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The Woman in GreenRating:
Release Date: 27 January, 2004 Retail Price: $19.98 OUR Price: $17.98 You SAVE: $2.00! Cast: |
The Woman in Green Reviews
Scotland Yard calls in Holmes to solve a murder spree
While The Woman in Green is not based on any of the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, it does manage to place Sherlock Holmes in his element, trying to figure out the diabolical plot behind a series of gruesome murders. Scotland Yard, despite investigators' best efforts, is clueless, so Inspector Gregson sucks up his pride and seeks the help of the inhabitant of 221B Baker Street when a fourth young lady falls victim to the gruesome killer. Each of the victims has had her right forefinger removed, and there seems to be nothing else linking the victims. Holmes just so happened to see Sir George Fenwick in the company of a young lady when he first spoke with Gregson. When Fenwick becomes a related victim in the murder spree, Holmes' mental gears begin turning, and he soon comes to believe that none other than Professor Moriarty, his arch nemesis (who was supposedly hanged the previous year) is behind the murders. Blackmail and hypnotism lie at the heart of the plot, and Holmes is determined to bring Moriarty to justice - to succeed, he will have to parry the wiles of a femme fatale (who is certainly no Irene Adler, I must say).
While this story lacks the inner complexity and authentic aura of a Conan Doyle original, it is a satisfying, enjoyable adventure. Basil Rathbone carries the air of Holmes throughout the film, Hillary Brooke makes a formidable female challenger in the form of Lydia Marlowe, and Henry Daniell turns in an impressive performance as Professor Moriarty. I can't help but have mixed feelings about Nigel Bruce's performance as John Watson here. One hates to see Dr. Watson portrayed as such a bumbling old dodder, but at the same time one can't help but be entertained by his comical demeanor in this film. He is constantly mumbling underneath his breath, and his continued disparagement of the science of hypnosis earns him a moment of public embarrassment. The comical element culminates in a truly classic exchange with the great detective in the film's final moments.
The Sherlock Holmes films of the 1940s starring Basil Rathbone are essentially a Holmesian subgenre of their own. The Woman in Green's story doesn't have the bite of an actual Conan Doyle creation, but this is a pretty appealing substitute for the real thing. Likewise, it showcases Basil Rathbone's performance as the great detective - until the advent of Jeremy Brett, Rathbone was the face of Sherlock Holmes to many.
A Hypnotic Mystery!!
+++++
(Note that this review is for the DVD "The Woman in Green" that was released by "Delta Music" in 2004.)
This movie is not based on a story written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 to 1930) but is just based on the characters created by him.
In this movie, Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) with his sidekick Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) come to the rescue as Scotland Yard is stumped by the unusual crimes of a blackmailing murder ring. Holmes also encounters his arch nemesis Professor Moriarty (Henry Daniell) and a "women in green" (Hilary Brooke) who subdue their victims through hypnosis.
Rathbone captures the essence of the famous gumshoe in his performance. Bruce as his bumbling aid also gives a good performance. As well, Daniell as Holmes' archenemy and Brooke as the mysterious lady give convincing performances.
This movie is like a time capsule of 1940s London. As well, the background music adds to each scene.
The only problem I had with this movie was with the story. As indicated above, this movie is not based on a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story and it shows. I felt that the story was a bit
too unrealistic.
Finally, extras include two original Sherlock Holmes radio broadcasts. I found these interesting.
In conclusion, this is a fun movie that every Sherlock Holmes fan should own!!
(1945; 70 min; black and white; full screen)
+++++
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