A nice entry in the Rathbone Holmes film series (6/14), but the one I feel most weak in the plot department. Most of the film appears to be padding of one kind or another, and almost every scene could be analysed and shredded by an expert, leaving a 2-reeler. But as I like this I would only want it an hour longer than it is already!
Ignoring the minor non-sequiteurs and non-explicables, the whole chessboard Ritual unravelling sequence was a colossal waste of time - all Holmes had to do was read the message to realise where to go. Think of how excellent his method of finding the message was in the first place Watson!
Some nicely atmospheric photography, beautiful nitrate-based light and shade contrasts also help, along with the 3 well-delineated if almost OTT hospital in-patients providing unstable character support. Listen to Dr Bob's voice - it's like being transported to the cellar scenes in Robert Newton's Obsession! Well worth while watching.
Ignoring the minor non-sequiteurs and non-explicables, the whole chessboard Ritual unravelling sequence was a colossal waste of time - all Holmes had to do was read the message to realise where to go. Think of how excellent his method of finding the message was in the first place Watson!
Some nicely atmospheric photography, beautiful nitrate-based light and shade contrasts also help, along with the 3 well-delineated if almost OTT hospital in-patients providing unstable character support. Listen to Dr Bob's voice - it's like being transported to the cellar scenes in Robert Newton's Obsession! Well worth while watching.