MovieChat Forums > Terror by Night (1946) Discussion > Best Rathbone Holmes movie?

Best Rathbone Holmes movie?

posted 14 years ago by jquirk-1
7 replies | jump to latest

I've seen all 14 Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes films, and I think "Terror by Night" is my all-time favorite. I love all of these movies, but I think this one is the best. Maybe it's the claustrophobic setting inside that train? Maybe it's the rapid-fire twists that occur in the last few minutes? I don't know. All I know is that I never get tired of watching this one. Next in line for me would be "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon" which features the great Lionel Atwill as Professor Moriarty. That's another one I never tire of.

Here's my top five:

1. Terror by Night
2. Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
3. The Pearl of Death
4. Dressed to Kill
5. Sherlock Holmes in Washington

[–] rickus 14 years ago

My all-time favorite Holmes movie would have to be "The House of Fear." One of my favorite lines from the movie is when a funeral procession passes by Holmes, Watson, and the tobacconist MacGregor.

Holmes asks MacGregor who the dear departed is.
MacGregor: Andy MacTavis. Cut down in the flower of his manhood.
Watson: What a pity. Young fellow, eh?
MacGregor : Aye! Just seventy-two.
Watson (vexed by his answer): Seventy-two? Flower of his manhood? Trying to be funny?

This exchange just always struck me as funny.

[–] b1llywoods 13 years ago

The Scarlet Claw

[–] viaggio1 13 years ago

Although each Rathbone Holmes flick has its own delicious merits, my favorite by far has to be the very first movie with Rathbone as Holmes, "The Hound of the Baskervilles," from 1939. Acting, script, atmosphere, pace, romance, adventure, suspense, action --- all top-notch !

"A bride without a head !"
"A wolf without a foot !"

[–] jglapin 11 years ago

My favorite of the series, too. Great characters making for "red herrings".

[–] greenbudgie 10 years ago

I like this one and 'Spider Woman' best of all his Homes films. I also like 'Secret Weapon' from your list.

[–] udippel 10 years ago

Disputable. But it is one of the better ones, while all are good.
I also see no plotholes, except that I couldn't grasp the scene with Watson talking about Gin Rummy, Holmes disappearing, and a few seconds later clinging to the outside after he didn't see what he wanted to!? Any explanation would be appreciated!

Yes, I agree, it is a 'must'. And the story on the old-fashioned trains are great, from the Lady That Vanishes to Murder On The Orient Express.

[–] indy_go_blue44 8 years ago

I like "Terror by Night" a lot, but my favorite all time opening of any movie is the first 10-15 minutes of "Secret Weapon." I love the atmosphere of the Swiss restaurant and village/city(?) and Holmes pulling the wool over the eyes of the gestapo agents.

"Baskervilles" is my favorite Rathbone/Holmes series.