Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Hound of the Baskervilles

On a manor on the English moors, Sir Charles Baskerville is killed by a rabid dog and an old legend is resurrected regarding a curse in the family. Fearing for the only Baskerville heir's safety, he hires the services of Sherlock Holmes to investigate the case. Instead of taking on the case himself, Holmes sends Dr. Watson to the manor to investigate, being too busy with his own affairs to take part. Yet, Holmes may not be as far away as he leads on. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most often filmed story and was the first featuring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as the famed detective and his dear sidekick, both considered the foremost film actors to play the part. This adaptation of the story is thoroughly enjoyable fare blending light comedy with a good mystery. Not being a Holmes aficionado, I liked the way Holmes and Watson play off each other, Holmes acting bemused and Watson always serious. The moors add a nice aura and are a good setting for a film such as this one. The mystery unfolds in an intriguing fashion while we are given some light moments as well. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a fine adaptation of the beloved Doyle novel, at least for someone who is not versed in them.