The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles

1939Movie80 minEnglish

When a nobleman is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, detective Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Sidney LanfieldGenres: Mystery, Horror, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson are drawn into a dangerous investigation surrounding a legendary spectral hound that is said to haunt the moors of Baskerville Hall. A young heir is believed to be the next victim of this terrifying curse, and Holmes must unravel the mystery before the creature strikes again.

Critical Reception

The 1939 adaptation of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' is widely regarded as one of the best Sherlock Holmes films, particularly praised for its atmospheric tension and the iconic performances of Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson. While not a direct adaptation of the novel's period, it captures the spirit of the story effectively.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its chilling atmosphere and faithful depiction of the detective's methods.
  • Basil Rathbone's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is considered definitive by many.
  • The film successfully blends suspense with elements of gothic horror.

Google audience: Audience reception for this classic film is generally very positive, with many viewers appreciating its enduring suspense, strong performances, and effective translation of Arthur Conan Doyle's story to the screen.

Fun Fact

This film is notable for being the first of the fourteen Sherlock Holmes films produced by 20th Century Fox starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. It also deviates from the original story by setting the events in the 1930s rather than the Victorian era.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A lovely, suspenseful adaptation of Conan Doyle's story about a wealthy English landowner who comes into his inheritance thanks to the legend of a brutal hound that terrorises the Dartmoor countryside where the estate of Sir Henry Baskervil...