Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sir Charles Baskerville has just died on the moors on his estate near Devonshire from an apparent mauling by a giant hound. His death, and the story of his family's curse, is related by his and physician and friend to Sherlock Holmes whom he implores to take on the case before the state his transferred to Charles' relation Sir Hennry. In his stead, Holmes sends his dear friend Dr. Watson to investigate and, after meeting up with him later, uncovers the truth behind the Baskerville curse. This adaptation of the popular Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel is notable for the strengths of its lead performers. Peter Cushing makes an excellent Holmes, finding his idiosyncrasies and avoiding tendencies to bring likability to the character. Andre Morell likewise makes an excellent Watson, and Christopher Lee turns in good work in an early role as the Sir Henry. I thought this version got bogged down by its unnecessary flourishes and silly asides, and doesn't really measure up to the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce 1939 version, but is worth seeking out due to the fine performances.