Sherlock Holmes: The Hound Of The Baskervilles
The Baskerville family is cursed. Is a demonic force responsible?
In the 1600's, Sir Hugo Baskerville murdered a peasant girl who refused his advances. Shortly thereafter. Sir Hugo was found dead on the moor, viciously murdered by a terrifying hound from hell. Since that fateful night, every Baskerville heir has suffered the same grisly fate, with the most recent victim being Sir Charles Baskerville.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are engaged to see that the same thing does not happen to latest Baskerville, Sir Henry. Thrown into a case full of local superstition, Holmes steers his way through a maze of ancient lore and innocent blood. Can Holmes protect Sir Henry and in the process break the howling curse that is The Hound of the Baskervilles?
Member Reviews
The Hound: "Luminous, ghastly, and spectral" - rdees
Originally broadcast in 1988, The Hound of the Baskervilles was the second feature-length episode in Granada’s wonderful television series of Sherlock Holmes adventures. Based on the novel of the same name by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this is certainly one of my favourites in the series. The adaptation is remarkably faithful to its source material; it’s a dark, compelling mystery that loses none of its allure in being transferred to the scene. This is owing to many factors: firstly to the perfectly focused and evenly paced script by John Hawkesworth and Trevor Bowen; secondly to the spirit and talent of the cast, led here as ever by the inestimably inspired pairing of Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke as Holmes and Watson; and thirdly to the assured and accomplished direction by Brian Mills. The premise is outlined in the synopsis above, so I won’t go into detail about the story, except to say that it’s a fabulous mystery with elements of the Gothic, of science and the supernatural, of secrecy and romance, all of which are entwined to make one most excellent adventure. The film establishes the setting and atmosphere with astounding skill – the early scenes in Baskerville Hall are quietly alluring, and instantly one is there, enshrouded by the fog rolling in from the moor, ensconced in the mystery of the family estate and its galleries, suspicions alerted, eager to discover the next move, quietly haunted by the events and the shadows that surround them. Paired with its excellent cast, the film doesn't miss a beat. It’s an enjoyment that stays with you right to the end.
The DVD transfer here is merely decent, as are the other volumes in the series, with reasonably clear picture and sound. It offers no extras, but presents what is for me the very best screen adaptation of this novel I’ve ever encountered. Highly recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes, of mystery and suspense, and of highly enjoyable and accomplished film work for television.
Member Reviews
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The Hound: "Luminous, ghastly, and spectral" - rdees
Originally broadcast in 1988, The Hound of the Baskervilles was the second feature-length episode in Granada’s wonderful television series of Sherlock Holmes adventures. Based on the novel of the same name by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this is certainly one of ...