Review of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942) by Martin A — 02 Aug 2018

Sherlock Holmes returns for an espionage tale.

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943) is the basic archetype for a Holmes story. You have Prof. Moriarty masterminding a plot to obtain a deadly weapon that would change the tides of World War II. Holmes must uncover various clues to solve the mystery as to the location of the scientists that protect this secret. It's all standard fare, while still remaining entertaining.

Basil Rathbone is brilliant as usual portraying the world's greatest detective Sherlock Holmes. Nigel Bruce is the ever faithful sidekick to Holmes, Dr. Watson, while he is also more bumbling and useless than ever. The other supporting cast is serviceable, if dull. Rathbone is the only actor really delivering an interesting performance.

I think most people will be entertained enough with Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon if they are watching through all 14 of Rathbone's Holmes films. It does not really astonish in direction, writing, cinematography, or even music otherwise. I think it's worth an afternoon watch if you enjoy these mystery movies, but Rathbone made better.