Holmes and the Bomb Maker
Having been recruited by the British government, Sherlock Holmes returns from Switzerland having helped Dr. Franz Tobel to escape having had the GESTAPO after him. The reason why is because of a new bomb which Dr. Tobel has created and is willing to manufacture them for the allies. But when Dr. Tobel goes missing, Holmes with the help of Dr. Watson must try and solve a cryptic clue he left behind, one which brings Holmes up against his old nemesis, Professor Moriarty.
It is hard for me to believe but "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon" is the first movie I have watched which features Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, a role which he became synonymous with. And I can see why there are any who triumph Rathbone's performances as Holmes as he certainly gives the great detective a distinct personality and a sense of genius which makes him and this movie entertaining. In fairness Nigel Bruce deserves as much credit as Rathbone as his bumbling interpretation of Dr. Watson is just as important and enjoyable.
But whilst "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon" certainly delivers a mystery born from a storyline and we have strong performances and characters it didn't wow me like it has done others. I put that down to this being my first encounter with Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and maybe if I had seen the earlier movies I may have felt a stronger connection with the character and the way Rathbone plays him. Despite this there is nothing wrong with "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon" and director Roy William Neill certainly delivers plenty of atmosphere.
What this all boils down to is that "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon" is a solid Sherlock Holmes' movie which despite being over 70 years old is still entertaining. But it is a movie which I am sure will appeal to those who are already fans of Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes before they watch it.
