The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother

The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother is a sidesplitting comedic spoof of the canonical tales of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. A 1975 British-American musical comedy film, it is set in the foggy, gaslight world of Victorian London and authored by multiple Academy Award nominee Gene Wilder, who not only starred in the film but also served as its skilled writer and director, marking his directorial debut.

The central character of the film is Sigerson Holmes, delightfully portrayed by Wilder himself, a character invented by Wilder and not part of the original Sherlock lore. The narrative propels Sigerson to the forefront, wonderfully promising the audience the brother of the world-renowned deductive sleuth Sherlock Holmes, but with a humorous plot-twist - Sigerson is apparently even smarter than Sherlock. Amidst his saga of comedic brilliance, there are underpinnings of sibling rivalry with Sherlock, mirrored in the need to challenge his brother's unsurpassed deduction skills and reputation.

The legendary Madeline Kahn stars as Jenny Hill, the seductive singer and femme fatale, proving that she can be both comical and appealing. Her performance adds not just a dash of romance and intrigue to the narrative but also incorporates musical elements which significantly add to the comedy. Marty Feldman as the quirky police sergeant Orville Sacker, who supports Sigerson in his investigations is another comic delight.

The delightful duo of Wilder and Feldman, following their successful collaboration on Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein, weave their comedic genius to create a spoofy, slapstick universe set in an era of top hats, carriage rides, and elegant dresses. The melodic soundtrack and elements of musical theatre enhance the overall whimsical tone of the movie, providing an operatic aura amidst the humorous chaos.

The film commences with a secret document theft causing a diplomatic crisis, leading Sherlock Holmes (portrayed by the dapper Douglas Wilmer) and Dr. Watson (Thorley Walters) to work under cover. To throw off their adversaries, Sherlock sends the lesser-known brother Sigerson Holmes into play, becoming a complicated triangle of hefty egos, romance, and eccentric humor.

As the plot thickens, Jenny Hill becomes intertwined in the comical investigative journey of Holmes and Sacker. Sigerson, with his eccentrically humorous style and egotistical bravura, struggles through wild chases, cryptic clues, unexpected plot twists, and musical hilarities. His desperate attempts to outdo his famous brother provide the audience with continuous rib-tickling moments.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the production design does an impressive job in crafting the historical era's tangible authenticity. Aided by carefully choreographed comedic stunts and a wit-infused script, Wilder effortlessly blends the classic detective tale with campy humor. Viewers will find the unexpected flash of swashbuckling swordplay and operetta-style singing complementing the narrative's comedic undertones.

Moreover, the comedic timing between all the cast members deserves a special mention, particularly between Wilder and Feldman. Their onscreen camaraderie exudes a sense of familiarity and comfort that enlightens every scene they act in together.

Madeline Kahn, a regular in Wilder's comedies, brings a peculiar sense of streaky independence and cleverness to her character, Jenny Hill. She is charmingly annoying and funny. Her scenes are brightened by her sparkling performance and singing, blending sweet innocence with sly comedic moments.

The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother fails not to deliver a concoction of mystery, comedy, and musical delight, set in the heart of Victorian London. While it satirically plays with the traditional theme of Sherlock's narrative, it is not just a simple parody of detective stories. Wilder’s first directorial venture is a film which revels in its period features, comic dialogue, and a commendable performance by the cast.

This film stands out as a memorable and ludic entry into the category of detective comedy in film history. It is a cinematic treat for fans of flamboyant comedy and captivatingly humorous take on a classic beloved narrative. It promises to take viewers on a fun-filled memorable adventure, as the title rightly suggests, in the company of Sherlock Holmes' allegedly smarter brother.