This starts in Switzerland, where Holmes spirits away a scientist who has developed a – surprise – secret weapon, a really good bomb. But he winds up abducted by Moriarty, played here by Lionel Atwill (who also appeared in Hound of the Baskervilles).
It’s interesting to compare Atwill’s Moriarty with George Zucco – both actors had many similarities during their careers (stage background, best known for villains, often co-starred, teamed together in a book by Gregory William Mank), but they were different sort of actors. Zucco gave off an air of kindly, scholarly bewilderment – you genuine believed his Moriarty would want to retire to his studies. Atwill’s villainy was more overt and full blooded, a bit more sensual if that makes sense. He seems to enjoy himself when he tortures the scientist and his Moriarty is keen on money – you can imagine him wanting to retire to his mistress and bundles of cash.
This is an entirely decent Holmes entry, with the rivalry between Holmes and Moriarty emphasized, both men enjoying the challenge. Rathbone fans will enjoy seeing him get into not one, not two but three disguises. There’s also a terrific scene at the end where Holmes allows himself to be captured by Moriarty, and Holmes suggests how Moriarty should kill him (by draining his blood – “the needle to the last, hey, Holmes” says Moriarty).
I have to say it’s a bloody risky plan of Holmes to put himself in a position where he relies on Watson and Lestrade to track him down. I know Holmes arranges for the pain dripping device on the car to be set up so they can track him – but so many things could go wrong, especially with those two idiots. Actually to be fair Lestrade isn’t as dumb here as he would later become – not only does he save Holmes at the end, his quick thinking stops Holmes from being carted off in a coffin during the middle bit.
The Conan Doyle story ‘The Dancing Men’ provides a key chunk of the story. Two newcomers join the series who would stay til the end – director Roy William Neil and actor Dennis Hoey (who played Inspector Lestrade). Despite Holmes quoting Shakespeare’s ‘This England’ speech at the end and the war flavour of the macguffin, the war propaganda is toned down a little – no inspirational speeches during the middle like the one Evelyn Ankers gave in Voice of Terror.
I love the way Mrs Hudson comes home to find Watson pointing a gun at Holmes in disguise and a scientist, and is shocked, then Holmes says its okay its only me, and she relaxes. She’s probably used to it.
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