Sherlock Holmes in The Spider Woman (1944)

No one better than Basil

I've enjoyed watching the old Sherlock Holmes movies since I was 17. They use to be on every Sunday at noon and I would watch them. When they went to Video and DVD, I couldn't miss the opportunity. I love watching maybe three or so at a time.

Basil Rathbone was born for the role and watching all 14 will prove it. January 25, 2008

Elementary, my dear Watson!

This is a short film in the Sherlock Holmes series (about 64 minutes in length), but a very interesting and entertaining one nonetheless. In this one, Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) tries to discover the mystery behind several mysterious "pajama suicides" that take place in the area. As he delves into the crime, he determines there is a femme fetale who is the mastermind behind this dastardly scheme, and that money is the reason.

Holmes uses his wit and wisdom to extract the means, motive and method for the crimes. What is fun about this episode is Holmes tricks and disguises. There is one funny scene between Holmes and Watson where Holmes is disguised and pretending to drop off a package for the allegedly late detective. His sidekick Watson is played exceptionally by Nigel Bruce, who tries to help Holmes, but as usual, is a step behind the clever detective. There are several near death escapes for the duo, as well as a dramatic final scene at the carnival with the villain "Spider Woman" (Adria), who is quite a match for Holmes in this episode.

Another element of the film is the superb quality, as others have mentioned. This film was restored excellently, and it really makes an exceptional difference from non-restored classic films.

Over all, this is just a fun little film. Great for a night where you want to watch a suspenseful and entertaining murder mystery. April 1, 2007

The Most Entertaining In the Series

This might rate as the most entertaining of all the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films, which I still think are the best renditions on film of the famous detective.

This has a surprising amount of action and is simply a fun story to watch. Packed into just one hour are such scenes as Holmes faking his death, a near-poisoning of he and Dr. Watson by gas, a strange little boy who hops around a room, tarantulas on the loose, on and on.

Nigel Bruce is his normally funny Dr. Watson and Gale Sondergaard makes an excellent villain. Credibility is stretched in the beginning and ending scenes but it's an enjoyable ride all the way through.

This DVD looks super, too. What a great "restoration" job was done on this. April 23, 2006

Sherlock Holmes in The Spider Woman

Love the Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone! Even my granddaughter (8) loved the black & white version! February 24, 2006

Sherlock Holmes (1942)

Basil Rathbone is Sherlock Holmes of Sherlock Holmes. The performers, B Rathbone, Gale Sondergaard, Nigel Bruce are unique, charicteristic, absorbing persona. From now on, I can stop an unsuccessful search for Sherlock Holmes movie. September 30, 2005

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