Review of The Crucifer of Blood (1991) by Nick F — 24 Apr 2010

Reworked version of The Sign of Four is brought to life with considerable atmosphere and solid performances, although Heston makes for a very odd choice for a Sherlock Holmes. Heston effects a strange attempt at an accent that is not successful.

Nonetheless, he does bring something of interest to the role, his stature and voice add something imposing to the Holmes character that other actors have not been able to bring. Very much set-bound, the story nonetheless features some very good production design.

The younger Heston (behind the camera) acquits himself very well with the material and just as he did on Treasure Island, shows himself to have a deft hand at bringing classic lit to life onscreen. The story itself is not really any improvement on the Sign of Four, but the cast makes it very watchable.

Richard Johnson makes for an engaging Watson, although he doesn't match the stellar Edward Hardwicke by a long shot. Stealing the show is Edward Fox, who even manages to upstage Heston. Simon Callow is ok as Lestrade aside from the terribly unfunny laugh he's forced to produce.

All in all, this movie is recommended for Holmes fans that are not pledged to only watch the Brett tv episodes.