Saturday, June 18, 2022

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1988)

Sir Charles Baskerville has died at Baskerville Hall, leaving no heirs.  The property is transferred to the nearest relative, Sir Henry Baskerville, an American.  No sooner has he arrived than he receives threats to stay away from the estate.  He engages Holmes and Watson to determine who is threatening him.  Of particular note, there is a legend about a demonic hound that killed a Baskerville who had caused the death of a young maiden during the English Civil War.  So much nonsense as far as Holmes is concerned but large canine footprints were found near Sir Charles.  Had he been scared to death?

Holmes and Watson travel with Sir Henry to the gloomy moors of Devon.  After spending a night and meeting some of the locals, Holmes returns to London while leaving Watson in charge of security for Sir Henry.  Sir Henry balks at being sequestered in his hall with Watson but accepts it, for now.  It is well-known that an escaped murderer is hiding in the moors, that there are eerie howls at night, and there is talk of a massive hound prowling!  Danger abounds.  With Holmes absent for a large portion of the tale, it is left to Watson to send frequent correspondence regarding developments to Holmes and for Sir Henry to chafe at Watson's constant protection, which interferes with his desire to woo a local woman.

Brett is quite good as Holmes, as usual.  Hardwicke plays centerstage for an extended period, doing an excellent job of carrying the story.  This Watson is highly-competent, not merely a sounding board for Holmes, or worse, a comic sidekick.  Where most Holmes' adventures are mysteries, this one crosses into the horror genre at times.

Highly recommended.

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