Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

The 1939 movie Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles represents the beginning of one of the most cherished and memorable cinematic adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work featuring the iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes, played by Basil Rathbone. Rathbone’s razor-sharp wit, dashing charm, and nuanced performance made him a timeless embodiment of the classic detective. He was ably supported by Nigel Bruce, who portrayed Holmes's loyal yet bumbling friend, Dr. John Watson. Richard Greene rounds out the principal cast, delivering a powerful performance as the charming Sir Henry Baskerville.

This film represents the first installment of the popular 14-part series that Rathbone and Bruce would go on to star in, thereby setting the tone for their illustrious cinematic partnership. The story revolves around the mysterious curse of the Baskerville estate, a spellbinding narrative featuring an unfathomable death, a lineage fraught with danger, and a demonic hound that has instilled fear for generations.

As the plot unfolds, Richard Greene’s character Sir Henry Baskerville, the distant heir to the Baskerville estate, is brought into focus. The Baskervilles have been haunted by a curse spanning many centuries that holds an enormous hound responsible for the death of its lords. Fearing for Sir Henry's safety, a close friend approaches the brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes, to investigate the myriads of unsolved mysteries surrounding the Baskerville family.

Despite initial reservations due to his involvement in another complex investigation, Holmes agrees to provide his indispensable insights into the case. Initially, he sends faithful Watson to accompany Sir Henry while taking in other aspects of the weird occurrence from afar. The backdrop is also hauntingly captured, with the Baskerville mansion illustrating both majestic opulence and eerie desolation, ensconced within the heart of the desolate moorlands.

Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes brings a rich tapestry of intellect and nuances to the detective's persona. His incisive deductions, sly humor, and palpable bravado make him a captivating presence on screen. The chemistry he shares with Nigel Bruce’s Dr. Watson is one of the film’s highlights. Bruce's portrayal deviates from the typical stoic literary portrayals of Watson, providing comic relief and a contrasting personality to Rathbone's Sherlock.

Richard Greene's performance as the brave yet vulnerable Sir Henry Baskerville is commendable. He beautifully conveys the fear and dread associated with the family curse while depicting a sense of defiant resilience. Wendy Barrie delivers a memorable performance as the ethereal Beryl Stapleton, the film’s heroine who adds to the complexity of the plot.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, despite its sometimes frightening elements, never deters from its central theme. It maintains its ‘detective mystery’ aura while occasionally foraying into the realm of horror. The ethereal hound, though unseen for most of the film, creates a chilling presence that leaves the characters as well as the viewers on edge - a suspense that remains right till the climatic moments of the movie.

The film is expertly directed by Sidney Lanfield, who uses the gothic aesthetic to its fullest advantage. The fog-soaked, bleak moors, the isolated Baskerville estate, and the unnerving sighs of the unseen hound all contribute to the film's intensely ominous atmosphere. Paired with solid performances by the cast, Lanfield’s creative direction makes this adaptation of Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles both engaging and entertaining.

In conclusion, the 1939 film Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles is not just a riveting tale of a mystery that blends deductive reasoning with a dash of horror. It is also an illustration of Rathbone’s charisma as Sherlock Holmes and the chemistry he shares with Nigel Bruce. The way the suspense builds up and manages to hold the viewer’s interest till the very end is a testament to Lanfield’s direction and the overall execution of the film. This cinematic adaptation of one of Doyle's most celebrated works is indeed a thrill ride for fans of the legendary detective, and casts a long and captivating Holmesian shadow.