The Hound of the Baskervilles Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich dude inherits a spooky mansion and a possibly supernatural dog wants him dead, so Sherlock Holmes smokes a pipe and says it’s elementary while his goofy friend blunders around.

🍿 The Hound of the Baskervilles: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Legend Unfolds

The film opens with the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a spectral beast said to haunt the Baskerville family. Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead, seemingly from fright, sparking concern for the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville. Dr. Mortimer seeks the assistance of Sherlock Holmes to protect Sir Henry from the supposed curse.

Arrival and Investigation

Sir Henry arrives in England, and strange incidents begin to occur, including the theft of his boot. Holmes sends Dr. Watson to Baskerville Hall to protect Sir Henry and investigate. Watson encounters the Stapletons, a mysterious brother and sister, and witnesses odd occurrences on the desolate moors. He reports back to Holmes regularly, detailing his observations and growing unease.

Holmes Reveals Himself

Holmes, who has been secretly observing the events in disguise, reveals himself to Watson. They discover that the escaped convict has been killed by a hound wearing Sir Henry’s clothing. Holmes suspects foul play and a plot to murder Sir Henry. He deduces that the missing boot is key to the killer’s plan.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone): The brilliant and observant detective hired to solve the mystery of the Baskerville curse.
• Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce): Holmes’s loyal friend and assistant, sent to Baskerville Hall to observe and report on the situation.
• Sir Henry Baskerville (Richard Greene): The young heir to the Baskerville estate, threatened by the legendary hound.
• John Stapleton (Morton Lowry): The seemingly affable naturalist who is secretly the main antagonist seeking to claim the Baskerville estate.
• Beryl Stapleton (Wendy Barrie): John Stapleton’s ‘sister,’ who has a complex relationship with him and becomes romantically involved with Sir Henry.
• James Mortimer M.D. (Lionel Atwill): The family friend and doctor who seeks Holmes’s help in protecting Sir Henry from the Baskerville curse.
• Barryman (John Carradine): The Baskerville’s mysterious butler who is hiding secrets of his own.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes: “Elementary, my dear Watson.” – Though not actually said in this specific movie, it’s the most iconic phrase associated with Holmes and embodies his approach to deduction.
• Sherlock Holmes: “Oh, Watson, the needle.” – A controversial closing line alluding to Holmes’s drug use (cocaine injection), hinting at his complex character.
• Sherlock Holmes: “Interesting, very interesting.” – Holmes’s standard reaction when presented with clues, indicating his keen interest and active mind.
• Cabby: “Well, that’s the name what he give me, sir. Sherlock Holmes!” – A funny moment where the cabby reveals the person tailing Sir Henry also claimed to be Sherlock Holmes.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Hound of the Baskervilles Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! Basil Rathbone IS Sherlock Holmes. The creepy atmosphere of the moors really drew me in, and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I was especially thrilled by the scene where Holmes reveals himself after being disguised – that really showcased his genius. Even though it’s an old movie, it still holds up incredibly well and kept me on the edge of my seat.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sherlock Holmes”
  • “Lovers of classic mysteries”
  • “Viewers interested in gothic horror and suspense”
  • “Those who enjoy black and white films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Suspenseful themes”
  • “Thematic elements related to death”
  • “Occult themes (séance scene)”

Professional Reviews

• Classic Movie Review: “A chilling and atmospheric adaptation, capturing the essence of Doyle’s novel. Rathbone embodies Holmes perfectly, though Bruce’s Watson leans towards comedic relief. The foggy moors and eerie Baskerville Hall create a palpable sense of dread, making it a must-see for mystery fans.
• Detective Film Critic: “This 1939 version of ‘Hound’ is a triumph of suspense and classic storytelling. The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, particularly Rathbone’s sharp and calculating Holmes. While liberties are taken with the source material, the film maintains the core mystery and offers a genuinely thrilling experience.
• Horror Films Journal: “While more mystery than outright horror, ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ delivers a creepy atmosphere and a menacing canine presence. The black and white cinematography enhances the gothic feel, and the performances are solid. A worthwhile watch for fans of classic suspense.

Audience Reactions

Basil Rathbone’s definitive portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is a highlight.: The creepy atmosphere of the moors and the suspenseful mystery are universally praised by viewers.

The black and white cinematography adds to the gothic feel of the film.: Many appreciate the classic storytelling and strong performances from the entire cast.

Overall Consensus: A classic and atmospheric adaptation of Conan Doyle’s novel, praised for Basil Rathbone’s performance and its suspenseful mystery.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the first film to feature Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, a role that would define his career.”
• “The film is one of the few in the Rathbone/Bruce series to be set in the Victorian era, true to the original stories.”
• “To avoid confusion with the famous Barrymore acting family, the character of the butler Barrymore was renamed Barryman.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Hound of the Baskervilles?

As a classic film, ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1939) is widely available for viewing. You can often find it on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video or available for purchase on Apple TV. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules on classic movie channels.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939): Also starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, this is another Holmes adventure from the same year with similar production quality.
• The Woman in Green (1945): Part of the Rathbone/Bruce series, this delves into darker psychological territory, similar to the suspenseful atmosphere of ‘Hound’.
• Murder by Decree (1979): Sherlock Holmes investigates Jack the Ripper, blending mystery with historical horror, akin to the gothic elements in ‘Hound’.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with eccentric characters, intricate plot twists, and a focus on deduction, appealing to mystery fans.
• Clue (1985): A comedic murder mystery based on the board game, offering a lighthearted but engaging ‘who-done-it’ experience.

🛒 The Hound of the Baskervilles Related Products

• Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection: A complete digital collection of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, perfect for reading on your Kindle or tablet. Experience the full mystery of the Baskerville case in its original form.
• LEGO Ideas: 221B Baker Street Sherlock Holmes Set: Build your own miniature version of Sherlock Holmes’s iconic Baker Street residence with this highly detailed LEGO set. A perfect display piece for any Holmes enthusiast.
• Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective – The Thames Murders & Other Cases: A cooperative board game where players take on the role of Sherlock Holmes and his associates, solving mysteries in Victorian London. Use your deduction skills to solve the cases before Holmes does!
• Hound of the Baskervilles – Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or study.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by David Buttolph & Cyril Mockridge
• “The Legend of the Hound” – performed by David Buttolph & Cyril Mockridge
• “The Chase on the Moors” – performed by David Buttolph & Cyril Mockridge

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Who IS Sherlock Holmes – Neil McCaw

Ever wondered about the true essence of Sherlock Holmes? This TED-Ed video breaks down the evolution of the iconic detective. I found it fascinating how much the character has changed over time!

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

Never read ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’? No problem! This video gives you a complete rundown of the story’s plot and themes. Honestly, it made me want to read the book all over again.

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

Need a laugh? Check out this hilarious sketch from Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s comedic take on ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. I personally think their rendition is comedy gold!

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