Rating: 
Summary: HOUND: A Child's Memory
Review: I first saw this movie on TV when I was 9 or 10 in 1963-64. We lived in Los Angeles, and local channel 9 would run the SAME movie, Monday through Friday, for one week at 7:00 or 8:00 on its "Million Dollar Movie" program (a ridiculous title nowadays). Anyway, I watched it all five times in one week and adored it. I didn't see it again until its special, limited re-release to theaters in 1975; by then, I was a dyed-in-the-wool Sherlockian. Remarkably, my 10-year-old mind hadn't exaggerated the greatness of Rathbone or this film. It remained marvelous!Now it's available on DVD...and what a wonderful transfer. And the commentary is superb. I haven't yet watched it five nights in a row, but it certainly deserves that kind of attention. Highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: Okay but not great (spoiler)
Review: I was a little disappointed with this version of "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Basil Rathbone's performance was very compelling and charismatic, but Nigel Bruce's Watson is not very accurate at all. As far as the story goes, the movie is somewhat faithful. However, I did not like the way the meeting between Holmes and Watson in the cave was done. Rathbone and Bruce turned this into a comedy routine and there was nothing comical about this scene in the book. I also did not like the scene where Holmes and Watson think that Sir Henry has been killed. I felt that the scene failed to capture the emotion that the characters felt in the book when they believed that their client had been killed. However, I do tend to blame that on the writing and not the actors. Overall, this was an okay adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel and I enjoyed it inspite of the complaints I had. I would recommend watching it if you're a Holmes fan.
Rating:
Summary: The essential "Hound"
Review: It's perhaps surprising that "Hound of the Baskervilles" has become the single most well-known Sherlock Holmes story. True, like many of the short stories, it takes Holmes and Watson away from their digs in London and out to an ancient familial estate. But it has two elements that make it distinct from nearly every other of the original stories: it has a distinct supernatural element, and Holmes himself is absent for a sizeable portion of the narrative.No doubt Fox chose to adapt this story for its popularity as much as anything else, but the supernatural element was certainly a factor in its favor. One of the great selling points of the film is its recreation of the ghostly moors, even with studio sets. And it's only natural that Fox wanted to cover up Holmes' absence as much as possible, by creating what really hadn't been seen before on film: a convincing and engaging Holmes/Watson dichotomy.
Rathbone and Bruce make this film. Whether you like or dislike their individual interpretations, you've got to admit they work well together. And it's a testament to Nigel Bruce's ability as an actor, bumbler or no, that he can carry the film for those twenty or thirty minutes when Sherlock Holmes is completely absent. Richard Greene gets top billing, sure, but this is the first time a Holmes and Watson team completely outshine everything else in the production.
Some reviews take great pains to point out what Fox changed about this story. But in reality, this is probably the most straightforward "Hound" ever made. Most of the changes are made for simple brevity, stripping away the subplots and leaving the core. This is probably to keep the film both within budget, and from shifting too far from the Holmes/Watson focus; in other adaptations, Holmes might be off the screen for up to an hour. A couple changes are obviously made to please the studio (changing Barrymore to Barryman, so as not to insult the famous acting family) or the morals of the day (the complications concerning Stapleton's sister have been removed), but the only one that's really strange is the decision not to make the hound itself glow! It reduces the effectiveness of the climax, particularly after all the supernatural lead-up, and it's the one flaw I can really find with the film.
MPI presents this film in a very nice package that compliments its earlier "Sherlock Holmes Collection" releases of the later Universal films. Although the film, unlike the later ones, hasn't been restored by the UCLA, you'll hardly notice it; there's a few spots on certain scenes late in the action, but they are very fleeting indeed. This is a lovely, clean picture, very sharp, with great greys and blacks. Similarly, the mono audio is crisp and clear. You won't be unhappy.
The extras are a little more of a mixed bag. Richard Valley's booklet of production notes (should you purchase the disc) are, as usual, very insightful and well worth your time. Unfortunately, David Stuart Davies' commentary is rather dry and simplistic. If you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, you probably already know most of the information he relates, and may want skip it. Casual viewers, however, might find interest in skimming it with the chapter search buttons. A photo gallery is included, although it's constantly animated with zooms and pans (something which personally bothers me), and three trailers are included in a 'trailer gallery.' None of them, however, are for "The Hound of the Baskervilles." They are all re-release trailers, in pretty poor condition, for later films in the Universal series: "Dressed to Kill" (film #14), "House of Fear" (film #10), and "Terror by Night" (film #13). Why these particular trailers were chosen, I'm not sure.
If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you'll not only want to see this film, you'll want to own it; at the $15-$20 price point, it's well worth it. This is the essential version of "The Hound of the Baskervilles," and even more so, the quintessential Sherlock Holmes film. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Watson's finest hour on film
Review: Many actors have tried, but none has surpassed Basil Rathbone's embodiment of Sherlock Holmes. The razor-sharp profile, hawk nose and cocaine eyes seem torn straight from the pages of Arthur Conan Doyle. This is, undeniably, one of the great pairings of actor and character in film history. Odd to think, then, that the first Holmes film with Rathbone and his faithful Dr. Watson, Nigel Bruce, gave neither man starring credit. That honor on "The Hound of the Baskervilles" went to the romantic leading man, Richard Greene. The lapse in logic was quickly corrected, with Rathbone and Bruce going on to top-bill 13 famed Holmes movies from 1939-46. The UCLA Film and TV Archive has rescued the films from public domain hell, in a restoration that aims to return them to 35mm theatrical condition using original elements and acetate copies. The results as seen on MPI's DVDs are indeed impressive, with shadows and light elegant and edgy. Wear is within reason, and the audio suffices. Film historians' commentaries have been added to some of the feature films, explaining, for instance, just how the 19th century detectives ended up battling Nazis in WWII. The MPI collection -- whose titles are available separately and in sets -- started rolling out in the fall. The series concludes at the beginning, with "Baskervilles" and "Adventures," both made by Fox before Universal took over and "modernized" the Doyle stories. The Uni films have their moments -- "Woman in Green," for example, is grand and grisly entertainment -- but there's no topping these initial releases, set in Victorian times. "Baskervilles" remains one of the most famous and fondly remembered Holmes films, but it is largely Dr. Watson's tale. Nigel Bruce's Watson quickly became a buffoon in the series, but here he is not to be trifled with. (Rathbone later defended his friend and co-star against critics, saying a "less lovable" actor would have ruined the series.) The restoration puts Fox's amazing sets on full display, including the fog-engulfed moor where the hound fillets his victims. The commentator, chipper British author David Stuart Davies, churns out minutiae and unmasks plot inconsistencies.
Rating:
Summary: Classic version of Sherlock Holmes mystery
Review: Of all the many versions of this often filmed story, Twentieth Century Fox's 1939 filming of "The Hound Of The Baskervilles" is rightfully considered to be not only a classic but also the finest version to be put onto film. Boasting the superb talents of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the roles that became their trademarks, the film is a superb blend of mystery, suspense and classic adventure in its telling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous story of the curse that plagues a titled family through many generations in the form of a savage hound that causes the demise of each male member of the clan. Twentieth Century Fox put all of their considerable resources into this lavish production and the film was a great success, so much so that they quickly followed it with another film
"The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes" with the same main cast which enjoyed equal success. Unfortunately for some unknown reason Fox then handed the series over to Universal, possibly as a result of rising costs as World War Two approached. Universal made the serious mistake of up dating the series to a 1940's setting and had Holmes and Watson doing battle with Nazi etc. In all there was finally 14 films made in the series. It is however for the first two films that Sherlock Holmes's fame rests and certainly "The Hound Of The Baskervilles" is the most famous and best loved of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories based around the famous detective . If ever there was a piece of perfect casting for a film it would have to be the superb combination of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Never has there been such a perfect marriage of actor and character as here and for Rathbone in particular the part became his absolute trademark and was the interpretation that was used as a benchmark for all the later Holmes's. Sherlock Holmes became for Rathbone what Rhett Butler was for Clark Gable, a part that would overshadow any other part he took on in the future. Nigel Bruces's interpretation of Dr. Watson certainly was a variation on the character created by Arthur Conan Doyle however he does such a memorable turn as the character that it really becomes unimportant. "The Hound Of The Baskervilles" benefits greatly from the superb cast that has been assembled around the two principals. Foremost among them is British actor Richard Greene who plays young Sir Henry Baskerville, the last of the line who, on the savage death of his uncle, finds himself the target of the family curse. Greene was a handsome actor and his Hollywood career was basically cut short by World War Two, however he is excellent here as the romantic young lead. Fox regular John Carradine excels in the role of Barryman the mysterious manservant of the Baskerville estate who carries his own secrets. Horror veteran Lionel Atwill also scores in the role of James Mortimer the local doctor. Morton Lowry has a very showy part as the unexpected villian of the piece and is involved in the very interesting twist in the story at the conclusion that I wont reveal to those who have not seen the film. Veteran character actress Mary Gordon takes on the role of Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes's housekeeper and she would go over to Universal with Rathbone and Bruce for the remainder of the film series playing the housekeeper. Finally Wendy Barrie provides the love interest for Sir. Henry and she makes a nice couple with Richard Greene. Directed by veteran director Sidney Lanfield the film is rich in Victorian atmosphere with its period sets, Gaslights, old carriages, foogy moors, and eerie old mansion holding secrets. This adds tremendously to the excitement of the story of the legendary hound from hell that terrorises successive generations of the Baskerville family. The film benefits from a lavish budget and despite being filmed in Hollywood has a vivid English feel about it. The scenes on the moors in particular are very well done and one is kept guessing all the time about whether the vicious hound is pure legend or actually real. This film was Basil Rathbone's personal favourite of all his body of work as Sherlock Holmes and he said that the atmosphere of this piece was never really duplicated properly again in the later films. I strongly recommend this 1939 version of "The Hound Of The Baskervilles" to all those who enjoy a good mystery. I know this film was responsible for me wanting to read more of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. There have been many fine versions made over the years, in particular the Hammer version with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, but this would have to be the most famous and has the added benefit of the first legendary teaming of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the roles for which they are still best known. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan you will love this film despite some of the changes made and if you like good old fashioned thriller mysteries it is unsurpassed as great entertainment. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Holmes Mystery
Review: Of the 14 Rathbone / Bruce films this is my personal favorite.
Truly a timeless classic although set in Conan Doyles victorian
era. For someone who has no exposure to the Holmes / Rathbone
character I will say this is a good way to get hooked on the series. Strangely enough I have come to learn that the"Hound" film was
originally intended to be a springboard for the dashingly handsome actor Richard Greene. My reading informs me that Hollywood considered Greene too good looking to be a leading man
and consequently got very little work in America. Greene did
become "Robinhood" on TV weekly in the 1950's The great thing about this film is it is a great whodunit which ALL the family can enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Hound of the Baskervilles
Review: The best of the best! Although redone many times, no effort beats this timeless work.
Rating:
Summary: DVD Version is excellent
Review: The new DVD format release of this movie has just come out. The picture quality is excellent, and the "Bonus" material includes a great commentary by the same narrator who did the other new DVD's of the Universal Holmes' movies, David Stuart Davies. It sends chills up your spine to realize this was the first appearance of Rathbone and Bruce as Holmes and Watson! They didn't even get top billing!! There are also some still shots and a movie trailer, but buy this for the picture and sound quality and Davies's commentary.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Holmes Film Ever!
Review: This 1939 version of "HOUND" is, in my opinion, the best film version of a Sherlock Holmes mystery ever done. This is the first of 14 motion pictures teaming the outstanding duo of Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as his bumbling cohort, Dr. John H. Watson (although we see a not-so-bumbling Watson in this film). Whoever cast these two fine actors in these roles was a genius! For me, it's hard to accept ANY other individuals (except Basil & Nigel) in the roles of Holmes & Watson! (Although Peter Cushing's Holmes in 1959's "Hound" remake was very good also.) This '39 version of "Hound" exudes the perfect eerie and foggy atmosphere that is ideal for a Sherlock picture. It's a highly re-watchable version of Doyle's classic. The supporting cast of characters is good here as well. Now all we need is for this to come to DVD! That would = digital Sherlock bliss!! :)
Rating:
Summary: The Best Holmes Film Ever!
Review: This 1939 version of "HOUND" is, in my opinion, the best film version of a Sherlock Holmes mystery ever done. This is the first of 14 motion pictures teaming the outstanding duo of Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as his bumbling cohort, Dr. John H. Watson (although we see a not-so-bumbling Watson in this film). Whoever cast these two fine actors in these roles was a genius! For me, it's hard to accept ANY other individuals (except Basil & Nigel) in the roles of Holmes & Watson! (Although Peter Cushing's Holmes in 1959's "Hound" remake was very good also.) This '39 version of "Hound" exudes the perfect eerie and foggy atmosphere that is ideal for a Sherlock picture. It's a highly re-watchable version of Doyle's classic. The supporting cast of characters is good here as well. Now all we need is for this to come to DVD! That would = digital Sherlock bliss!! :)
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