The Hound of the Baskervilles Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A spooky dog really wants a family fortune, and Sherlock Holmes has to figure out if the dog is supernatural or just a really dedicated canine criminal.

🍿 The Hound of the Baskervilles: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Legend of the Hound

The film opens with a recounting of the legend of Sir Hugo Baskerville, a cruel nobleman who was killed by a monstrous hound after attempting to kidnap a servant girl. This tale establishes a curse on the Baskerville family, setting the stage for the mysterious events to come. This prologue introduces the terrifying myth that will haunt the Baskerville family and drives the plot.

The Death of Sir Charles and Arrival of Sir Henry

Dr. Mortimer seeks Sherlock Holmes’ help after the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville. He fears for the safety of Sir Henry, the new heir, due to the local legend of a murderous hound. Holmes, though skeptical of the supernatural, agrees to investigate. The arrival of Sir Henry from South Africa further heightens the tension and the perceived danger.

Watson’s Investigation on Dartmoor

Holmes sends Dr. Watson to Dartmoor to protect Sir Henry and gather information. Watson encounters strange events, including an escaped convict and the mysterious Stapleton and his daughter, Cecile. Watson also falls into the Grimpen Mire. These events emphasize the eerie atmosphere and lurking dangers of the moors.

Holmes’s Secret Investigation

Unbeknownst to Watson, Holmes is also secretly on Dartmoor, gathering his own evidence. He uses Selden, the escaped convict, as a source of information. They discover a series of clues, and eventually, the death of Selden himself, dressed in Sir Henry’s clothes. Holmes’s secretive approach reveals his strategic mind and determination to solve the mystery.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing): The brilliant and observant detective hired to solve the mystery of the Baskerville curse.
• Doctor Watson (André Morell): Holmes’s loyal and capable companion who assists in the investigation.
• Sir Henry (Christopher Lee): The heir to the Baskerville estate, whose life is threatened by the family curse.
• Stapleton (Ewen Solon): The seemingly helpful neighbor who is secretly the antagonist attempting to claim the Baskerville fortune.
• Cecile (Marla Landi): Stapleton’s daughter (or sister in some versions) who aids in his sinister plot.
• Doctor Mortimer (Francis De Wolff): The family doctor who seeks Holmes’ help in protecting Sir Henry.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes: “This, I think, is a two-pipe problem.” – Holmes says this when considering the complexities of the Baskerville case, implying it requires deep thought.
• Narrator: “Therefore, take heed and beware the moor in those dark hours when evil is exalted else you will surely meet the hound of Hell, the hound of the Baskervilles.” – A warning from the beginning of the film, setting the stage for the legend and the danger to come.
• Sherlock Holmes: “The missing boot put me on the scent.” – Holmes uses this pun as the key piece of evidence to solve the mystery in the end.
• Sir Hugo Baskerville: “The hounds: Let loose the pack!” – Said before he unleashes his dogs on the escaping maid, leading to the family’s curse.
• Sherlock Holmes: “I must impress upon you that I believe your life to be in considerable danger.” – Holmes warns Sir Henry of the peril he faces upon inheriting Baskerville Hall.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £100,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Hound of the Baskervilles Reviews

Personal Review

I found this version of The Hound of the Baskervilles to be a thrilling and suspenseful watch! The foggy moors created such a creepy atmosphere that really had me on edge. Cushing’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes was brilliant. He perfectly captured the character’s sharp intellect and eccentric personality. Lee’s performance as Sir Henry was amazing. The scene where he’s attacked by the tarantula in his room kept me holding my breath. Morell was able to create a likeable and astute Watson, stepping away from the buffoon interpretations that I’m so used to. The way the mystery unfolded kept me guessing until the very end. The suspenseful build-up and the reveal of the true villain was masterfully done. I was completely engrossed in the story and found myself jumping at every howl of the hound. I highly recommend this version to anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of horror. It’s a classic that holds up incredibly well!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sherlock Holmes mysteries”
  • “Admirers of Hammer Horror films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy suspenseful, gothic thrillers”
  • “Those interested in classic British cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Eerie and suspenseful atmosphere”
  • “Themes of death and curses”
  • “Brief tarantula scene”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “Terence Fisher’s direction is outstanding, investing the proceedings with a genuine sense of evil and menace. Peter Cushing is exemplary as Holmes, portraying the character as incredibly intelligent, resourceful and at the same time very arrogant when he needs to be.
• IMDB: “Hammer’s trademark eerie Gothic atmosphere with foggy grounds, dark forests etc. fits the ‘Baskervilles’ story like a glove. Peter Cushing is the perfect choice to play Sherlock Holmes. André Morell is great as Dr. Watson and Christopher Lee is, as always, magnificent in his role.

Audience Reactions

Peter Cushing nails the role of Sherlock Holmes, bringing an unmatched sharpness and intensity to the character.: The chemistry between Cushing and Morell as Holmes and Watson is a highlight, adding depth to the story.

The eerie atmosphere and suspenseful build-up make it a thrilling watch.: Many praise Hammer’s classic Gothic style and the effective use of the Dartmoor landscape.

Overall Consensus: A well-regarded adaptation that balances mystery and suspense, elevated by strong performances and classic Hammer horror atmosphere.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Hammer Films originally intended this to be the first in a series of Sherlock Holmes films starring Peter Cushing, but the series was abandoned after the film’s lukewarm reception.”
• “This was the first Sherlock Holmes film to be shot in color.”
• “The film takes liberties with the original story, adding horror elements typical of Hammer Films.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Hound of the Baskervilles?

Currently, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1959) is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary based on your region. Check your preferred digital stores for streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Hound of the Baskervilles, you might like these similar films:

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939): A classic Sherlock Holmes adaptation of the same story, starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes.
• Murder by Decree (1979): Sherlock Holmes investigates the Jack the Ripper murders, mixing mystery with a darker, suspenseful atmosphere.
• The Curse of Frankenstein (1957): Another Hammer Horror film starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, offering similar Gothic horror elements.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a quirky detective investigating a mysterious death in a wealthy family’s estate.
• And Then There Were None (1945): A group of strangers are lured to an isolated island and killed off one by one, creating a suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere.

🛒 The Hound of the Baskervilles Related Products

• Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection: Explore the world of Sherlock Holmes with this expansive digital collection, featuring a variety of e-books and audiobooks that cover the most iconic stories and adventures of the legendary detective.
• Sherlock Holmes Deerstalker Hat: An essential accessory for any Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, this classic hat is a must-have item. Made of high-quality tweed, it perfectly captures the look and feel of the original detective.
• Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases Board Game: Immerse yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes with this board game. Perfect for mystery lovers, it challenges players to solve complex cases using deduction and critical thinking.
• Hammer Horror: The Untold Story: Delve into the history of Hammer Films with this documentary, uncovering the secrets and stories behind the studio’s most iconic horror films.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Hound of the Baskervilles features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Hound of the Baskervilles: Main Title” – performed by James Bernard
• “The Legend Of Hugo Baskerville” – performed by James Bernard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Who IS Sherlock Holmes – Neil McCaw

Ever wondered what makes Sherlock Holmes so iconic? This TED-Ed video dives into the evolution of the character, and it’s super interesting to see how different he is from the original stories. A must-watch for any Sherlock fan!

The Hound of the Baskervilles – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – So You Haven’t Read

Planning to watch the movie? First, check out this video that summarizes and analyzes the original book. It’s a great way to understand the story’s deeper meaning, and honestly, it’s more engaging than I expected!

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore in The Hound of The Baskervilles(1)

Need a good laugh? This classic comedy sketch by Peter Cook and Dudley Moore takes a hilarious spin on ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. Prepare for some seriously silly Sherlock antics, I couldn’t stop laughing!

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