There have been many film versions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most popular detective story "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Among the most well known are the 1939 film with Basil Rathbone, the 1959 film with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, and the 1983 film with Ian Richardson. My first response to this Granada version after watching it on PBS over two nights was rather ho-hum, but I grew to love Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes and the Granada series. I soon decided to give it another viewing. After a second look, I now consider it to be a strong production.
As with the original novel, Sherlock Holmes is absent a majority of the time (though never far from the narrative), making Brett's performance less prominent. When Holmes does return to the story in the last act, Brett shines. However, the major achievement of this adaptation is it's ability to maintain interest in the story despite Holme's absence. This is due to Edward Hardwicke's excellent performance as Dr. Watson, along with Kristoffer Tabori's likable performance as Sir Henry Baskerville. Other fine performances that help make it work are Neil Duncan as Dr. Mortimer, and James Faulkner as Stapleton.
We don't see much of the Hound – it is shown sparingly, but it too often resembles a man in a rubber suit or a big dog with glowing paint on it. As an 80's British TV production lacking a big Hollywood budget, it is not going to have the special effects of Stan Winston. Ultimately, the Hound is never truly terrifying, even though the violence that is suggested can be disturbing.
This feature film is rich in the visual atmosphere that fans come to expect from the Granada series. The producers paid close attention to detail to achieve the look and feel that Conan Doyle was trying to create. The meticulous sets, costumes, props, and location work capture the Victorian period. The music is evocative and works well with the content. The direction by Brian Mills is very competent and the film moves at a good pace.
The dramatization by T.R. Bowen (who wrote many episodes for the Granada series) captures the multi-textured nature of the story and the subplots, supporting characters and setting. It really isn't about the Hound, but the way in which the perpetrator uses it as a local legend to frighten, to confuse, and to kill. It is engrossing from beginning to end without losing focus, which is a tribute given the story's complexity. My only serious quibble is that the climax is somewhat rushed.
This adaptation might not be the best, but remains a very competent, meticulous adaptation. Those expecting suspense and horror that the original novel created will be let down, even though it is more faithful than any other version. Yet, it is enjoyable mainly from the strength of the original story, production values, and a quality cast led by the magnificent Jeremy Brett. The only Sherlock Holmes film from Granada that might surpass it, is "The Sign of Four."
As with the original novel, Sherlock Holmes is absent a majority of the time (though never far from the narrative), making Brett's performance less prominent. When Holmes does return to the story in the last act, Brett shines. However, the major achievement of this adaptation is it's ability to maintain interest in the story despite Holme's absence. This is due to Edward Hardwicke's excellent performance as Dr. Watson, along with Kristoffer Tabori's likable performance as Sir Henry Baskerville. Other fine performances that help make it work are Neil Duncan as Dr. Mortimer, and James Faulkner as Stapleton.
We don't see much of the Hound – it is shown sparingly, but it too often resembles a man in a rubber suit or a big dog with glowing paint on it. As an 80's British TV production lacking a big Hollywood budget, it is not going to have the special effects of Stan Winston. Ultimately, the Hound is never truly terrifying, even though the violence that is suggested can be disturbing.
This feature film is rich in the visual atmosphere that fans come to expect from the Granada series. The producers paid close attention to detail to achieve the look and feel that Conan Doyle was trying to create. The meticulous sets, costumes, props, and location work capture the Victorian period. The music is evocative and works well with the content. The direction by Brian Mills is very competent and the film moves at a good pace.
The dramatization by T.R. Bowen (who wrote many episodes for the Granada series) captures the multi-textured nature of the story and the subplots, supporting characters and setting. It really isn't about the Hound, but the way in which the perpetrator uses it as a local legend to frighten, to confuse, and to kill. It is engrossing from beginning to end without losing focus, which is a tribute given the story's complexity. My only serious quibble is that the climax is somewhat rushed.
This adaptation might not be the best, but remains a very competent, meticulous adaptation. Those expecting suspense and horror that the original novel created will be let down, even though it is more faithful than any other version. Yet, it is enjoyable mainly from the strength of the original story, production values, and a quality cast led by the magnificent Jeremy Brett. The only Sherlock Holmes film from Granada that might surpass it, is "The Sign of Four."