Save now on popular classic TV favorites such as Charlies Angels, Sanford and Son, Soap and many more. Offer ends May 31, 2013. |
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Special Features
- Photo gallery
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
One of the most engaging features from 20th Century Fox's Holmes series, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is also of historical interest as it based on a hugely popular, early 20th century stage play written by and starring William Gillette. Basil Rathbone cuts a fine figure as the lean, hawkish Great Detective, drawn into a complicated conspiracy by fiendish Dr. Moriarty (George Zucco) to distract Holmes while quietly preparing to steal the Crown Jewels. Nigel Bruce is on board as a buffoonish Dr. Watson, and British-born Ida Lupino is very good, and quite gorgeous, as a young woman who may be the target of a family curse. True-blue Sherlockians know that very little of Gillette's tale, and next to nothing about Zucco's or Bruce's performances, have anything to do with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's sacred canon. Still, this is a handsome production to enjoy on its own terms. --Tom Keogh
Product Description
The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes
Set in the Victorian Age and regarded by many as the finest of the fourteen films in the Sherlock Holmes/Basil Rathbone series, ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ was originally released in 1939 by Twentieth Century-Fox.
Professor Moriarty (George Zucco) has at long last been brought to trial for murder, but the ‘Napoleon of Crime’ is acquitted after the court finds a lack of sufficient evidence. Moriarty wastes no time in plotting his next crime, but in order to be successful he must divert the attention of the Great Detective.
Intimidating, anonymous letters sent to young socialite Ann Brandon (Ida Lupino) ; the murder of Miss Brandon’s brother; and threats to the security of a priceless gem consume the attention of Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and his companion Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce).
Are these mysterious occurrences simply erroneous distractions? Are they clues to a case irrelevant to the exploits of the evil Professor Moriarty? Or, are these portents of disaster inexorably linked to the master criminal’s plan to commit a crime that will shake the very foundation of the British Empire? It is for Holmes and Watson to sort out these mysteries and, hopefully, eliminate the menace of Professor Moriarty.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
OK. What was in the water back in 1939? Was there a conspiracy to make, like, a HUNDRED movies that would last for all time?
Gone With The Wind, Gunga Din, Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington...there's like two dozen more that you'd know by name...
...and THIS was made then TOO?
Inconceivable!
Anyways, this film is a great place to get to know Sherlock Holmes by way of Basil Rathbone. I can't imagine anyone else in the role (although others honestly have done a fine job) and when I read the novels, I 'see' him.
I love the interplay between Holmes and Nigel Bruce's Dr. Watson...they simply have the parts nailed. Nailed, nailed, nailed.
The breathless story involves, among other things, Professor Moriarty (of course), a diabolical nefarious "crime of the century", a mysterious woman, men of dubious intentions, a smattering of murders, and trying to find a fiddle note that irritates houseflies.
This is one of those movies that will have you saying, after it's over, "they sure don't make 'em like they used to!"
After seeing this, I went out and bought ALL of the remaining, lovingly remastered Rathbone/Bruce films, and plan on spending a few lazy Sunday afternoons with Mr. Holmes.
Gone With The Wind, Gunga Din, Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington...there's like two dozen more that you'd know by name...
...and THIS was made then TOO?
Inconceivable!
Anyways, this film is a great place to get to know Sherlock Holmes by way of Basil Rathbone. I can't imagine anyone else in the role (although others honestly have done a fine job) and when I read the novels, I 'see' him.
I love the interplay between Holmes and Nigel Bruce's Dr. Watson...they simply have the parts nailed. Nailed, nailed, nailed.
The breathless story involves, among other things, Professor Moriarty (of course), a diabolical nefarious "crime of the century", a mysterious woman, men of dubious intentions, a smattering of murders, and trying to find a fiddle note that irritates houseflies.
This is one of those movies that will have you saying, after it's over, "they sure don't make 'em like they used to!"
After seeing this, I went out and bought ALL of the remaining, lovingly remastered Rathbone/Bruce films, and plan on spending a few lazy Sunday afternoons with Mr. Holmes.
43 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Fans of the Basil Rathbone-Nigel Bruce "Sherlock Holmes" series have a particular fondness for this 1939 Fox release - the last period adventure before Holmes and Dr. Watson re-emerged in a World War II setting at Universal Studios. Fox's high production values make this particular Holmes caper a standout, with classic performances from Rathbone, Bruce and George Zucco (as Professor Moriarty). A definite keeper for devotees of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By Hound Dog
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Adapted from a stage play based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" stands on its own as classic entertainment for detective fans of all ages, and may well represent the peak of the vintage 14-film series from the 1930's and 40's featuring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
As the legendary sleuth, Basil Rathbone further illustrates his mastery of the role with a dominating performance, which even includes a vaudeville song & dance turn in disguise. Nigel Bruce offers ample support as the ever-loyal Dr. Watson, who doesn't appear as the bumbling sidekick he would later become in the series. Ida Lupino portrays Holmes' latest client, Ann Brandon, while George Zucco appears as this film's devious Professor Moriarty.
Set authentically in the Victorian era, the story begins with Moriarty managing to elude justice (in the form of a hangman's noose) once again on a legal technicality, despite Holmes' best efforts. Afterwards, two separate plots (one of murder, one of theft) are soon rapidly afoot, but only Holmes realizes that Moriarty is somehow manipulating these diabolical events from behind the scenes.
Amidst the sinister fog of London's nights, Holmes is subsequently pushed to his limits attempting to keep his lovely client out of harm's way from a ruthless assassin, while trying to locate Moriarty in time in order to thwart his arch-nemesis' greatest scheme yet.
Lovingly restored by UCLA, this film is greatly entertaining and highly recommended!
As the legendary sleuth, Basil Rathbone further illustrates his mastery of the role with a dominating performance, which even includes a vaudeville song & dance turn in disguise. Nigel Bruce offers ample support as the ever-loyal Dr. Watson, who doesn't appear as the bumbling sidekick he would later become in the series. Ida Lupino portrays Holmes' latest client, Ann Brandon, while George Zucco appears as this film's devious Professor Moriarty.
Set authentically in the Victorian era, the story begins with Moriarty managing to elude justice (in the form of a hangman's noose) once again on a legal technicality, despite Holmes' best efforts. Afterwards, two separate plots (one of murder, one of theft) are soon rapidly afoot, but only Holmes realizes that Moriarty is somehow manipulating these diabolical events from behind the scenes.
Amidst the sinister fog of London's nights, Holmes is subsequently pushed to his limits attempting to keep his lovely client out of harm's way from a ruthless assassin, while trying to locate Moriarty in time in order to thwart his arch-nemesis' greatest scheme yet.
Lovingly restored by UCLA, this film is greatly entertaining and highly recommended!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Basil and Nigel are a team
This episode of the Classic series is well wirth the modest price. The Black and White tone of the production is marvelous. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Edward Gronet
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rainy day
I love the old black nd white Sherlock Holmes, best for me when I'm at home and cen't get out because of the rain
Published 2 months ago by Leslie Ford
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elementary!
If you are a lover of a good British Mystery you cant beat Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes portrayed by Basil Rathbone and his sidekick John Watson, MD (Nigel Bruce). Read more
Published 3 months ago by James T. Engle, Jr.
3.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Better Rathbone/Bruce Films
This is one of the ones with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. I think they made about a dozen Sherlock Holmes movies. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Barbara Frederick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rathbone is Holmes!
Sherlock Holmes is Basil Rathbone...or Basil Rathbone is Sherlock Holmes. I can't figure out which one it is. Basil Rathbone is THE Sherlock Holmes. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sir Robert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Haunting Flute Song
What can I say that will add to all of the other reviews? All I can do is give you my personal perspective when it comes to this classic film. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Queen Mab
4.0 out of 5 stars
..Ida..?..Im there..!
.....Have a large well quite a few films with Lupino..a favorite.even I Love Lucy hr show with then husband Howard Duff.Alias Smith & Jones & Wild, Wild West. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Robert M. Groves
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good place to start...
A little melodramatic and slightly clichéd, `The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is nothing short of entertaining, which is a very good thing. Read more
Published on May 10, 2010 by Andrew Ellington
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best of all Sherlock Holmes films
4.6 stars
This second installment of the Rathbone Holmes is among my favorites, despite being not very faithful to Doyle. Read more
This second installment of the Rathbone Holmes is among my favorites, despite being not very faithful to Doyle. Read more
Published on May 6, 2010 by K. Swanson
5.0 out of 5 stars
sherlock fan's opinion
One of the better Rathbone and Bruce efforts at portraying the Victorian sleuths. Good story line. Vintage Hollywood film. Fun to watch. Who is responsible for Sherlock's hairdo??
Published on April 2, 2010 by Leatherneck Sarge
