“If I believed all the legends about this place, I wouldn’t live here. I wouldn’t have the courage.” — Dr. Mortimer

The affection classic film fans have for Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is so strong it seems near sacrilegious to even consider any others in these two roles. The portrayal of Sir Conan Doyle’s famous detective on film dates all the way back to the silent era, John Barrymore even having a stab at the author’s timeless creation. But everything clicked with Rathbone and Bruce in the hearts of filmgoers and from this film forward, they were Holmes and Watson to the public.

The Universal “B” series which followed the second topflight film from Fox, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, was great fun even in updated settings, and fans couldn't get enough. This first film is quite special, however, capturing the real flavor of Holmes and Watson in their own time, with a quality production. Eerie moors, a howling which might be ghostly in origin, and a dash of romance sprinkled into the mix make this film truly memorable.

The moors of Dartmoor in Devonshire in 1889 are quite perilous if your name is Baskerville. Charles has already met with an “accidental” death, but Dr. Mortimer (Lionel Atwill) knows better, and travels to London to seek out Sherlock Holmes. Holmes has kept abreast of the affair in the papers, and is already worried for Sir Henry Baskerville’s life, as he makes his way from Canada to claim his birthright.

The great detective sends Watson in his stead to protect young Henry (Richard Greene) from the wild howl on the moors, which Holmes suspects may have a very earthly cause. Holmes is by no means idle, but I won’t ruin the fun for the first-time viewer of this fabulous classic. An atmosphere of mystery and perhaps the supernatural mingle with the workings of Sherlock Holmes as he ferrets out the more tangible danger.

In the meantime, young Henry has become quite smitten with his beautiful neighbor, Beryl (Wendy Barrie). Just about everyone seems a bit suspect in regard to the legend of the hounds, who have reportedly caused the death of all the prior Baskerville owners. The romance of Henry and Beryl is blended quite nicely with the story.

Barrie’s turn as Beryl proves quite a lovely distraction as Holmes and Watson do everything in their power to save Sir Henry from a savage death. A great cast and top-tier production values enhance this fun story of a mansion on the moors prone to untimely death. Ernest Pascal’s screenplay of Doyle’s story is both solid and fairly faithful, and Sidney Lanfield’s direction keeps the viewer guessing right up till the end.

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce will forever hold a special place in the hearts of classic film fans. If you are familiar with the fine “B” series but have never gone back to see where it all began, I urge you to do so. An excellent and very fun film to watch time and again. ( )