After playing Holmes in so many films, Mr. Rathbone came to feel his association with the character had spoilt his acting reputation for anything else. Shortly after the Second World War, he was queued up waiting for a bus in London; a gentleman waiting there recognised him. (Who could not?!) The old gentleman greeted him and began telling Mr. Rathbone how much he had enjoyed his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes over the past decade. The actor--for the only time in his life--expressed to a fan his bitterness about being type-cast as Doyle's detective and that he felt that identification in the public's imagination had kept him from having a broader and more successful career. The old man listened and after some thought told Mr. Rathbone that he was saddened he felt that way. "For all of us, sir," he explained, "Sherlock Holmes represented the best of what it meant to be British. Having your films to see during the war kept all of us going." Humbled to have heard how important a role he considered inconsequential (and even professionally damaging) was to the British populace, Basil Rathbone never again complained about his identification with Sherlock Holmes and went on to perform various radio versions with Nigel Bruce over the next decade.

The chemistry we see on screen between Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce was very real, they were close friends in real life.

Its eye opening to watch a murder mystery that doesn't have gratuitous violence, sex scenes, swearing or drugs yet it still a great movie and is a true mystery. A great mystery, without the unnessary theatrics. This film can be seen by any age, as it was with me as I started watching as a kid with my Dad on WGN in Chicago. This started my decades love of mysteries.

Those spooky, foggy, moor scenes that Universal was famous for, once again puts a great atmosphere into this movie of Sherlock Holmes.

The best Sherlock actor, my dads in his 80s and he and I still sit and watch Basil Rathbone together good times thanks Basil.

Basil Rathbone was not only a consummate actor but was also a war hero. He won the MC for bravery during the Great War. This makes his bravery and acting prowess equally compelling.

I just love the old black and white versions of Sherlock Holmes. Misty moors, village inns, creepy mansions.

They just had to work in a quote by Churchill at the end because WWII was still going on. The look of sadness on Rathbone's face when they find out Marie is dead is exquisite. It really humanizes Holmes. He's generally seen as a very cold, detached, analytical character, but that moment of sorrow as he blames himself for not preventing the death of an innocent girl brings home that he really has a compassionate soul, and does what he does to save lives. A truly masterful bit of acting.

There will never be a better Basil Rathbone than Sherlock Holmes.

Nothing compares to these two, I never tire of watching Basil and Nigel, in my eyes the best pairing to have played Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson

What I love is that a great story can be done in less than 1.5 hours. No boring crap! Keep the story moving. No 10-minute car chase scenes and other wastes of film and time.

Basil Rathbone was The Greatest Sherlock Holmes ever! My favorite Actor too.

I agree basil rathbone and nigel Bruce are by far the best pairing for sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The movies are great too, very atmospheric

love Rathbone, he is my favourite Holmes at all times.

I remember listening to Sherlock Holmes mysteries when I was just a kid. There was also “The Shadow” and “Dick Tracy” along with a host of others when listening to the radio was common. Every time I read a Sherlock Holmes book I always envisioned Basil Rathbone as Sherlock and Nigel as Watson. It was usually better than watching. At 82 I still listen to the radio broadcasts when going to sleep.

When movies relied on acting and suspense. Nothing modern compares to the excellence of this golden age.

There will never be a better Sherlock Holmes than Basil Rathbone. 🙌

I have ignored these movies for most of the 47 years ive been here but have acquired a great appreciation for them basil rathbone and nigel bruce are top of the line

Basil Rathbone is mostly remembered as SH, but there were other genres in which he was superb. Playing opposite of Errol Flynn in Robin Hood and Captain Blood solidified his acting prowess. Someone interviewed Errol Flynn about his fencing technique. He graciously admitted that Basil would cut him into ribbons if it were a real contest as Basil was an expert in fencing. I throughly enjoyed all of those movies and the Holmes character.

Great memories of Friday nights in Glasgow in 1977. The BBC showed Sherlock Holmes movies every Friday at 7:30 for about three months. I watched them on our old black and white telly.

The sets camera angles lighting music ..utterly professional..atmospheric..and sheer class...never to be seen again.

Rathbone and Bruce owned the characters of Holmes and Watson. These two were the absolute best. All others paled in comparison. God rest their souls.

Anybody else who just loved 'The House of Fear' ?

Basil Rathbone is my all-time favorite portrayer of Holmes. And of course, Nigel Bruce is a wonderful Watson. My favorite of the movies is Pursuit to Algiers, followed by Terror by Night, with Hound of the Baskervilles in a close third. I have seen other portrayals of Holmes but they never seem to do the character justice the way that Basil Rathbone does. The fact that he's remarkably close to what I pictured when I first read the Holmes stories only solidifies that thought.

The gorgeous Gothic atmosphere and pristine quality of the print. Very Universal horror!

Fantastic old suspense thriller. If only they could make them like this now a days.

boy do i love love Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes...ive seen each one at least 15 times each and will continue to do so-- God willing...Im so grateful they made these and other wonderful b/w movies back then......instead of the garbage now....

For me, nobody has done Holmes and watson anywhere near as well as Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Thanks for uploading this absolute classic. The quality is astonishing too.

Mr. Basil Rathbone was my absolute favorite Sherlock Holmes.

The quality of the film and sound that Feature Film presents are always impeccable

The best Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson ever!

Vintage Hollywood Real Movie Stars who Could Act

Basil Rathnbone is the quintessential Sherlock Holmes epitomizing all the main features defining A.C.D Sherlock Holmes , his build ,stature, style ,motions, wayt of deductive reasoning , phlegmatic reactions, social attitude, obssessive attachment to detail scrutiny , scepticism towards the obvious and/or emotion-driven patterns of cases-treatment. Even his looks are those sketched by Doyle himself in his books drawings. The greatest Holmes of all time.

Perhaps the very best of this series, an absolute classic of horror, suspense, and mystery! Add to this the great team of Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, and you can't go wrong! Elementary!

Without doubt the best Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes film.

Whenever I watch these classics I'm always reminded just how much I wanted to live in such a fine property like the mansion here. Sweeping staircase, intricate moldings and cornices, wood paneling and huge fire places. Ideally located somewhere rural and with a housekeeper whose facial expression could curdle milk, lol. Oh, and not forgetting the obligatory pair of Irish Wolfhounds. But of course, life would have to be lived in black & white, haha.

This is one of the best in the series of films, Basil Rathbone was pure class.

The Sherlock Holmes movies of this era were well produced. I love that they were filmed in black and white, it adds to the sinister locations and characters.

Rathbone set the standard for all Sherlocks to follow.

I always loved Mr Rathbone's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes he was the greatest

Rathbone and Bruce are perfect in these films. Rathbone is the best Holmes ever.

Frightened the wits out of me when I watched this my with dear old Dad back in 1967.

God Bless Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.

Basil Rathbone was an amazing actor and man. I enjoyed everything he did and he represented what a man should aspire to be.R.I.P.

Growing up Sherlock Holmes was something we could all agree with watching, Saturday showing up on the TV was a treat !

When I was young, I am 67 now, I loved Sherlock Holmes so much....

Nigel Bruce was a terrific actor. In real life he was nothing like the buffoon that THEY had him portray in Sherlock Holmes. He should have been nominated and received Oscars for best supporting actor several times. If Basil Rathbone had been a true frond of Nigel he should have had them rewrite several scripts to highlight Dr. Watson in a positive light.

I'm aware of Mr. Rathbone's various roles and enjoyed them tremendously. His role of Sherlock Holmes was as if he became Sherlock Holmes. It's a rare experience.

This is, I think, my favorite Basil and Nigel presentation of the sleuthing duo. It always cracks me up how Watson can mumble on and on as they go about their business! He always plays the foil but when necessary, he gets very serious and professional and goes into doctor mode, which of course his real expertise. The dialog in these versions of Holmes and Watson is always superb and the accompanying soundtrack adds so much atmosphere!

By merely looking and listening to Rathbone you get the feeling that you stare at and listen to Doyle's Holmes ; no other actor can boast of having achieved that when they played Holmes

The best Holmes ever, watched these when I was young.

Jeremy Brett and Basil Rathbone both wonderful actors who really lifted Holmes from the pages of Conan Doyle’s stories and brought him to life. When I read the stories- and I thoroughly recommend them- I always picture Messers Brett and Rathbone.

This movie was to close how I was imagine how Sherlock was, when I read Conan Doyle........ Thanks

Watson is true friend and companion! "I've a right to share your dangers." Everyone should have one such loyal friend!

Used to watch this as a kid at my grans on the weekends. ..this episode scared me to bits ....ahhhhh simpler times

I remember watching these Basil Rathbone films in the 1970's as a very young child and was hooked then - atmosphere, acting, and chemistry between BR and NB makes the whole thing just work

The scene where Dr. Watson reads that jerky innkeeper the riot act for striking his daughter is my favorite moment. I know people don't like this version of Watson and I understand why, but I do love this compassionate Watson.

Another awesome movie! Going down the list watching. I read about Basil Rathbone being indignant about his negative feelings of being typecast as Sherlock. It's quite a serious compliment that he embodied the character so remarkably well that we felt he was Sherlock Holmes! He became famous. Millions of fans have watched the movies along with new generations too. I would say that's a pretty awesome career and legacy.

I use to watch these as a kid back in there 60's. They came on every Sunday. I still enjoy them now.

They don't make 'em like that anymore.....Classic vintage from simpler more noble times........ .

Black and white is much better than color for these movies

I saw this as a child. It terrified the life out of me! Got it on DVD now, my favourite of the Basil Rathbone series 😁

I love Watson getting mad for the man hitting a child. For me it’s the worst thing a person could do. I teared up a bit. Love Watson.

This is my favorite Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce Sherlock movie. A stellar performance by the entire cast.

I grew up watching this shows. Brings childhood memories ! Thanks !

Sherlock Holmes you can't get any better than that! The movies in the Golden Age were the best. They were the best written, they had the best screens, actors, backgrounds, sets, and mystery... You didn't have the sex, drugs, rock and roll, abuse, nudity, vulgarity, gruesomeness, you had plain and simple intensity Whodunnit which is the best kind of movie that leaves you at the edge of your seat trying to figure out what's going on until the very end

This movie scared me as a child..still does! That scene with the housekeeper is terrifying!

though i am not a nostalgic person but this masterwork reminds me of the old Britain in its most glorious and prosperous era

This classic tale is excellent! The banter between Holmes & Watson is outstanding, Holmes playing on Watson's buffoonery more than once. Cracked me up a few times, excellent entertainment value for my money, thank you! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Sherlock Holmes was one of the best mysteries that makes your brain works non stop in the art of crime and murder I watched every week was one of my favors he was brilliant

This is The Sherlock Holmes I grew up on n Still Love to watch!!!

Great story!The only Holmes and Watson that hits home!!!Love these classics!!!!!

Nigel Bruce .....aka....Dr Watson...died at 58 years old, in USA. Basil Rathbone who also emigrated to USA, both men were lifelong friends; he was devastated when his friend Nigel died.....just couldn't get over it..

My mother introduced me to Sherlock Holmes many years ago. And the only "real" Holmes and Watson were Rathbone and Bruce. I agree completely.

How they did it? 1944, phosphorus suit and all, no cgi. Awesome. Love the Basil! ✨💖✨

Thanks for posting all these - I'm in awe of how much they seem thoroughly fleshed out characters, all the cast in only slightly over one hour when the 'feel' is like a full two hour film. I never tire of Old Married Couple Nigel and Basil's little spats! :D

Thank you thank you so much for these wonderful movies. Basil is by far the most accomplished Sherlock ever. Again thank you

There will never be a better Basil Rathbone than Sherlock Holmes. 🙌

The legendary Basil Rathbone was such a great actor my favorite role of his however was as the treacherous Sir Guy of Gisbourne in the 1938 Adventures of Robin Hood. Errol Flynn, Claude Raines, Olivia De Havilland . Magnificent cast, legendary Movie.

Jeremy Brett played a remarkable Holmes as well. Both had their own take and both deserve respect.

What caught my eye was the butler. He also played the Antiquities Dealer in the Pearl of Death. It's always amazing to see classic actors in so many roles I remember, and Ian Wolfe was one I kinda grew up watching in various films and tv show. Probably best remembered for being in a couple of original Star Trek episodes.

The best Sherlock Holmes ever

Nobody could even come close to doing Holmes like him I love these old movies such a pity they didn't make more of them

Oh my gosh, imagine it's 2021, pandemic still going on, me searching you tube for some thing new to watch....and by golly, I come across Shelock Holmes, the best detective ever....and I am like a kid in a candy store for adults....Yes.....Hercules, Hercules.....

I'm drawn to these older movies. The insanity we are experiencing in our world and the mediocrity of most Hollywood productions can be disheartening.

Superb!. Without a shadow of a doubt the best of the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films.

I really love these Rathbone and Bruce movies. Watching them all the time. Thanks so much for posting

What an awesome movie.. I love watching old movies.. It's like time travelling...!

Superb acting, dramatic cinematography, and engaging plot, though I hate to resort to cliche', they don't make 'em like this anymore.

I have read all of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes . These movies bring those stories to life .

One of Holmes Best! With Basil and Nigel in the 1940s.

One of my favorite Sherlock Holmes Rathbone/Bruce episodes. As usual, great script, acting, and atmosphere. A particularly hilarious scene was Watson walking into the bar and drawing so much attention from nearly everyone, while in the scene before Holmes had asked him to be inconspicuous.

The cinematography in these old movies was incredible, so well done

There’s nobody EVER EVER EVER who could play the GREAT BASIL RATHBONE, or NIGEL BRUCE that could play HOLMES & WATSON, SIMPLY NO WAY!!!! BRILLIANT. 🔎👊🏾

This is definitely my favourite of the Rathbone/Bruce series. Very atmospheric.

I've always been impressed by Nora the housekeepers scene when Holmes unties her. Its only a brief scene but she gives it everything. Doesn't appear she had a startling career but in that scene it always reminds me of that bit in Get Shorty where Chilli turns to Karen and says 'Joan Crawford on her best day, wishes that she had had, in her day the emotion the intensity you had in that scene' when Karen mentions her role in a dumb horror flick. Victoria Horne was some actress.

Love these old classics

I love Sherlock Holmes New & Old. Must be my British Heritage.

Yes, Basil Rathbone is the only Sherlock Holmes.

I think for me this is one of the best Sherlock Holmes movies. Kept me guessing with a few turns.