Movie | The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes | Pass

Recently, I had a conversation with an acquaintance that stated that the new Sherlock Holmes, played by Robert Downey Jr, was a complete re-imagining of the character.

He can be forgiven because he's young. Nothing wrong with that! But, I told him to watch this movie, the second Holmes film starring Basil Rathbone. In it, there is the inspiration for the fly in the jar, while Holmes plucks a violin.

Hmm, not so new, huh?!?

When I think of Holmes, I think of Rathbone. But, there have been others who have played him arguably better. Downey's Holmes certainly cannot be place as high as Rathbone or someone like Jeremy Brett. Same for Nigel Bruce, who plays Watson. He and Rathbone are just superb.

This film is also unique, because it was not directly based on a story by the Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle. Instead, this one started out as a play by William Gillette (but was significantly changed). And with over 200 television and film appearances, the Sherlock Holmes character must be one of the best known fictional detectives ever.

This is a perfect Sherlock Holmes movie and a perfect depiction of the sleuth. Lots of atmosphere and plot twists. It might not be up there with The Pearl of Death, but it's darn near. A classic!