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, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: White Star
• VHS Release Date: October 28, 1993
• Run Time: 55 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302952727
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,934 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 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
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This review is from: John Cleese - The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It (DVD)

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!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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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!

8 of 9 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

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This review is from: John Cleese - The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It (DVD)

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?