox produced the first two films in 1939 with first-caliber budgets allowing reasonably close adherence to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s storytelling.  Curiously, the second entry (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) shares the name of an actual Conan Doyle short story anthology; however, the movie is really a loose adaptation of William Gillette’s popular 1899 same-named stage play.    

Contractual issues with the Conan Doyle estate stalled the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce franchise for three years until Universal Pictures revived it with cost-effective changes.  Due to streamlined budgeting (and a practical nod to war propaganda), the films’ setting was updated to the wartime 1940’s.  Further, these subsequent Rathbone/Bruce films lifted various elements from Conan Doyle’s tales rather than freely adapting a Holmes title like The Hound of The Baskervilles.  In a few instances (i.e. Sherlock Holmes in Washington), the original screenplay is even devoid of Doyle’s work.         

Released in quick succession, Universal’s twelve entries are of a generally consistent caliber.  For instance, Universal’s rotating stock ensemble where character actors inhabit different roles throughout the series (i.e. three different actors portray ‘Professor Moriarty’) might give observant viewers a sense of déjà vu.  Hence, judging these films objectively becomes somewhat harder than it sounds. 

Gauging their current watchability, the entire roster of films are ranked below in reverse order. 

ANALYSIS:

14. Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943)   71 minutes.  Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: At England’s behest, Holmes and Watson go to Washington, D.C. to help retrieve missing microfilm that the Allies can’t dare let fall into enemy hands.  Their ruthless opposition is an international spy ring that will readily eliminate anyone getting in their way.  

Apart from Holmes & Watson’s chauffeured tour of the city’s national landmarks, the film is merely a wartime espionage caper without an actual mystery to solve.  Quoting Winston Churchill, Rathbone’ Holmes supplies one of the franchise’s many poetic tributes to England’s allies.  Though Rathbone & Bruce are easy to watch, their Washington, D.C. adventure is forgettable. 

13. Dressed To Kill (1946)   72-76 minutes.   Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: A femme fatale is at the center of a murderous counterfeiting scheme involving stolen British engraving plates. 

Franchise fatigue is personified by Rathbone’s phoned-in effort, as he subsequently quit the series.  It’s no wonder, considering this tired cliché-fest pitches multiple elements (i.e. a brunette femme fatale, an elaborate treasure hunt, etc.) weakly recycled from previous installments.  Dressed To Kill isn’t necessarily horrible viewing, but its unimaginative plotting fails to conjure up anything worthwhile or even new for fans.         

12. Pursuit To Algiers (1945)   65 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: After faking his death in an airplane crash, Holmes rejoins Watson and a prince under their protection on an overseas voyage to the nation of Algeria.  Plotting against them onboard, of course, is a murderous ring of foreign spies, who don’t want the handsome, young king-in-waiting making it back to the city of Algiers alive.

Hampered by minimal plotting, Pursuit To Algiers resorts to several musical numbers to obviously pad its running time.  Still, routine cast performances led by Rathbone and Bruce only worsen the storyline’s dull and eye-rolling predictability (i.e. a formulaic romance subplot).     

11. Sherlock Holmes and The Voice of Terror (1942)   65 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: John Rawlins). 

Premise: In wartime London, Holmes & Watson are recruited to aid British Intelligence in thwarting a Nazi cell group from decimating England one insidious terrorist attack at a time. Meanwhile, the group’s unseen leader issues ominous taunts and threats to the public via live radio. 

The movie’s purpose is again war propaganda, as the arch-villain is meant to resemble real-life British traitor/Nazi war propagandist, ‘Lord Haw-Haw.’  Packing a few intriguing surprises (including Evelyn Ankers’ great performance), The Voice of Terror is by no means unwatchable.  It’s just that this package, as a whole, is a middling endeavor, as compared to Rathbone & Bruce’s better installments. For instance, Holmes’ climatic deductions are pulled seemingly out of nowhere and depriving viewers a fair chance to guess the ringleader’s identity.

Of interest, a deliberate nod to the franchise’s new setting has Watson gently scolding Holmes into donning a contemporary fedora vs. his iconic deerstalker cap before they depart from their Baker Street lodgings.

10. Terror By Night (1946)   72 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: During an overnight train ride, a mysterious killer searches for an elusive prize hidden onboard.  All that stands in the culprit’s way is Holmes, Watson, and Dennis Hoey’s befuddled Inspector Lestrade.  

Even if this whodunnit falls far short of Murder on The Orient Express, using a train as the primary crime scene is at least a welcome change of pace for this series.  More so, deploying a different Conan Doyle villain (instead of a fourth Moriarty) helps Rathbone and Bruce make Terror By Night easily watchable.  

9.  Sherlock Holmes and The Secret Weapon (1942)   68 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Professor Moriarty (Lionel Atwill) has abducted a pivotal Swiss scientist for the Allied cause.  Parts to construct his captive’s experimental bombsight, however, are hidden in multiple locations.  Hence, Moriarty races Holmes to decipher a baffling code first to unlock their whereabouts one by one.  After being taken prisoner himself, Holmes risks a torturous death to thwart Moriarty’s scheme. 

Crisp and well-played, the film’s plotting makes for solid entertainment.  Atwill’s chemistry as the second ‘Moriarty’ matching wits with Rathbone proves just as good as he had been as ‘Dr. Mortimer’ in The Hound of The Baskervilles three years earlier.

8. Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1943)   68 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Watson is the on-call physician at the Musgrave family’s posh British manor, which is serving as a convalescence home for mentally disturbed war veterans.  As the Musgraves are brutally killed off one by one, Holmes, Watson, and Dennis Hoey’s Inspector Lestrade stumble upon an ancient family ritual possibly spelling doom for all involved.

For a routine whodunnit, neither the culprit nor the motive is much of a surprise.  Still, Sherlock Holmes Faces Death makes for worthwhile viewing, as its sense of campy suspense rides first-class.      

7. The Woman in Green (1945)   68 minutes.  Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Reminiscent of Jack The Ripper, a fiendish serial killer is targeting women and then sending each victim’s severed finger to taunt the baffled authorities.  Holmes suspects that a series of subsequent suicides committed by guilt-ridden prime suspects is an extortion scheme hatched by Professor Moriarty (Henry Daniell).  A complication is Moriarty’s alluring blond accomplice, who uses hypnosis to reel in expendable victims.  

Daniell’s performance as the franchise’s third-and-final Moriarty coldly mirrors Rathbone’s Holmes, making them ideal on-screen foes. Daniell might have made a decent Holmes himself, but his Jeremy Irons-like acting style lacks Rathbone’s timeless panache.  As for the film’s contents, be forewarned that its grisly shock value (much like The House of Fear) somehow bypassed the era’s strict censors.  With most of the plot’s nastiness inferred and/or occurring off-screen, The Woman in Green effectively injects film noir into the Holmes/Moriarty rivalry.            

6.  The Spider Woman   (1944)   62 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Having faked his own demise, Holmes subsequently goes undercover to probe a suspicious series of deaths plaguing London.  As he suspects, the common link is a cold-blooded female ‘Moriarty’ and her use of a lethal spider venom. 

Often overlooked, The Spider Woman’s best noir asset is Gale Sondergaard’s devious criminal mastermind, making her an intriguing new foe for Holmes & Watson.  By far, Sondergaard prevails as the franchise’s signature femme fatale.  Including the shooting gallery sequence, there is a welcome aura of unpredictability percolating in the plot.  Though the film’s running time is perhaps a few minutes too short, The Spider Woman merits a chance for rediscovery. 

5. The Pearl of Death   (1944)   69 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: A criminal gang’s deadly ransacking search of London for an elusive pearl includes a giant-sized, silent henchman.  Dubbed ‘The Creeper,’ this behemoth brutally kills prey with his bare hands.  Holmes and Watson may realize too late that they are facing more than one adversary.

Though this comic book-style ‘Creeper’ should be facing off vs. either Batman or James Bond, this Universal movie monster is a potent challenger for Rathbone’s Holmes.  Despite its otherwise formulaic plotting, The Pearl of Death concocts an underrated gem (pardon the pun) for viewers.

4. The Scarlet Claw (1944)    74 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: During an occult convention visit to Canada, Holmes & Watson are recruited to help snare a ghostly serial killer utilizing a bloody claw-like weapon for vengeance.  Reaching a remote Canadian village where the murders are accumulating, the two detectives must pursue their elusive quarry in a nocturnal fog. 

Along with director Roy William Neill, Rathbone and Bruce are at the top of their deductive game in a gothic chiller worthy of Universal’s other movie monsters.  A terrific Holmes hat trick would be viewing The Pearl of Death, The Scarlet Claw, and The House of Fear together – arguably, they are Universal’s three best mystery-thriller entries in this series.

3. The Hound of The Baskervilles   (1939)   80 minutes.    Twentieth Century Fox (Director: Sidney Lanfield). 

Premise: The storyline is a relatively close adaptation of Conan Doyle’s iconic novel, as Holmes and Watson pursue a bloodthirsty ‘apparition’ stalking members of the Baskerville clan on the Scottish Moors.

In terms of first-class production values, this gothic Hound meets all expectations.  Its only limitation is, as with the novel, the plot’s mid-section drags without Holmes present.  For anyone seeking a faithful black-and-white rendition of Doyle’s most celebrated Holmes tale, this one is highly recommended.

2. The House of Fear (1945)   69 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: In a secluded Scottish village, the local castle’s residents are being gruesomely killed off one by one.  Each grisly murder is foretold by the receipt of an ominous packet of orange pips.  The insidious rub is that each victim’s life insurance policy is subsequently split amongst their housemates – calling themselves ‘The Good Comrades Club.’  Hired by the suspicious insurance company, Holmes and Watson’s subsequent arrival (along with Scotland Yard) only accelerates the culprit’s haunted-house scheme.   

Deftly blending ghoulish off-screen carnage with well-played humor, this macabre cinematic cocktail nearly equals the classic And Then There Were None from that same year.  As long as one doesn’t ponder a gaping plot hole, The House of Fear’s sheer Halloween entertainment value is tough to beat.    

and at Number # 1 …

1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)   81 minutes.    Twentieth Century Fox (Director: Alfred L. Werker). 

Premise: Set in the mid-1890’s, Holmes is frustrated that Professor Moriarty (George Zucco) escapes the British court system’s death penalty on a legal technicality.  Subsequently, with their young female client being stalked by vicious killers, Holmes & Watson try to protect her and the woman’s family.  Worse yet, Holmes senses that an elaborate ruse is masking Moriarty’s most audacious heist ever.  

Exceptionally well-played!  Including Holmes’ undercover turn on a British vaudeville stage, this film’s entertainment value assembles a timeless Holmes mystery worthy of Conan Doyle.  With Rathbone and Bruce in peak form, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is the franchise’s crown jewel. 

Notes: Four of these films: The Secret Weapon; The Woman in Green; Terror By Night; and Dressed To Kill have long since shifted into the public domain, with colorized versions subsequently released.  However, all fourteen black-and-white films are now available in remastered DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital formats.

  • Rathbone and Bruce also performed a weekly New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes radio series from 1939 to 1946.  After Rathbone’s 1946 departure, actor Tom Conway replaced him on the radio show. Universal Pictures evidently considered hiring Conway as Rathbone’s live-action replacement, but the studio instead opted to retire the franchise as is.  As for the radio show, Bruce and Conway left the program in 1947.  The New Adventures relied upon character actors afterwards to fill the void before ending its eleven-year run in 1950.
  • For trivia’s sake, though perhaps briefly mentioned once, Irene Adler never appears in these films.
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Agatha Christie-Related Books & Novels Mystery & Suspense Sherlock Holmes-Related

HOLMES, MARPLE & POE

Written by James Patterson & Brian Sitts

SUMMARY:

Released by Little, Brown and Company in 2023, this 339-page hardcover debuts an enigmatic New York City private investigation firm consisting of: Brendan Mark Holmes; Margaret Marple; and Auguste Poe, all brilliant detectives in their own distinctive ways. 

Each eerily resembling their familiar namesake: this Holmes, among other possibly dark secrets, possesses both a supernatural sense of smell and perhaps unmatched mastery of forensic science; the compassionate and insightful Marple is their best undercover tactician; and the suave Poe, who understands handheld weaponry seemingly better than anyone.  Sharing a massive library at the refurbished industrial factory serving as both office and home, the detective trio can recite their literary inspirations at will. 

Quickly solving a young attorney’s sensationalized disappearance/murder, the three sleuths launch their new firm to public acclaim and instantly earn the scorn of the city’s police commissioner.  Worse yet, the firm brings their first case’s ugly details literally to the doorstep of New York City’s mayor.  Unsurprisingly, a humiliated Mayor Felix Rollins becomes another formidable enemy they may think twice of crossing. 

NYPD homicide detective, Lt. Helene Gray, and FBI Special Agent Brita Stans both become involved in the team’s investigations of several ongoing mysteries.  Among them include: a socialite’s kidnapped daughter; a baffling theft of literary artifacts from a sleazy billionaire’s impregnable safe; a grisly discovery of multiple corpses linked to an unknown serial killer; and the death of a Texas model. 

Marple also becomes determined to end a tragically unsolved ghost story: the 1954 homicide of a teenage girl on the premises of their present-day headquarters, which was once a bread factory.  The team’s invaluable new secretary, Virginia, soon joins Marple in seeking to put this cold case at last to rest.    

Risking their lives multiple times, Poe, Marple, and a potentially self-destructive Holmes find danger lurking in unexpected corners.  Suffice to say, the team racks up fresh victories as often as they incur more threats drawing even closer to home.  Though naturally suspicious of her new rivals, Gray finds herself reluctantly attracted both to Poe’s sophisticated aura and to the trio’s unorthodox mastery of crime-solving.

Yet, the rules they keep bending and established law enforcement procedures the trio flagrantly ignore makes Gray both their best ally and now possibly their worst enemy.  The question becomes: given their shadowy pasts, who are Holmes, Marple, and Poe, really?  The answer may be a smoke-and-mirrors mystery that Gray can’t and perhaps shouldn’t solve.  

Note: This title is also available in large print, digitally, and as an audiobook.

REVIEW:

With co-author Brian Sitts, James Patterson has concocted another potential TV or movie property just waiting to happen. Some readers might have preferred one singular murder-mystery vs. this hodgepodge, but the latter approach still engages the audience with equal depth to each of its rotating mysteries.

The less said about outlandish plot contrivances the better, as Patterson and Sitts focus far more on delivering a potent, hard-edged thriller. The intriguing cast of characters makes an ideal fit for the multiple plot threads coherently weaved throughout the novel.  Hence, it may take a few reads to absorb every detail lurking within this unique whodunnit. 

Overcoming its heavy doses of implausibility, Holmes, Marple & Poe makes for an entertaining, high-concept ride.      

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

There is a biography page, with a paragraph allotted to each co-author.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              8 Stars

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Anthologies Books & Novels Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction Mystery & Suspense Sherlock Holmes-Related

THE IMPROBABLE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

SUMMARY:

Released in 2009 by Night Shade Books, editor/journalist John Joseph Adams (with help from David Barr Kirtley) assembled this 454-page paperback. 

Specifically, Adams complied twenty-eight original Sherlock Holmes short stories borrowed from various other anthologies (between 1987 and 2009), each by a different author.  Usually conveyed through Dr. Watson’s traditional point-of-view, these tales explore the iconic British sleuth in an array of genres including science fiction, horror, swashbuckling adventure, and mind-bending fantasy. 

Familiar names, including Irene Adler, Professor Moriarty, Colonel Sebastian Moran, H.G. Wells, and even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will resurface.  Two very different interpretations of Holmes’ unexplained Friesland steamship case are explored.  The same also applies to Jack the Ripper.  Some literary team-ups and/or unusual crossovers are also among this anthology’s features.  Adams introduces each author, with an additional brief transition alluding to the story’s particular mechanism or inspiration.    

Notes: These tales are not presented in any chronological order.  This title is also available digitally and in an audiobook format.

  • “The Doctor’s Case” by Stephen King.  With Holmes now long dead, a ninety-year-old Dr. Watson divulges the one instance he unraveled a seemingly perfect crime before his best friend could.  The flashback shifts to a rainy London afternoon in 1899.  Scotland Yard’s Inspector Lestrade retrieves Holmes and Watson from 221b Baker Street to decipher a locked room enigma.  Earlier in the day, decrepit shipping tycoon Albert Hull was found stabbed to death in his study.  The baffling homicide’s prime suspects consist of three resentful adult sons and the victim’s abused wife.  With Holmes largely distracted by his allergic reaction to cats, Watson must step up his deductive game. 

Mini-Review # 1: Stephen King’s impressive writing style can’t hide this tale’s glaring implausibility.  Aside from a ‘shock value’ finish, King contrives that Lestrade (and, by extension, Holmes & Watson) would merely accept the Hull family’s witness statements at face value.  King ought to have conveyed that Lestrade’s hurried investigation included outside corroboration (and, accordingly, allow sufficient transition time — say, push back Holmes & Watson’s entrance from early afternoon to nightfall).  Such peripheral details would have surely boosted his tale’s credibility.  6/10 Stars.   

  • “The Horror of the Many Faces” by Tim Lebbon.  Come one dark London night, Dr. Watson is chilled to witness Holmes gleefully eviscerate an unknown victim in a secluded Baker Street alleyway.  Multiple horrific homicides committed the same way plague London over two nights where eyewitnesses observe different culprits each time.  It’s up to Watson to confront this insidious adversary, who resembles Holmes.  Troubling Watson is near certainty that his best friend has succumbed to a bloodthirsty, psychotic madness. 

Mini-Review # 2: This gory 2003 science fiction/horror ‘what if’ succeeds in the sense that there is no clear-cut finish, let alone any sense of triumph.  Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s works, Tim Lebbon concocts a ghoulish read where Holmes and Watson are seemingly outmatched at their most desperate hour.  Not for the squeamish, but this dark alternate reality is worth a read.  7½/10 Stars.    

Note: For some ‘comparison shopping,’ Geoffrey A. Landis’ “The Singular Habits of Wasps” also explores ghastly sci-fi terrain later in this anthology.

  • “The Case of the Bloodless Sock” by Anne Perry.  During Dr. Watson’s visit to the English countryside, his prosperous friend’s daughter is abducted two consecutive days.  The little girl is then returned home both times at midnight.  Her kidnapper’s taunting note compels the doctor to summon Holmes from London for urgent help.  Holmes concurs with Watson that Professor Moriarty is playing an ominous new game.  

Mini-Review # 3: Anne Perry comes the closest to recapturing the conventional style of a Holmes mystery Conan Doyle might have devised for the Strand Magazine.  Yet, her ‘how-dunnit’ tale ironically rates among this anthology’s dullest and most forgettable stories.  Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot short story, “The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly” comes to mind, comparatively speaking. 

Perry’s plotting, suffice to say, comes off as almost too imitative of Conan Doyle to make her own unique impression.  That’s why “Bloodless Sock” becomes a blur shortly upon reading far more daring competition by other authors in this collection.  5½/10 Stars.       

  • “The Adventure of The Other Detective” by Bradley H. Sinor.  Returning home one foggy London night, Dr. Watson inexplicably finds himself transported into an alternate reality where his own counterpart has been dead ten years.  Even more shocking is that Baker Street is home to England’s premier consulting detective: Professor James Moriarty. With Dr. Mary Morstan’s help, Watson and Moriarty must thwart a prison break scheme involving Jack the Ripper, Col. Sebastian Moran, and this world’s greatest criminal genius: Sherlock Holmes.  

Mini-Review # 4: Bradley H. Sinor concocts this anthology’s best and arguably most imaginative tale.  Though there are some violent sequences, Sinor doesn’t push actual gore simply because of Jack the Ripper’s presence.  Not only is every fantastic alternate world element well-played, but this story’s plot twists celebrate the unexpected.  Highly recommended!   9/10 Stars.       

Note: For an intriguing comparison, Neil Gaiman’s Lovecraft-influenced “A Study in Emerald” is another alternate reality re-imagining Holmes and Moriarty as perennial adversaries.

  • “A Scandal in Montreal” by Edward D. Hoch.  More than twenty years have elapsed since “A Scandal in Bohemia.”  With a visiting Dr. Watson back at his side, a retired Holmes is unexpectedly summoned from his Sussex bee farm to Montreal by an old acquaintance, now widowed.  Once in Canada, Holmes and Watson must seek out Irene Adler’s elusive college-age son, who has become the prime suspect in the homicide of a romantic rival. 

Mini-Review # 5: Edward D. Hoch’s contribution is among this anthology’s straightest arrows, in terms of storytelling.   Though a few surprises would have been appreciated, at least Hoch doesn’t resort to peddling the ‘long-lost son’ cliché one might expect.  Hoch’s down-to-earth Irene Adler enjoys a platonic friendship with Holmes that makes both of them come off as likably low-key in their middle age.  If anything, Hoch delivers a cozy whodunnit that Conan Doyle fans can appreciate for its faithful homage to the iconic characters.   6/10 Stars.   

  • “The Adventure of the Field Theorems” by Vonda N. McIntyre.  The latest celebrity client for Holmes and Dr. Watson is none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Though privately deriding Doyle’s gullibility for paranormal hoaxes, the Baker Street duo help the physician/author investigate unexplained crop circles found in the Surrey countryside.  Doyle, despite Holmes’ eye-rolling skepticism, is convinced that these otherworldly geometric patterns are the first step towards open communications with either ghosts or even possibly Martians.   

Mini-Review # 6: Loaded with trivial tidbits perusing Conan Doyle’s private interests in the paranormal, Vonda N. McIntyre’s caper has Holmes and his creator teaming up while matching wits.  With McIntyre’s take on Conan Doyle as essentially a naïve buffoon, it’s up to Holmes & Watson to surpass Robert Stack’s Unsolved Mysteries, as far as debunking bizarre crop circles and alien abductions.  One of the story’s best assets is playing up how, like Houdini, an indignant Holmes must defend his skills from ignorant public misassumptions that he is a supernatural phenomenon.     

As a loaded historical in-joke, “Field Theorems” is a delight to read.  Though this tale is hardly wacky, one practically wishes for a wink-wink cameo from Marvin the Martian.   8/10 Stars.   

  • “The Adventure of the Death-Fetch” by Darrell Schweitzer.  Confiding in a family friend’s college-age son, an elderly Dr. Watson reveals a secret case from decades ago that Holmes had vehemently demanded be suppressed from public knowledge.  Per Watson’s flashback, the daughter of a celebrated British explorer desperately seeks out Holmes for help. Hearing her father’s admission of his ominous Southern Asian jungle adventures, Holmes readily senses that evil is afoot.  Yet, the sleuth rejects the idea that a supernatural impersonator is stalking their client. With no time to lose, Holmes must contend with the reoccurrence of this sinister mirror image as the prelude to his client’s imminent and horrific death.   

Mini-Review # 7: While his story’s bookends to the flashback could have been better, Darrell Schweitzer is spot-on conveying a dose of grisly supernatural horror.  Including a gruesome nod to Indiana Jones, the “Death-Fetch” is one of this anthology’s nastiest yet best-devised entries.  8/10 Stars.   

  • “The Shocking Affair of the Dutch Steamship Friesland” by Mary Robinette Kowal.  As told in private correspondence written forty years later, Holmes and Dr. Watson fatefully meet a fellow steamship passenger: a distressed young bride prior to her arranged marriage.  She may be the key to unlocking the sinister truth behind an Italian political couple’s assassination.     

Mini-Review # 8: While Mary Robinette Kowal’s dark tale of political intrigue is kept short, her characters are effectively characterized.  This story is worthy of inclusion in this anthology.   6½/10 Stars.       

  • “The Adventure of the Mummy’s Curse” by H. Paul Jeffers. Holmes, on Watson’s behalf, probes a supposed deadly curse on an Egyptian archaeological expedition that has recently impacted one of the doctor’s old Army buddies. 

Mini-Review # 9: Reminiscent of Hercule Poirot’s case, “The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb” (but not nearly as icky), H. Paul Jeffers teases a supernatural whodunnit.  Yet, its subsequent blandness gives way to a far more conventional and tidy Conan Doyle finish.  Though this tale is worth a read, it’s definitely middle-of-the-pack material.   6/10 Stars.   

  • “The Things That Shall Come Upon Them” by Barbara Roden.  Hired by one half of a married English couple to de-haunt their new home’s study, Holmes and Dr. Watson meet a more unconventional sleuth: Flaxman Low.  Far more experienced with psychic phenomenon, Low, as it turns out, was hired by the couple’s other half for the very same reason.  Despite contrasting viewpoints on the supernatural, these three detectives probe the ominous secret left behind by the estate’s wicked prior owner.  Note: According to the introduction, Conan Doyle was evidently real-life friends with Low’s co-creator: Hesketh Hesketh-Prichard.    

Mini-Review # 10: Pairing an ever-skeptical Holmes with the world’s first fictional occult detective, Low, is Barbara Roden’s ingenious stroke.  Leaving readers to make their own conclusions (still, it’s fairly obvious which way one is supposed to tilt), Roden concocts an effective team-up.  In particular, the British gentlemanly bond established between Low and the Baker Street duo makes for a satisfying read.   8/10 Stars.       

  • “Murder to Music” by Anthony Burgess.  Eyewitnesses Holmes and Dr. Watson probe two homicides amidst the startling assassination of a Spanish classical musician inside a London concert hall.  With high-profile Spanish royalty in London for a high-profile visit, Holmes senses there may be more mayhem in this case still to come.  Meanwhile, Watson repeatedly helps a baffled colleague by consulting on a case where the patient is shifting from one bizarre foreign disease to the next.   

Mini-Review # 11: Suffice to say, it’s a blah and unsatisfying read, including some undercurrents of racism.  Had this 1989 Anthony Burgess tale been penned fifty years before and sufficiently tweaked, its premise would have been ideal for one of Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce’s wartime Sherlock Holmes radio dramas.  Otherwise, this political whodunnit is skippable.   4/10 Stars.       

  • “The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor” by Stephen Baxter. A young H.G. Wells convinces Holmes and Dr. Watson to help him probe a scientist friend’s recent demise, as the journalist/author suspects foul play. Specifically, the controversial pioneer had been conducting experimental studies of gravity and electricity to accelerate his dream of space travel.  Investigating the grisly incident, Wells, Holmes, and Watson find that two suspects provide similarly tragic eyewitness accounts. Yet, the truth is hidden somewhere within their startlingly different conclusions.    

Mini-Review # 12: Though its scientific jargon is a bit cumbersome, Stephen Baxter’s whodunnit makes for a good historical fiction read.  Baxter’s story doesn’t overtly criticize the decedent’s animal cruelty, but some readers might cringe at the torturous outcome of his scientific research techniques on animal test subjects.  Still, had this 1997 tale existed a half-century before, it could have been an ideal mystery for a Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce radio drama.   7/10 Stars. 

  • “Mrs. Hudson’s Case” by Laurie R. King.  Would the ever-loyal Mrs. Hudson dare to pull a fast one on her most famous lodger?  With a retired Holmes away assisting international authorities search for two missing children, his college-age apprentice, Mary Russell, intends to find out what the landlady is hiding from them.

Mini-Review #13: Given its charm, Laurie R. King’s cozy caper effectively advertises her own Mary Russell mystery series.  Ms. King’s down-to-earth trifle makes a welcome respite from some of the utterly malevolent plots found elsewhere in this anthology.  6½/10 Stars.               

  • “The Singular Habits of Wasps” by Geoffrey A. Landis. Holmes’ series of unexplained nocturnal absences eerily coincide with Jack the Ripper’s sadistic murder spree in Whitechapel.  A horrified Dr. Watson suspects that Holmes is suffering a psychotic Jekyll-and-Hyde-like split-personality where his friend is both the detective and, unknowingly, the monstrous culprit.  Watson risks his life to find the truth, but an even more ghastly possibility awaits him after dark in Whitechapel.     

Mini-Review # 14: Given their morbid plot similarities, one might assume this sci-fi take on Jack the Ripper is a variation of Tim Lebbon’s “The Horror of Many Faces.”  Yet, Adams gives no indication that these alternate reality tales are deliberately connected.  Devised nearly a decade earlier, Geoffrey A. Landis’ 1994 tale goes even further probing certain horrific aspects that Lebbon’s thriller only alludes to.  As far as macabre storytelling is concerned, Landis imaginatively melds elements of John Carpenter’s The Thing, Men in Black, and Alien into a strange alternative explanation of Jack the Ripper. 

This Landis story, in spite of its shock value details, delivers a spine-tingling read.  Diminishing this story, however, is an instance of Holmes making a vastly condescending racist slur comparing native Africans to modern English civilization.  While Holmes’ context is meant to compare a primitive Earth to far more advanced alien worlds, having him resort to such derogatory phrasing is unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot. 7/10 Stars.   Note: H.G. Wells makes an off-screen cameo appearance.

  • “The Affair of the 46th Birthday” by Amy Myers.  Once more, in flashback, Dr. Watson reveals an international incident from a decade before.  In this instance, Holmes must thwart an ingeniously-devised assassination attempt on the King of Italy during a diplomatic dinner held in the English countryside. 

Mini-Review # 15: This Amy Myers thriller blends historical fiction and political intrigue unto a quick literary cocktail.  Reminiscent of Hercule Poirot-style short stories, there are some inevitable contrivances, but the mystery is still a good read.  “46th Birthday,” in that sense, is of near-equal caliber to Mary Robinette Kowal’s “The Shocking Affair of the Dutch Steamship Friesland” in this same anthology.    6/10 Stars.

  • “The Specter of Tullyfane Abbey” by Peter Tremayne.  Over drinks one night at their Baker Street lodgings, a melancholic Holmes entrusts Watson with a confession of his greatest failure.  In a flashback to Holmes’ college days, his ghost story involves a fateful love triangle, an unsolved disappearance, and the then-amateur detective’s first encounter with one Professor James Moriarty. 

Mini-Review # 16: Peter Tremayne’s retroactive alterations to Holmes’ origin might be condemned by Conan Doyle purists, if only for continuity’s sake.  Still, this gothic whodunnit explores the aloof shrewdness in the sleuth’s classic persona.  One might even consider the tale reminiscent of Casino Royale, as to that plot’s fateful impact on James Bond.  Though many of Tremayne’s plot twists are grimly predictable, he concocts a pitch-black mystery worthy of inclusion.  7/10 Stars.    

“The Vale of the White Horse” by Sharyn McCrumb.  A British aristocrat and his fiancée hire Holmes and Dr. Watson to investigate the murder of his physician brother in the rural English countryside.  The corpse had been found under a crimson cloak on a prehistoric chalked landmark dubbed ‘The White Horse’ atop a secluded hill.  Probing their clients’ family history, Holmes & Watson sense the vexing truth may be hidden closer to home.  Aided by an insightful eyewitness, the elderly Grisel Rountree, Holmes must decipher the decedent’s enigmatic last words to unmask the culprit.   

Mini-Review # 17: Though Sharyn McCrumb telegraphs the plot’s pivotal twist far too much, her story’s interpretation of transgenderism in Victorian England is intriguing. “White Horse” offers a gothic mystery with possibly supernatural undertones making it a solid read.   7/10 Stars. 

“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” by Michael Moorcock.  Due to necessary renovations to their Baker Street lodgings, Holmes and Dr. Watson must temporarily relocate to another boarding house. Once there, Holmes and Dr. Watson offer to help a visiting American businessman collect an unexpected family legacy.  Yet, the case soon becomes dangerously complicated.

Mini-Review # 18: As with Anne Perry’s “Bloodless Sock,” Michael Moorcock does justice to this homage to Conan Doyle’s style of storytelling.  Yet, there isn’t anything particularly remarkable about “Dorset Street Lodger,” as far as its blend of adventure and mystery. The lengthy plot also could have been tightened to make for a more efficient mystery. 6/10 Stars.

“The Adventure of the Lost World” by Dominic Green.  It’s a sequel of sorts to Conan Doyle’s 1912 science fiction novel, The Lost World.  In the autumn of 1918, Holmes and a skeptical Dr. Watson must pursue a horrific serial killer of London’s street trombonists.  What baffles Watson is that his best friend contends that their massive and evidently reptilian quarry belongs to a long-extinct breed of dinosaur.   

Mini-Review # 19: Undoubtedly, Dominic Green’s crossover between Conan Doyle’s two greatest literary accomplishments sounds like an intriguing sci-fi premise.  The end result of having senior citizens Holmes & Watson play amateur dinosaur hunters, however, is very much a wonky read (as one might imagine).  Even the opening segment of an undercover Holmes recruiting Watson’s help is too unbelievable for its own good.  Green at least offers some makeshift Jurassic Park-style fun, no matter how many eyes will be invariably rolling.   5½/10 Stars.              

  • “The Adventure of the Antiquarian’s Niece” by Barbara Hambly.  At the behest of a wealthy American suitor, Holmes and Dr. Watson agree to help extract his would-be fiancée from her evil British relatives.  The Baker Street duo must first enlist an ally: William Hope Hodgson’s British occult detective, Thomas Carnacki (simply called ‘Carnaki’ here) before they confront a centuries-old supernatural cult out of the works of H.P. Lovecraft.  Even Holmes and Carnaki’s formidable sleuthing might not come in time to save a captive Watson from a human monster specializing in ritual sacrifices.  

Mini-Review # 20: As strange as her plot’s supernatural hokum is, Barbara Hambly’s storytelling admirably sells it to readers.  A considerable grain of salt one must swallow, however, is accepting this Holmes’ lack of skepticism towards dark occult powers and what tactics must be subsequently deployed. 

For instance, the Holmes appearing in either Barbara Roden’s “The Thing That Shall Come Upon Them” or Peter Tremayne’s “The Specter of Tullyfane Abbey” is more aligned with Conan Doyle’s original Holmes, as to the sleuth’s disbelief in occult matters.  Still, for fantasy/horror fans, this Holmes & Watson/Carnacki team-up is hard to pass up.   8/10 Stars.        

  • “Dynamics of a Hanging” by Tony Pi.  Months after Holmes and Professor Moriarty had evidently perished at Reichenbach Falls, Dr. Watson is contacted by Reverend Charles Dodgson (aka author Lewis Carroll).  The two of them attempt to decode one of the late Moriarty’s notebooks to find definitive evidence of his criminal activities.  Mostly told by Dodgson in flashback, he and his then-academic associate, Moriarty, had teamed years ago to probe the suspicious death of the professor’s new protégé.  Carroll is now determined to finally verify the chilling truth behind what (or perhaps whom) killed a promising medical student by the name of Arthur Conan Doyle.

Mini-Review # 21: Though Holmes’ presence is confined to inspiring Watson’s deductive logic, this Tony Pi mystery is both a mathematical code-breaking puzzle and a nifty whodunnit.  Pi devises a neat idea to have Lewis Carroll (and, to a degree, Moriarty) fill in for Holmes, but Watson’s minor yet pivotal role is a boon to the iconic sidekick.   7/10 Stars.     

  • “Merridew of Abominable Memory” by Chris Roberson.  Residing in a sanitarium to seek treatment for his present-day memory loss, an elderly Dr. Watson relays a spine-chilling flashback to his therapist.  It involves a Jack the Ripper-like monster, a series of baffling financial thefts, and a man of utterly impeccable memory.  Hired by a businessman expecting to be the thief’s next target, Holmes & Watson must simultaneously hunt a bloodthirsty serial killer.     

Mini-Review # 22: While Chris Roberson devises a unique title character, his mystery’s plot twists become increasingly contrived to make all of its puzzle pieces fit together – too perfectly.  Further, among this anthology’s grisly mysteries, “Merridew” arguably packs the most stomach-churning imagery.  It overwhelms (and frankly squanders) the tale’s thoughtful bookends contemplating dementia vs. the sheer power of human memory. 

Roberson’s story, for the sake of good taste, unfortunately, isn’t one to recommend to others.    3/10 Stars.       

  • “Commonplaces” by Naomi Novik.  After receiving news of Holmes’ demise at Reichenbach Falls, a now-married Irene Adler Norton restlessly departs for Paris to find herself again.  Awaiting her is a forbidden love affair with a lonely man she instinctively knows is still alive in more than just her heart.

Mini-Review # 23: Naomi Novik’s speculation as to why an undercover Holmes chose not to tell Dr. Watson that he had faked his death will raise some eyebrows.  Further, her tale’s romantic poignancy echoes shades of the 1970 film, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, regarding what complex sexual undercurrents motivate Holmes. 

If anything, “Commonplaces” presents an instance of sophisticated Sherlockian storytelling where the lingering mystery doesn’t involve crime, except perhaps for adultery.  Standing out most in Novik’s romance (it’s the anthology’s shortest inclusion) is that this Holmes isn’t the only one who can make ingenious deductions anticipating another’s shadowy moves.  8/10 Stars.       

  • “The Adventure of the Pirates of Devil’s Cape” by Rob Rogers.  Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Inspector Lestrade probe an ultra-grisly massacre by pirates aboard the Dutch steamship, Friesland.  Seeking the whereabouts of missing twin brothers, Holmes and Watson subsequently venture to New Orleans for a showdown with the world’s deadliest cutthroat and his mercenary crew of thugs.    

Mini-Review # 24: Crossing over from his Devil’s Cape saga, Rogers conjures up a mostly solid mystery-adventure caper highlighted by the action of an extensive shootout/swordfight.  Apart from excessively gory shipboard inferences, the other caveat is a ridiculous Lestrade plot twist.  Rogers deploys a similar contrivance to one of his own characters (that works fine), but to also supply Lestrade a convenient American cousin in the Louisiana Bayous pushes the ‘distant relative’ gimmick too far. 

Otherwise, Rogers delivers this anthology’s best combination of action-adventure, suspense, and originality.  8/10 Stars.          

  • “The Adventure of the Green Skull” by Mark Valentine.  The Baker Street duo’s new adversary is a hooded serial killer, who is purportedly a phantom with a glowing green skull stalking victims after nightfall.  Reminiscent of sensationalistic pulp stories, the villain’s calling card is leaving a match in each victim’s hand.  Yet, all isn’t what it seems.  

Mini-Review # 25: Adams’ introduction to Mark Valentine’s story frankly spoils the culprit’s motive.  Further, Valentine doesn’t elaborate enough as to how Holmes deduces where to conduct a fateful stakeout, either.  Despite this structural flaw, the “Green Skull” mystery makes for a relatively good read.   6/10 Stars.

  • “The Human Mystery” by Tanith Lee.  Holmes takes on the enigmatic case of a lonely heiress, who is desperate to break a family curse that may kill her during the Christmas holidays.  Yet, is there an ulterior motive in play that blindsides even Holmes?

Mini-Review # 26: Tanith Lee’s tale proving that an ever-gallant Holmes can be humiliated into a seething rage makes for an intriguing notion.  Even this story isn’t a must-read, it effectively explores whether Holmes’ misogynistic nature can be exploited, let alone be potentially seduced, by someone other than Irene Adler.   7/10 Stars.    

Notes: Lee dedicated this tale to actor Jeremy Brett’s memory.  Per artist David Palumbo, Brett’s Sherlock Holmes likeness appears on this anthology’s front cover.

  • “A Study in Emerald” by Neil Gaiman.  In an alternate universe where H.P. Lovecraft’s demonic creations have long ruled the world, “A Study in Scarlet” is darkly re-imagined. 

Mini-Review # 27: Though mostly retelling a familiar mystery, Neil Gaiman cleverly flips the script on readers.  There are sufficient hints to deduce Gaiman’s enigmatic sleuth before the end, but his best twist is saved for last.  It’s the equivalent of experiencing the story through the eyes of whom you assume the narrator is … that is, until a mirror (or, in this instance, a letter) reveals a twist finish.  Hence, Gaiman’s story could make for an intriguing live-action film.   8/10 Stars. 

Note: For some comparison shopping, one might read this one before or after Bradley H. Sinor’s “The Adventure of The Other Detective.” 

  • “You See But You Do Not Observe” by Robert J. Sawyer.  In 2096, an enigmatic scientist with an eerily familiar name abducts Holmes and Dr. Watson out of time from 1899 to join him in the late 21st Century.  He subsequently assigns the world’s greatest sleuth perhaps the ultimate mission: to determine why Earth hasn’t been contacted by aliens.  The elusive answer makes a fateful impact on Holmes and Watson: past, present, and future.       

Mini-Review # 28: It’s like reading a Sherlock Holmes mystery, as if were written by H.G. Wells.   In spite of this intriguing scenario, Robert J. Sawyer’s convoluted storytelling sabotages itself in order to set up a fitting conclusion.  Along with virtual reality technology far more akin to Star Trek: The Next Generation, this story’s time travel paradoxes will likely bewilder some readers.  And perhaps the less said about its preposterously thin line connecting reality to fiction (i.e. Watson as an unacknowledged Conan Doyle’s proxy) the better.         

Sawyer, in that sense, has concocted a sci-fi homage to Conan Doyle’s lasting resentment over reviving Holmes to merely placate immense public demand.  Though this story’s end packs a wistful tinge, the plot becomes too mind-bending (and self-serving) to make for a satisfying read.  5½/10 Stars.  

RECOMMENDATION:

For Conan Doyle afficionados, this anthology is either a mixed bag or a veritable treasure trove.  Regardless, in terms of its sheer quantity, readers most definitely get their money’s worth. 

Some tales supply innocuous sequels (i.e. “A Scandal in Montreal”) or offer speculations as to Sherlockian mysteries that Conan Doyle had merely teased.  Though most of these stories imitate his narrative style, the ones that may grab a reader’s imagination are ones taking worthwhile risks.  The flip side is an excess of déjà vu: certain themes (i.e. supernatural gore, international politics, etc.) reoccur making one inevitably compare authors, as to whom presents the better read.         

The pertinent question becomes: how far can one really stray from traditional Sherlockian storytelling before audiences hit their limit?  In several instances, shifting Holmes and Watson to different locales and sometimes far-off genres carries a timeless and strangely satisfying appeal.  Such results (at least, when taken in small doses) will make an intriguing experience for adult armchair sleuths. 

Among these twenty-eight tales, there are some dynamite must-reads (i.e. “The Adventure of The Other Detective”).  With thankfully few exceptions, the remainder aren’t anywhere close to dreadful.  However, two of them should be identified, if only as a heads-up.  Though several tales resort to potentially offensive gore, “Merridew of Abominable Memory,” presents an implausible flashback too flawed to justify its repulsively wicked details.  Artistically condescending, “Murder to Music” is another misadventure where readers will likely find themselves wishing they were somewhere else than with Holmes and Watson.   

Considering the impressive ratio of good-to-bad, credit must go to John Joseph Adams for assembling a welcome variety.  For casual readers, this literary experiment-by-committee is indeed worth perusing, though it’s not necessarily a keeper.  Perhaps a library rental makes the most practical sense.  If anything, one may be compelled to rediscover Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original literary magic.         

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

After the table of contents, Adams’ introduction is followed by another: Christopher Roden’s “A Sherlockiana Primer” to further whet readers’ appetites.  Afterwards, Adams provides his acknowledgements.  More insightful is the bibliography revealing each story’s original anthology source.  The last entry is Adams’ single-page biography.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7 Stars

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THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 2 Hrs., 5 Min.

Released in 1970, through United Artists (later MGM), director/producer Billy Wilder, with collaborator I.A.L. Diamond, also co-wrote the period mystery, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. 

In the present-day, two London bank employees fulfill the late Dr. John H. Watson’s written instructions retrieving a locked strongbox from its vault fifty years after his death.  Amongst his treasured mementos examined are several props relevant to the film’s storyline, along with Watson’s handwritten account of a case he has long suppressed.  That is where the flashback begins.

Shifting to April 1887, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson return home to 221B Baker Street after resolving a homicide in Yorkshire. Quickly bored, a restless Holmes begrudgingly agree to accompany Watson to a ballet performance of Swan Lake.  Invited backstage, Holmes is propositioned by a Russian ballerina’s handler to become an illustrious sperm donor. Much to Watson’s shock and horror, Holmes tactfully concocts a phony excuse declining the proposed trade for an exquisite Stradivarius violin. 

Barely escaping a watery grave, an amnesiac Belgian wife, Gabrielle Valladon, is subsequently brought to their notice.  Her enigmatic plight compels Holmes and Watson to search for her missing husband.  Despite Mycroft Holmes’ insistence that his brother drop the matter, Sherlock’s determined curiosity fatefully leads him, along with Watson and effervescent Gabrielle, to Inverness, Scotland. 

As the case approaches its potentially heartbreaking end, romance, shadowy espionage, and even the Loch Ness Monster await the legendary British sleuth. 

Sherlock Holmes: Robert Stephens

Dr. John H. Watson/Narrator: Colin Blakely

Gabrielle Valladon / Ilse von Hoffmanstal: Geneviève Page

Mycroft Holmes: Christopher Lee

Mrs. Hudson: Irene Handl

Rogozhin: Clive Revill

Madame Petrova: Tamara Toumanova

Woman in Wheelchair: Catherine Lacey

Scottish Gravedigger: Stanley Holloway

Scottish Guide: James Copeland

Queen Victoria: Mollie Maureen

Von Tirpitz: Peter Madden

Cabbie: Michael Balfour

First Carter: John Garrie

Second Carter: Godfrey James

Hotel Manager: Robert Cawdron

Baggage Handler: Alex McCrindle

Scientists: John Scott Martin & Martin Carroll

Monk: Paul Hansard

Other Monks: Uncredited

Other Scientists: Uncredited

Other Gravediggers: Uncredited

Submersible Crew: Uncredited

20th Century Bank Employees: Uncredited

Emille Valladon: Uncredited

Additional Spies: Uncredited

Notes: The theatrical release is severely truncated from Wilder’s far more episodic, 200-minute initial cut.  Among the deleted segments left incomplete, and in some instances, completely lost, are: a present-day prologue, with Colin Blakely playing Watson’s descendant; the Yorkshire case (which is instead mentioned); the entire “Curious Case of the Upside Down Room,” where a bizarre homicide involves furniture literally up on the ceiling; the entire “Adventure of the Dumbfounded Detective,” which is a flashback spelling out Holmes’ sexuality (or perhaps lack thereof); a comedic cruise ship interlude entitled “The Dreadful Business of the Naked Honeymooners;” and two alternate epilogues – one of which references Jack the Ripper.  Predictably, the studio insisted upon a streamlined running time to maximize movie screenings per day. 

In 2016, the 30-foot Loch Ness Monster model lost underwater nearly a half-century before during on-location filming was finally located.  

REVIEW:

Utilizing Panavision cinematography, Billy Wilder devises a gorgeous-looking Sherlock Holmes adventure that echoes the Hollywood epics of the 1930’s through the early 1960’s.  More so, this production’s sets were evidently built either to or even beyond actual scale – think of it as the set designer fabricating an entire house when only a room would have been sufficient. 

Such elaboration also meant necessary decorations and props being more extensive than most other period films.  Taking closer looks at the construction overkill for 221B Baker Street and Mycroft’s swanky Diogenes Club will bear this observation out.  Between these enormous sets and authentic location shooting in Scotland, Wilder consequently produced the most expansive Sherlock Holmes project up to that time.

As much as Wilder’s 200-minute version would be fascinating viewing (in practicality, a TV mini-series would have made more sense), his two-hour incarnation doesn’t overstay its welcome.  Wilder’s storyline briskly blends mystery, light-hearted suspense, semi-risqué humor, historical spy games, the Loch Ness Monster, and timeless poignancy into a cinematic adult cocktail.  The best asset of which fulfilling Wilder’s vivid aspirations can be found in his casting.    

Despite the impossible task of surpassing Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, the chemistry emanating between Robert Stephens and Colin Blakely is highly underrated – that is, given a century of competition from other productions.  Stephens (primarily a stage performer) is an inspired choice for a semi-effeminate Holmes.  Even more impressive is a hilarious Blakely (especially at the ballet) making a convincing case that he is the next-best blustery Watson after Nigel Bruce. 

Completing this trio is a wonderful contribution from French actress Geneviève Page, who projects a surprisingly complex successor to Irene Adler.  Adding welcome support are Irene Handl as the long-suffering ‘Mrs. Hudson,’ and Clive Revill’s amusing rendition of the ballerina’s handler, ‘Rogozhin.’ 

Yet, hiding in plain sight amongst a roster of non-descript British character actors is a near-unrecognizable Christopher Lee.  Unmistakably, he is spot-on in a pivotal turn as the condescending ‘Mycroft Holmes.’  Given he himself has portrayed Holmes multiple times, Lee lends further credibility to Wilder’s unique depiction of Conan Doyle’s mythology. 

‘Originality’ is perhaps the operative description of Wilder’s take on Sherlock Holmes.  Rejecting Hollywood’s decades of either loosely adapting Conan Doyle’s stories with mixed results or blandly conjuring up new Holmes escapades, Wilder strives for a classy middle ground celebrating fiction’s greatest detective.  Admirably, such creative effort is worth it as far as faithfully presenting Conan Doyle’s ensemble within a fresh big-screen mystery worthy of vintage Hollywood. 

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, in that sense, is not meant as either gothic mystery or a period spoof of Conan Doyle.  Ultimately, Private Life is a Sherlock Holmes caper that even non-fans can appreciate as first-class entertainment.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8½ Stars

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THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (BOOK # 1)

Written by Leonard Goldberg

SUMMARY:

Minotaur Books released this 305-page paperback in 2017.  Set in early spring of 1914, Dr.  John H. Watson, Jr. (both a medical school assistant professor and an expert pathologist) acknowledges that, with Sherlock Holmes’ passing, he now resides with his widowed father at 221b Baker Street. 

Pressed into service by a grieving sister, a revitalized Dr. Watson, Sr. and his son probe whether or not the aristocratic Charles Harrelston rashly committed suicide by plunging out a third-story window … or was he actually thrown from the roof to his death?  Their primary eyewitnesses are young widow (and ex-nurse), Joanna Blalock, and her precocious son, Johnnie.

Recruiting Joanna’s cooperation as a third sleuth, Watson, Sr. confides in his son the incredible secret of their new ally’s incredible deductive powers.  With the help of a second-generation Inspector Lestrade and a hound worthy of the name, ‘Toby’ the trio finds that Harrelston’s ill-fated gambling party with Dr. Christopher Moran is the first ugly tragedy befalling a quartet of old war buddies. 

Despite unraveling multiple homicides, a courageous Joanna must take the ultimate risk in order to snare a vindictive serial killer.  

Notes: This title is also available digitally. 

REVIEW:

Leonard Goldberg’s slick legacy template for Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts is not as intriguing as it might have been. 

For instance, this novel is not some revisionist caper about Moriarty’s love child with Irene Adler posing as Holmes’ long-lost daughter, ingeniously humiliating the Watsons, and then leaving the bewildered father-son duo to rot in prison. As different as that wicked comedy scenario might sound, Goldberg devises a far more conventional, pre-wartime sequel imagining a world after Holmes’ passing. Still, for as much potential The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes conveys, Joanna Blalock’s first murder-mystery case errs in four significant ways. 

First, as a formulaic whodunnit, Goldberg’s storyline treads closer to Columbo than to Conan Doyle.  By revealing the culprit’s identity from practically the get-go, Joanna’s deductions of how each murder is committed then leaves readers with essentially a ‘why-dunnit,’ with too few surprises.  With Sherlock Holmes’ heir and the Watsons too quickly deducing their quarry and a presumed motive, Goldberg has them repetitively deem their accumulated evidence as insufficient for prosecution. 

Yet, why shouldn’t Scotland Yard’s best forensic experts concur with their expert deductive assessments?  From the way Goldberg presents their medical analysis, even semi-competent law enforcement officials wouldn’t blow off such circumstantial evidence as pure conjecture. By playing off familiar genre clichés, Goldberg insists on stringing his audience along as to what ‘red-handed’ proof will inevitably snare the all-too-obvious culprit.  Many mystery fans won’t mind such a ride, but that leads to the novel’s second major flaw. 

Goldberg repeatedly pushes visual autopsy sequences that are unnecessarily too technically-detailed and, even worse, provoke disgusting imagery to readers.  Rather dubiously, Goldberg can invoke squeamishness without a corpse necessitating a scalpel for any internal dissection.  One wonders if, as a real-life physician, Goldberg is flaunting his medical knowledge through the detective trio as a means of padding his page count. 

Goldberg’s unimaginative storyline also suffers from pushing far too many second-generation clones (i.e., Watson, Jr; Mrs. Hudson; Lestrade; Moran; Toby Two, etc.) of Conan Doyle’s cast.  The author’s writing style is strong enough that such blatant name dropping should not be necessary.  Though these legacy characters better fit Goldberg’s sequel titles, their introductions all crammed within The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes come off as an eye-rolling gimmick for glorified fan fiction. Instead, Goldberg would have been better off phasing in his next generation throughout the series as welcome surprises.

Lastly, the murky continuity Goldberg deploys in setting up this batch of namesake heirs makes little sense, especially if his Holmes is already dead, as of 1914.  For instance, the introduction states Holmes died in 1914 – the same year as Joanna’s introduction.  Yet, this book (not to mention, future books) subsequently reference Holmes as being ‘long dead,’ as if several years have lapsed rather than mere months.  Another element to remember is that Holmes’ romantic liaison with Joanna’s mother would have occurred nearly forty years before.  Yet, Goldberg’s likable ‘Joanna’ appears to be, at most, in her early thirties.     

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes, accordingly, should be treated as more of a reference guide for the ongoing series.  Subsequent espionage-flavored mysteries, such as A Study in Treason and The Disappearance of Alistair Ainsworth, supply more satisfying reads exploring Joanna Blalock’s destiny as her father’s sleuthing successor.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Goldberg’s ‘Watson, Jr.’ supplies both an introduction and his closing notes.  It is conveyed that, like his father before him, Watson, Jr. now chronicles Joanna’s ongoing adventures. Simultaneously, this epilogue could be deemed as a satisfying end to Goldberg’s premise, had he opted not to produce further books.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5½ Stars

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A DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES # 3: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALISTAIR AINSWORTH

Written by Leonard Goldberg

SUMMARY:

In 2019, Minotaur Books released this 306-page title in hardcover.  Set in November 1915, a dark and stormy London night finds distraught physician Dr. Alexander Verner arriving at 221b Baker Street to consult his friend, Dr. John H. Watson, Sr., his same-namedson, and Watson, Sr.’s famous daughter-in-law, private detective Joanna Blalock. 

Note: Courtesy of Watson Jr.’s published accounts of his wife’s acclaimed sleuthing, it has become public knowledge that Joanna is the daughter of the late Sherlock Holmes.  Joanna now gladly announces herself as such.  Outside the Watson family, presumably, it is not divulged that her biological mother is the late Irene Adler.   

Verner describes how, earlier that night, he was suspiciously tricked into treating a seemingly mute patient beset by abdominal pain and then ominously warned to say nothing of the incident.  Joanna’s advice to Verner about a means of protecting himself from the wrath of suspected German agents soon tragically goes awry.

With the British war effort at stake, it is up to the Watson clan to now rescue a captive British cryptographer and avenge the cold-blooded homicide of their family friend.  Among their trusted allies are British Secret Intelligence’s Lt. Dunn; the second-generation Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard;  the canine Toby Two; and Joanna’s young son and prodigy: Johnnie Blalock – the late Sherlock Holmes’ lookalike grandson. 

Their formidable opposition is a cell of ruthless German spies, who will not hesitate to kill any impediment to their scheme. Joanna and the Watsons sense that British coding specialist Alistair Ainsworth’s abduction by the enemy is likely an inside job.  Yet, even if they decipher the shadowy culprit’s identity, can they still rescue a tortured Ainsworth in time?

Note: This title is available in multiple formats, including paperback, digital, and audiobook.

REVIEW:

Despite its built-in contrivances (i.e. the duplication between father-and-son Watsons, plus Johnnie Blalock as the Sherlock-in-training and other eye-rolling second-generation duplicates of Conan Doyle’s original cast) and an assortment of genre plot clichés, this third historical mystery is still well-played.  Author Leonard Goldberg’s deft touch ensures Joanna Blalock’s deductive reasoning makes good sense throughout this espionage whodunnit. 

For fans of the two prior books, they will not likely be disappointed probing The Disappearance of Alistair Ainsworth.      

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7 Stars

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Books & Novels Mystery & Suspense Sherlock Holmes-Related

A DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES # 2: A STUDY IN TREASON

By Leonard Goldberg

SUMMARY:

In 2018, Minotaur Books released this 306-page title in hardcover.  Set in Late Spring 1914, several months have lapsed since The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes occurred.  Now residing together at 221b Baker Street are a semi-retired Dr. John Watson, Sr. (recuperating from a stroke), with his newlywed namesake son and daughter-in-law, Joanna Blalock – the child of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler.  Joanna’s young son, Johnnie, attends school at Eton.

Note: Courtesy of Watson, Jr.’s published accounts of his wife’s acclaimed sleuthing, it is public knowledge that Joanna is the daughter of the late Sherlock Holmes.  Joanna now gladly acknowledges herself as such.  Outside the Watson family, it is presumably not divulged that her biological mother is the late Irene Adler.  

At the behest of Sir Harold Whitlock, the First Sea Lord of Her Majesty’s Navy, Joanna and the Watsons join the search for an evidently stolen document known as ‘The French Treaty.’  Specifically, it reveals a top-secret strategy detailing England and France’s naval operations to effectively halt German advantages at sea, should World War I commence. 

Aiding the trio are the second-generation Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and their British Secret Intelligence liaison, Lt. Dunn.  The enigma initially is: how was the document pilfered from a locked study at Lord Halifax’s highly-secure country estate?

Yet, recovering the international treaty and identifying an elusive and possibly murderous culprit may now prove impossible.  As narrated by her husband, only the heir of the legendary Sherlock Holmes might still have a clue.

Note: This title is available in multiple formats, including paperback, digital, and audiobook.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s The Incredible Theft (a Hercule Poirot short story) this historical espionage caper is a treat to read.  With its necessary contrivances (i.e. two Watsons, a second-generation Lestrade, etc.) now built in, author Leonard Goldberg’s storytelling exudes a smoother flow than the original book.  More so, for a whodunnit, Goldberg makes Joanna Blalock a likable and intriguing protagonist, with Watson, Sr. as her best supporting player.

A Study in Treason inevitably relies on some convenient genre plot devices.  Still, along with the third novel: The Disappearance of Alistair Ainsworth, it makes for an ideal diversion in front of the fireplace on a long winter’s night. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Goldberg’s note explains how the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series is a prequel to his present-day mystery thrillers depicting Joanna’s namesake granddaughter (a Los Angeles forensic pathologist).  Goldberg’s ‘Dr. Watson, Jr.’ briefly introduces A Study in Treason.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

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Blu-Ray DC-Related Movies Movies & Television (Videos) Sherlock Holmes-Related

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 18 Min.

This 2018 DC animated film loosely adapts 1989’s Batman: Gotham By Gaslight graphic novel – DC Comics’ first Elseworlds project.  Days before hosting the World’s Fair, a Victorian-era Gotham City is besieged after nightfall by a knife-wielding serial killer targeting the city’s perceived prostitutes.  Simultaneously, the vigilante Batman is now protecting Gotham’s most defenseless from street crime. 

Facing off against one another, the Dark Knight and the Ripper find that stage entertainer Selina Kyle has her own hellbent score to settle with the elusive killer.  Worse yet, this fearsome adversary can successfully fend them both off in 2-on-1 combat. Other wildcards in play are Police Commissioner James Gordon, Police Chief Harvey Bullock, and District Attorney Harvey Dent in their efforts to thwart the grisly murders.    

Personal tragedy strikes Gotham’s greatest philanthropist, Bruce Wayne, who finds himself framed for the Ripper’s murders, including a beloved friend.  Mere hours before the World’s Fair’s opening, Batman races the clock to reach down his foe before the Ripper strikes the one closest to Bruce Wayne’s heart.    

Note: Unlike the graphic novel, Batman’s tragic origin dating back to childhood is neither depicted nor re-imagined.  The film only briefly alludes to why Bruce Wayne began his familiar obsession declaring war on street crime.  

Principal Voice Cast:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Bruce Greenwood

Selina Kyle: Jennifer Carpenter

Alfred Pennyworth: Anthony Head

District Attorney Harvey Dent: Yuri Lowenthal

Commissioner James Gordon: Scott Patterson

Sister Leslie Tompkins, Jason Todd, & Selina Kyle’s Singing Voice: Grey Griffin

Timmy Drake & Marlene Mahoney: Tara Strong

Dickie Grayson: Lincoln Milcher

Hugo Strange: William Salyers

Barbara Eileen-Gordon & Pamela “Poison Ivy” Isley: Kari Wuhrer

Police Chief Harvey Bullock & Big Dill Dust: John DiMaggio

Mayor Tolliver: Bob Joles

Note: Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this R-rated title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Enhanced by impressive production values, this grisly animated adaptation surpasses its source material.  Instead of transplanting Jack the Ripper from London as a ‘sequel’ to the killer’s historical notoriety, this version devises its own shadowy ‘Ripper’ to face Gotham’s rookie Dark Knight.  Cleverly, the film adheres far closer to familiar Bat-mythology, including the presence of Selina Kyle, Poison Ivy, Hugo Strange, a trio of young Robins, and even a name drop of ‘Cyrus Gold’ (a reference to DC’s Solomon  Grundy).  Hence, this adaptation benefits from a welcome unpredictability in its plot twists.

Two caveats, however, should be considered.  One: the film’s R-rating allows the Ripper’s bloody predatorial stalking of women to be visualized in multiple brutal deaths; the same applies to brief nudity and profanities.  Two: deviating from Brian Augustyn’s graphic novel, the culprit’s identity has been changed, presumably for shock value purposes.  The gamble mostly works, but it’s justifiable that Bat-fans may be unhappy at the desecration of an iconic character.

Ultimately, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight scores on all creative counts: spot-on voice casting (especially Bruce Greenwood & Jennifer Carpenter), high-caliber animation, and a haunting musical score.  Despite a disturbing violence quotient, the animated Gotham By Gaslight fulfills its creative potential.          

BONUS FEATURES:

Language options and subtitles consist of: English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Spanish-Castellano, and Spanish-Latino.  Optional audio commentary with executive producer Bruce Timm, screenwriter Jim Krieg, and director/producer Sam Lieu is available. 

Aside from the trailer for the animated Batman vs. Two-Face (Adam West’s final Batman project), sneak peeks are included for upcoming DC animated films: Justice League Dark, Batman: Bad Blood, and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay.  There is also a featurette entitled “Caped Fear: The First Elseworld.” 

The two bonus cartoons are: 1. Batman – The Brave and the Bold’s “Trials of the Demon!,” which includes appearances from Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Scream Queen (a purplish re-working of Silver Banshee); the Scarecrow; Jason Blood/The Demon; and the Gentleman Ghost; and 2. Batman: The Animated Series’ “Showdown,” which co-stars Ra’s al Ghul in Jonah Hex’s animated debut. 

Re: “The Trials of the Demon!” (6 Stars), it is a fun supernatural caper where the Gentleman Ghost proves a most formidable Bat-foe.  Still, this episode’s most glaring weakness is Holmes’ ludicrous instant ‘deductions’ confirming Batman’s intents and origin – no matter Holmes’ legendary observational talents, he is not that good. 

As for the flashback-driven “Showdown” (8 Stars), pitting an adaptation of Jonah Hex vs. Ra’s al Ghul is an inspired Western action-adventure.  This episode’s final plot twist is exceptionally well-played.        

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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SLIMER AND THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS: ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WINSTON (Season 5, Episode 4)

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 22:00 Min.

First aired on ABC-TV on September 16, 1989, this early Season 5 episode was directed by Will Meugniot.  With New York City readily emanating evil, the apparitions of Professor James Moriarty and a monstrous (dragon-like) Hound of the Baskervilles arise to collect enough evil supernatural power to bring Moriarty back to ‘life.’   Courtesy of a primitive-looking automobile, the ghostly duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson subsequently chase their foes across the city. 

Aiding Holmes in his rescue of an abducted Watson, only Winston Zeddemore initially senses the Ghostsbusters’ true foes in this odd skirmish.  Worse yet, upon invading the Ghostbusters’ HQ, Moriarty intends to feed off the captured ghosts held in their containment chamber to make himself unstoppable.    

Note: Egon speculates that, though Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters are indeed fictional, their ‘ghosts’ somehow manifest themselves because mass audiences firmly believe in them.  Hence, Doyle’s characters exist in their own ‘quasi-reality.’ 

Dr. Peter Venkman: Dave Coulier

Dr. Raymond Stantz, Slimer, Hound, & Miscellaneous Voices: Frank Welker

Winston Zeddemore: Buster Jones

Janine Melnitz: Kath Soucie

Dr. Egon Spengler & Dr. John H. Watson: Maurice LaMarche

Sherlock Holmes: Alan Shearman

Louis Tully & Professor James Moriarty: Rodger Bumpass

REVIEW:

Aside from a nice homage referencing the original film’s library sequence, this episode doesn’t age well.  Courtesy of a blah script geared towards first-graders with, at most, a rudimentary idea who Sherlock Holmes is, adults expecting little won’t be surprised.  While it is fun seeing Winston essentially take command of the team, the flimsy plotting (much like the animation) won’t likely impress anyone.

More so, Dave Coulier’s annoying take on Venkman makes the show’s lead character sound as dim-witted as John Travolta’s Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back, Kotter.  Let’s just say Venkman’s dubious contributions to this episode become an unwelcome distraction.  Despite entertaining its undemanding target audience for twenty minutes, the content of “Elementary, My Dear Winston,” clearly falls short of its intriguing premise. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     3½ Stars

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(SHERLOCK HOLMES AND) THE HOUSE OF FEAR

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 69:00 Min.

Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story, “Adventure of the Five Orange Pips,” Universal Pictures released this film directed by Roy William Neill in 1945.  It’s the tenth of fourteen Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce films released from 1939-1946, as the last twelve are set in the present-day. 

Residing at Drearcliff Manor, on a secluded clifftop not far from a Scottish coastal village, is an exclusive group dubbing itself the ‘Good Comrades Club.’  Each a distinguished older British gentleman bachelor, a macabre prelude of death begins targeting its members.  At dinner time, upon receiving an ominous packet of orange pips signifying the remaining number in the group, the packet’s addressee soon meets a grisly fate.        

Considering each ‘Good Comrade’ has vested his sizable life insurance policy in the others, the suspicious London insurer sends Sherlock Holmes from 221B Baker Street to investigate.  Holmes suspects there is at least one probable killer already lurking among them.  The formidable presence of Holmes & Dr. John Watson merely accelerates the culprit’s vile intentions of eliminating these ‘Good Comrades,’ one by one.  Per local legend, the haunted manor’s family curse that “no man goes whole to his grave” is coming true to chilling effect. 

As Holmes, Watson, and Scotland Yard’s Inspector Lestrade witness, this unseen predator has no mercy upon the desecrated victims.  Yet, Holmes grimly senses all may not be what it seems.

Note: This film has been released in VHS (as half of a Rathbone-as-Sherlock Holmes double-feature), and, as part of The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection, in DVD and Blu-Ray formats.

Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone          

Dr. John Watson: Nigel Bruce

Inspector Lestrade: Dennis Hoey           

Bruce Alastair: Aubrey Mather

Dr. Simon Merrivale: Paul Cavanaugh  

Capt. John Simpson: Harry Cording

Mrs. Monteith: Sally Shepherd        

Alan Cosgrave: Holmes Herbert

Alex MacGregor: David Clyde       

Alison MacGregor: Florette Hillier

Ralph King: Richard Alexander     

Guy Davies: Wilson Benge

Stanley Raeburn: Cyril Delevanti   

Angus: Alex Craig

Sgt. Bleeker: Leslie Denison           

Chalmers: Gavin Muir

REVIEW:

In essence, Fear lifts Doyle’s legendary crime-fighting duo into an ominous storyline more befitting Agatha Christie.  Given the ghoulish mayhem occurring off-screen, the filmmakers resort to comedy relief at the right moments; some of which is subtly clever.  Even the deliberately silly sequence of Watson alone safeguarding the manor on a clichéd dark and stormy night somehow works better than it should.  The same applies to Dennis Hoey’s perpetually-befuddled Lestrade. 

Mostly, it’s up to Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce anchoring a solid cast to overcome the plot’s contrivances; hence, the end result is undeniably entertaining.  Just don’t try overthinking it, and The House of Fear delivers Rathbone’s likable answer to And Then There Were None released that same year.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars