Review of Murder by Decree (1979) by Ashley H — 03 Jan 2016

This is a Sherlock Holmes film for those who are not wholly happy with Doyle's great creation. The film is buttressed by a stark atmosphere, which contrasts with Holmes and Watson, depicted here as close friends.

Watson is particularly strong in this one; he is actually useful. The film shows many of the tropes of the 1970s films: a dark ending, with no one wholly satisfied, and Holmes having made one great tragic error.

Yet, the political cynicism of the film left me cold, but I live in an age when politics is once again an earnest business and sides are chosen as if Armageddon was knocking at the door.