Now, I know for many Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are the definitive Holmes and Watson but in my opinion Jeremy Brett and David Burke are both far superior actors. However their 80s offerings are not as well known outside of the UK, and as such are somewhat sadly overlooked, even if their 1988 offering (part of a TV series) is the most accurate portrayal of the movies.
Now, the 1939 version of HOTB is decent and good fun, and to some extent it makes Dartmoor out as being even more atmospheric than it is. However there are some problems that need to be addressed. Firstly, they miss out the point that Watson spots Holmes on a tor, outlined against the moon... secondly, the way Beryl Stapleton is ignored by the cast after her brother is unmasked as the killer is unbelievable, and thirdly, why does Bruce have to be so damned inept? The movie is very much of its time, and really good fun, but compared to the Brett/Burke movies, they pale into insignificance.
Now, the 1939 version of HOTB is decent and good fun, and to some extent it makes Dartmoor out as being even more atmospheric than it is. However there are some problems that need to be addressed. Firstly, they miss out the point that Watson spots Holmes on a tor, outlined against the moon... secondly, the way Beryl Stapleton is ignored by the cast after her brother is unmasked as the killer is unbelievable, and thirdly, why does Bruce have to be so damned inept? The movie is very much of its time, and really good fun, but compared to the Brett/Burke movies, they pale into insignificance.