Review of The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975) by Monsieur R — 23 Aug 2010

For the most part not very funny. Good for one view to decide for yourself. Will appeal greatly to some but not all.

While I love Wilder and his talent, this one hit bottom with me. Great appearances from veteran Leo McKern as archvillain Moriarity. Marty Feldman must thank his lucky stars for his bug eyed facial expressions. Madeline Kahn is just terrific as an opera singer and lead actress.

By the way, the opera scenes are not terribly funny but well done. Wilder wrote, directed and starred in this slapstick yarn about Sherlock who gives away jobs to his younger brother, not because he is smarter but that is the film's sarcastic play on words in its title. Wilder is just younger and by no means smarter, hence the humor.

Sadly, this movie starts with such humor and originality only to run out of gas. But I like Wilder for himself in the film and hence the fresh rating.