Product Details

• Actors: John Cleese, Arthur Lowe, Ron Moody, Holly Palance, Joss Ackland
• Directors: Joseph McGrath
• Writers: John Cleese, Joseph McGrath, Jack Hobbs
• Producers: Humphrey Barclay, Kenneth Harper
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: White Star
• DVD Release Date: July 15, 2003
• Run Time: 56 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000A5L2D
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,564 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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• For more information about "John Cleese - The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

John Cleese is hilarious as the descendant of Sherlock Holmes in this modern detective drama of international power politics and intrigue. Unlike his illustrious grandfather however, this Sherlock Holmes only succeeds in bungling every job he organizes. Also stars Arthur Lowe as the "bionic" grandson of Dr. Watson, Stratford Johns as the Commissioner of Police, and Connie Booth as Mrs. Hudson.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Goofy, with lots of familiar faces, January 7, 2004

By	Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

When Dr. Henry Gropinger (a caricature of Henry Kissinger, played by Ron Moody), has his diary stolen, causing him to be killed, the finest detectives of the world discover than the one behind it is Professor Moriarty's descendent. Who else can they call for help but the descendent of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Sherlock Holmes (John Cleese)? With the incredibly stupid Dr. William Watson (Arthur Lowe) in tow, he sets a trap that Moriarty cannot resist. Sadly, this Holmes is only a pale shadow of his illustrious grandfather, and his combination of quick-action and slow-thinking do not serve him well. [Color, released in 1977, with a running time of 56 minutes.]

OK, let's start off by saying that this movie has only the thinnest of plots, and the humor is beat-you-on-the-head dumb! But, in spite of that, it actually is a fun little flick. There's no subtlety here, but if you are willing to put your brain into neutral, you will get a kick out of it.

And, I must say, what I appreciated the most about this movie was seeing so many of my favorite British actors in one place: John Cleese (Monty Python), Arthur Lowe (Dad's Army), Joss Ackland (Lethal Weapon 2, They Do It With Mirrors), Denholm Elliott (Indian Jones and the Last Crusade), Nick Tate (Space: 1999), Josephine Tewson (Elizabeth on Keeping Appearances), Burt Kwouk (Cato on the Pink Panther movies) and Connie Booth (Fawlty Towers).

So, if you love British television, and want to see some familiar faces in a goofy, off-beat production, then this movie is for you. If you are looking for a cinematic masterpiece, then look elsewhere, this movie is definitely not for you!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a very silly movie, May 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The quality of the production isn't all that great, the sound is terrible and the movie is rather short but I still found this new "Holmes" movie to be extremely funny! I'm also a big Cleese fan but the man of the hour in this film is Arthur Lowe! His Dr Watson is great! Hey, if you're looking for a great movie, go check out AFI's list of comedies! If you can appreciate a piece for it what it is and its own merits, this is worth the hour! Good God, Holmes! Amazing!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yes it's stupid, but..., March 29, 2004

By	Historylover "jurgen42424" (Laurel, MD USA) - See all my reviews

It is a very stupid movie, but it has moments of great hilarity and Cleese is in great form. The who's the real Watson scene is worth the price of the DVD alone. Holmes:One of you is an imposter! Watson:Good Lord! Is it me?