Movie Review: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)
Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are asked to investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who was found dead in the moor surrounding his estate, in a manor that suggested a connection to an old family legend involving a Hell hound sent to curse the family. Holmes is skeptical but sends Watson to accompany Henry Baskerville, the last heir, back to the estate. It doesn't take long to realize Henry Baskerville's life is also in danger.
Who's in it? The movie stars Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, André Morell, Marla Landi and Francis De Wolff.
Review: I selected The Hound of the Baskervilles this morning because it was one of the movies on ScreenPix's list of movies to watch before you die. I have seen more than one version of this film, which is based on one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes books. I think, after watching it, I can claim it is my favorite.
The mystery itself is an intriguing one. While the Hell hound theory seems farfetched from the start, there clearly is something going on at the Baskerville estate. Sir Henry's (Lee) life is in danger almost from the moment Holmes (Cushing) meets him and it's unclear who is the person, or persons, responsible for it.
The movie also has quite a bit of action in it, which helps a lot because the story had the potential of getting a little dull otherwise. This includes the dangers of the moor itself, especially when they are walking around it at night, with multiple ways it could take a life.
What helps this version the most though is the casting. While Basil Rathbone remains my favorite Sherlock Holmes, Cushing is easily a close second. However, this story requires Watson (Morrell) to do the heavy lifting, at least early on, and I thought the filmmakers picked the right man for the job in that regard. The rest of the supporting cast also did their part, providing plenty of potential suspects as the movie progressed as several seemed to have secrets they were trying to hide.
The dramatic ending was also fun to watch and pulled off remarkably well for a film made prior to CGI and required to use practical effects and a real dog. It had been the part of the film I was most worried about because it had the potential to come off as goofy and ruin the movie. I was more than pleased with what I saw though.
Final Opinion: A strong cast and stronger execution make this film worth taking the time to watch. As I said, it is my now favorite movie version of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic.
My Grade: A
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Here are some other reviews of Sherlock Holmes movies:
Movie Review: The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)
Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942)
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