The film is a mix of being dark & humorous at the same time. It is certainly a good film, but not extremely good. Having said that, it is an interesting take in the rich Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson history. Though it is not Sherlock Holmes, it has a bit of the darkness and humor (and story) of From Hell which starred Johnny Depp years later. Christopher Plummer (Sherlock Holmes) and James Mason (Dr. Watson) both turn in good performances and Donald Sutherland also turns in an interesting but effective performance. It is nice seeing the 3 legendary actors together. The direction of Bob Clark is unafraid as usual, and it works a bit. Bob Clark Directed his masterpiece, A Christmas Story, 4 years after this film; and Clark had already Directed Deathdream and Black Christmas 5 years before this film.
Review of Murder by Decree
Murder by Decree
(1979)
Interesting (but somewhat effective) take on Sherlock Holmes
14 February 2021