Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are on the case assigned to guard a precious jewel(..on a necklace) on a train from London to Edinburgh, when a series of murders occur by those wanting to secure it for it's value is substantial. Of course, a variety of suspects emerge, particularly those who have cabins around the murder scene. The owner of the necklace is Lady Margaret Carstairs(Mary Forbes), and her son is killed while in her cabin by someone in possession of a special gun which injects a poison in the neck like a hypodermic would. Lots of mystery and intrigue as suspicious characters come and go until the major culprit(s)are uncovered. Holmes discovers that the mastermind behind stealing the jewel has a number of accomplices, such as the stunning Vivian Vedder(..the striking Renee Godfrey)who agrees to have a special coffin made presumably carrying a relative with a compartment the size to hold the body of a hidden thug. Scotland Yard detective Inspector Lestrade(Dennis Hoey)is on board also assigned to watch over the safety of Carstairs and her diamond, assisting Holmes as they pursue the ones responsible for the murders as the moving train heads on it's destination to Edinburgh. As the investigation ensues, threats to Holmes' and Lestrade's life, and murders to several train employees prove that someone will go to any means to get the diamond. Other suspects include the curmudgeon math teacher, Professor William Kilbane(Frederick Worlock)who has contempt for the investigators(..particularly Watson, in an amusing exchange of words)barging into his cabin, and Major Duncan-Bleek(Alan Mowdray), a gentleman club chum of Watson's who seems to have gained their trust, even discussing the case with them.
Being a big fan of mysteries and thrillers on board trains, it was especially fun watching a Holmes/Watson installment in such a setting. While the list of suspects is small, there's still some entertainment to be had and seeing Holmes snuff out the mastermind, interfering with the devious schemes of a well orchestrated plot is always a joy to behold. There's certainly one particularly crafty move made towards the end involving a Scottish detective Inspector MacDonald(Boyd Davis)and two policeman that is quite an eye-opener. But, as always, Holmes and Watson solve the case. This one exploits Watson's inefficiencies as an investigator in fine comic fashion..especially when an attempt to interrogate Professor Kilbane falls flat. Renee Godfrey is a mighty delectable dish as a sophisticated partner-in-crime, willing to offer a ride in her relative's coffin for some mongrel in exchange for 100 pounds, knowing who the mastermind is, but keeping mum..even Holmes has to gaze at her beauty. Rathbone and Nigel Bruce excel as you'd imagine, even if their characters are confined to the cable cars of a train(..thrilling scene shows Holmes almost kicked from the train, just hanging on with an inch of his life). The jewel sought after is the Star of Rhodesia.
Being a big fan of mysteries and thrillers on board trains, it was especially fun watching a Holmes/Watson installment in such a setting. While the list of suspects is small, there's still some entertainment to be had and seeing Holmes snuff out the mastermind, interfering with the devious schemes of a well orchestrated plot is always a joy to behold. There's certainly one particularly crafty move made towards the end involving a Scottish detective Inspector MacDonald(Boyd Davis)and two policeman that is quite an eye-opener. But, as always, Holmes and Watson solve the case. This one exploits Watson's inefficiencies as an investigator in fine comic fashion..especially when an attempt to interrogate Professor Kilbane falls flat. Renee Godfrey is a mighty delectable dish as a sophisticated partner-in-crime, willing to offer a ride in her relative's coffin for some mongrel in exchange for 100 pounds, knowing who the mastermind is, but keeping mum..even Holmes has to gaze at her beauty. Rathbone and Nigel Bruce excel as you'd imagine, even if their characters are confined to the cable cars of a train(..thrilling scene shows Holmes almost kicked from the train, just hanging on with an inch of his life). The jewel sought after is the Star of Rhodesia.