After ten films together, the chemistry between Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce translates into a convincing on-screen friendship as the iconic Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson; the genuine affection between the two partners in crime-solving is palpably evident in their eleventh outing, "The Woman in Green." Watson is evidently touched when Holmes openly admits he let a villain escape in order to save his dear friend's life. Despite his blustering, Watson provides valuable advice and support to Holmes in this film, and, despite his grumbling at being used, the good doctor is more than comic relief. In Betram Millhauser's original screenplay, a string of young women are murdered throughout London, and each victim has had a finger surgically removed. Holmes and Watson are brought in by Inspector Gregson of Scotland Yard to aid the investigation.
Producer-director Roy William Neill and his irreplaceable leading men have returned, and Neill has also brought back several other welcome figures from previous Holmes films in the Universal series. Veteran supporting players from other Holmes mysteries include Hilary Brooke, Henry Daniell, Paul Cavanaugh, Sally Shepherd, and Mary Gordon as the good, the bad, and the suspicious, in no particular order. Cinematographer Virgil Green, who lensed two prior Holmes films, provides crisp black and white images that especially flatter both Brooke and Rathbone, while his murky shadows that shroud London's back streets and the Victorian halls of 221B Baker Street add an aura of atmospheric mystery.
Unfortunately, despite the excellent cinematography, fine assured direction, and seasoned members of the Sherlock Holmes stock company, "The Woman in Green" is a notch down from the prior three efforts in the Universal films. The script utilizes a tired plot device that not only creaks, but also fails to convince. Although fans of the series will relish the interplay between Watson and Holmes and the old friends among the cast, viewers will likely groan at some overly familiar scenes and easily guess both Holmes's and the villain's transparent ploys. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are always welcome and a delight to watch, but some adventures do not match their talents, and this entry is among them.
Producer-director Roy William Neill and his irreplaceable leading men have returned, and Neill has also brought back several other welcome figures from previous Holmes films in the Universal series. Veteran supporting players from other Holmes mysteries include Hilary Brooke, Henry Daniell, Paul Cavanaugh, Sally Shepherd, and Mary Gordon as the good, the bad, and the suspicious, in no particular order. Cinematographer Virgil Green, who lensed two prior Holmes films, provides crisp black and white images that especially flatter both Brooke and Rathbone, while his murky shadows that shroud London's back streets and the Victorian halls of 221B Baker Street add an aura of atmospheric mystery.
Unfortunately, despite the excellent cinematography, fine assured direction, and seasoned members of the Sherlock Holmes stock company, "The Woman in Green" is a notch down from the prior three efforts in the Universal films. The script utilizes a tired plot device that not only creaks, but also fails to convince. Although fans of the series will relish the interplay between Watson and Holmes and the old friends among the cast, viewers will likely groan at some overly familiar scenes and easily guess both Holmes's and the villain's transparent ploys. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are always welcome and a delight to watch, but some adventures do not match their talents, and this entry is among them.