Dressed to Kill

Starring:Dressed to Kill
Studio: Unicorn Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Classic dePalma thriller!
Genius, a masterwork
Michael is Bitchin'
A Masterful & Truly Luscious Homage !
Learning At The Feet Of Hitchcock

Dressed to Kill
Starring: Michael Caine , Angie Dickinson , Nancy Allen , Keith Gordon , and Dennis Franz
Director: Brian De Palma
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005K3NU
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com essential video

To condemn Dressed to Kill as a Hitchcock rip-off is to miss the sheer enjoyment of Brian De Palma's delirious 1980 thriller. Hitchcockian homages run rampant through most of De Palma's earlier films, and this one's chock-full of visual quotes, mostly cribbed from Vertigo and Psycho. But De Palma's indulgent depravity transcends simple mimicry to assume a vitality all its own. It's smothered in thickly atmospheric obsessions with sex, dread, paranoia, and voyeurism, not to mention a heavy dose of Psycho-like psychobabble about a wannabe transsexual who's compelled to slash up any attractive female who reminds him--the horror!--that he's still very much a man.

Angie Dickinson plays the sexually unsatisfied, fortysomething wife who's the killer's first target, relaying her sexual fantasies to her psychiatrist (Michael Caine) before actually living one of them out after the film's celebrated cat-and-mouse sequence in a Manhattan art museum. The focus then switches to a murder witness (De Palma's then-girlfriend Nancy Allen) and Dickinson's grieving whiz-kid son (Keith Gordon), who attempt to solve the murder while staying one step ahead (or so they think) of the crude detective (Dennis Franz) assigned to the case. Propelled by Pino Donaggio's lush and stimulating score, De Palma's visuals provide seductive counterpoint to his brashly candid dialogue, and the plot conceals its own implausibility with morbid thrills and intoxicating suspense. If you're not laughing at De Palma's shameless audacity, you're sure to be on the edge of your seat. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Classic dePalma thriller!.......2007-02-28

I'll never forget my first viewing of this, many years ago. The notorious 'elevator scene' with Angie Dickinson in her stunning winter white suit...let's just the suit doesn't stay 'white' for long. There are some terrific DVD extras here, featurettes, trailers, marketing images for fans of the film and dePalma. As far as the film, it's a great piece of work, classic dePalma. The camera work in the extended museum scene in the front part of the film is outstanding. The weak link: Nancy Allen's one note performance, made all the more ridiculous by the idea that she was nominated for a Golden Globe for the role!

Genius, a masterwork.......2007-02-13

Chilling, mysterious Eroticthriller as it should be. Subtly built up to the climax, it is suspenseful every minute. In this DVD, you can also change to the Uncut, uncensored version. The scene in the museum is art: without any dialogue, you see so much about what is going on in the mind of the main character. Making of is gorgeous with comments of the whole main cast, director, etc. In the comparisons of the scenes in several versions you see how important and visually artistic the original version is.

Michael is Bitchin'.......2006-11-11

After the titilation of the very steamy sex scene in the cab, expertly plyed by a no longer young Angie Dickinson, who did however stil have great legs, the pathos of a mind in the throes of gender alienation becomes the centerpiece of the film. The Caine madness drives this film with a whip and transforms the other actors into extras.

A Masterful & Truly Luscious Homage !.......2006-11-10

Brian De Palma's "Dressed To Kill" is a stunningly beautiful homage to his most obviouse influence in meastro Alfred Hitchcock. True film junkies will find themselves picking there jaws up off the floor after witnessing the mezmorising Hitchcockian cinematogrophy that runs rampid throughout this masterful thriller. I will never fault a Director for displaying his biggest influences especially when they're of the likes of one of the four fathers of great cinema/film making. I can't say enough about this film so I'm just going to end this review now by saying that I truly am inlove with it.

Learning At The Feet Of Hitchcock.......2006-11-04

Alfred Hitchcock's style of filmmaking is the one that has probably been the most copied of any filmmaker ever in Hollywood, for the simple reason that he perfected the art of cinematic suspense. And perhaps no director has been more accused of allegedly blatantly imitating the Master than Brian DePalma. Such accusations are not completely accurate, however, and they don't tell the whole story. The film in DePalma's canon that is so often cited by critics as his being so blatantly imitative of the portly Englishman is the 1980 thriller DRESSED TO KILL.

The film places the great Angie Dickinson in the role of a frustrated single mother with sexual desires that she confides in to her psychiatrist (Michael Caine), desires that include one nightmarish sequence of her being strangled in her shower. She follows a mysterious man through a Manhattan art gallery; but when she returns home, a blonde psychopath brutally slashes her to death in her apartment complex's elevator.

In the interim, the police, including a very profane detective (Dennis Franz, of "NYPD Blue" fame), are looking into the crime and have somehow managed to finger a blonde hooker (Nancy Allen) who had been seen around Dickinson's residence. The problem is, however, that she isn't the real perpetrator (a very tried-and-true Hitchcock conceit, an innocent person accused of a crime they didn't commit); and she teams up with Dickinson's whiz-kid son (Keith Gordon) to find who really did it. All the evidence seems to point to another patient of Caine's with some sexual issues. The end results are positively spine-chilling.

By any stretch of the imagination, DRESSED TO KILL is quite obviously inspired by Hitchcock's PSYCHO, although there are also significant references to the Master's earlier classics VERTIGO and REAR WINDOW as well. The big difference, of course, is that, whereas Hitchcock was largely limited in what he could show onscreen because of the censorship restrictions in place prior to 1968 (which worked wonders in PSYCHO), DePalma didn't have those limitations, and was allowed to show more direct sex and violence, though it never really came all that close to pornography or the overblown blood-and-guts horrors of FRIDAY THE 13TH, which was also released in 1980. Dickinson is quite good in what was an atypical kind of film for her; and Caine, one of the great actors of our time, is equally fine. Pino Donnagio's score, not surprisingly, is very close in feel to what Bernard Herrmann provided for Hitchcock's masterworks.

Despite a somewhat cliched trick ending (repeating in some ways what DePalma did at the end of CARRIE, and John Boorman at the end of DELIVERANCE) and a very hammy acting job by Franz, DRESSED TO KILL is a very strong psychological horror/suspense film at a time when blood and guts were starting to flood the horror genre (though the year 1980 also gave us Kubrick's masterpiece THE SHINING, too). Films like this are even rarer nowadays in Hollywood than they were back then, and they need to be treasured.

Average customer rating:

Dressed to Kill
DRESSED TO KILL
"Somebody's always screaming around this flophouse."
Classic B Movie Comedy/Murder Mystery
for fans of 40's detectives

Dressed to Kill
Starring: Lloyd Nolan , Mary Beth Hughes , Sheila Ryan , William Demarest , and Ben Carter
Director: Eugene Forde
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009X75CO
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Description

Detective michael shayne solves the murders of actors.

Customer Reviews:

Dressed to Kill.......2006-09-16

In my recent Amazon package of Fox's latest noir titles favorites was a flyer announcing the Michael Shayne Collection Vol 1 to be released in 2007, no month given. Neither were any titles listed so I can't tell you if they will include the Lloyd Nolan early titles or the later Hugh Beaumont (Beavers Dad, "Leave it to Beaver) titles...In that they specify Vol 1; one could presume there's going to be a Vol II and so on...one would hope. Probably depends on how Vol I sells.

DRESSED TO KILL.......2006-07-25

THE STORY WAS ABOUT AVERAGE FOR A MANTAN MORELAND MOVIE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER HAD NOT PARTS OF THE MOVIE BEEN OF SUCH POOR QUALITY - PARTS WERE ALMOST ALL DARK GREY WITH THE IMAGES BARELY DISCERABLE.

"Somebody's always screaming around this flophouse.".......2005-11-23

Just to show you (and myself) how little I know, the character of Michael Shayne, created by author Brett Halliday, has been around quite a while, appearing in over 50 novels, numerous films in the 40s, had his own mystery magazine, appeared in three radio programs, had a television series, and even his own comic book...and I never heard of him until last night, when I watched this film, titled Dressed to Kill (1941). Directed by Eugene Forde (Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise, Michael Shayne: Private Detective), the film stars Lloyd Nolan (Bataan, The Lemon Drop Kid, Peyton Place) as private detective Mike Shayne, one of seven times Nolan would appear on the silver screen as the character in the early 40s (Hugh Beaumont would later reprise the role for PRC in the mid to late 40s in five films). Also appearing is William `Uncle Charley' Demarest (It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, "My Three Sons"), Mary Beth Hughes (The Ox-Bow Incident, I Accuse My Parents), Henry Daniell (The Great Dictator, Jane Eyre), Erwin Kalser (Stalag 17), Virginia Brissac (Rebel Without a Cause), Milton Parsons (Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome), Ben Carter (Born to Sing), Mantan Moreland (King of the Zombies), and William 'Whitey' Benedict (Ghosts on the Loose, Bowery Buckaroos).

As the film begins we see Mike Shayne (Nolan) buying a suit (on credit) as he's planning to marry his long time girlfriend and showgirl Joanne La Marr (Hughes) that very day. As Mike walks through the streets to meet up with his fiancée, we get the sense he's pretty well known about town, as everyone he sees has a hello along with wisecrack regarding to his impending nuptials. Mike arrives at the hotel, hooks up with Joan (check out her expression as he presents the ring), and just as they're preparing to leave, there's a scream from one of the rooms upstairs. Upon investigating, Mike finds two dead bodies, one being producer Louis Lathrop, the other his girlfriend/actress Desiree Vance, both murdered in an apparent double homicide (the maid, who found them, was the one who screamed). The pair evidently met their fate during a dinner party the previous night, and Mike now sees an opportunity to make a little dough as he first contacts a newspaper (they offer him some moolah if he can identify the murderer and give them the scoop), prior to calling the police (private investigators have to seize their opportunities where they can). While waiting for the authorities to arrive, Mike begins collecting clues giving the joint the once over, and finally Inspector Pierson (Demarest) makes the scene. After a little give and take, Mike takes the show on the road as the suspects begin coming out of the woodwork (along with a body or two), and he even manages to squeeze out another paying gig out of the homicide, as he's hired by Lathrop's wife (the couple separated some time ago) to solve the case, which would clear her boyfriend Julian Davis (Daniell), as his past dealings with the deceased seem to point to him as the prime suspect. Things get a little crazy, as Mike has to stay one step ahead of the police, while also avoiding getting whacked himself as the killer knows Mike is onto him (or her).

I'll tell you what, it's been awhile since I've seen a film where the wisecracks and smart remarks come as fast and furious as they do here, the ongoing gag being Mike constant distractions from what he had originally intended to do that day, which was get married. It's like watching one of those Thin Man movies, with William Powell and Myrna Loy, only sans the suave and sophisticated sensibilities. Honestly, I was expecting a more straightforward detective drama, but I certainly wasn't disappointed with what I got. My favorite zinger comes from when Mike's fiancée Joanne nearly destroys one of the clues, on accident, and Mike replies in frustration to her, "The stork that brought you should have been arrested for peddling dope!". The movie is filled with choice bits of dialog, all flowing with a natural ease from the situations and characters. The actual mystery portion of the story is fairly interesting, but what I really enjoyed was the characters. Nolan plays his role like he was born for it, a streetwise, crafty, sometimes devious fellow who manages to keep one or two clues ahead of the police to ensue his much needed payday once he solves the case. He's smart, a little rough around the edges, and perceptive enough to get what he needs to keep the trail warm, following up leads. The funniest aspect for me was how Shayne would jerk the police around, enough to throw them off the trail just long enough for him to get what he needs prior to their finally getting back on track. Demarest is a riot as the gruff, seemingly capable, tenacious and gravely voiced Inspector Pierson, suffering the constant aggravation of always having to play catch up to Shayne (Shayne often plays dirty), along with being beleaguered with incompetents. And then there's Henry Daniell, who played the slightly foppish Julian Davis, a cultured performer/dolt who chaffs against Shayne's unpretentious methods and straightforward demeanor, but soon begins to realize Shayne maybe the only one interested in clearing his name. The direction by Forde is strong and focused, as the story zips along, never outstaying its welcome. This are a couple sequences features a few stereotypical caricatures that some may find offensive (an Asian butler and two, African American stage hands), but when viewed in the proper perspective, they shouldn't spoil the movie. There's one scene in particular where Mike gets two African American stage hands (played by Ben Carter and Mantan Moreland) to help him re-enact the double murder (offering them five bucks apiece), and the men display exaggerated wide-eyed, nervous, and jittery characterizations, once they learn they're going to where the murders actually took place. Some might feel uncomfortable, or even offended, but keep in mind things were as they were back when, and we've since come a long way in terms of education, understanding, and acceptance. I'm not trying to justify what was done in the past, but only to say we shouldn't judge things without trying to understand the perceptions of the time. The scene did end with a particularly odd line, as once Mike got the information he needed and released the men of their obligation, the two were about to bolt without getting paid, to which Mike stated "Hey, wait a minute! You'll never get rich that way.", and one of the men replied "Boss, right now I could make myself a fortune hiring myself out as a vibrator!" I can only think the meaning of the word had a different connotation back then as it does now...

The fullscreen picture (1.33:1) looks very clean and sharp, and the Dolby Digital audio, offered in both mono and stereo, comes through clearly. There aren't any special features, other than a couple of unrelated Fox Home Entertainment DVDs previews for the films The Doctor and the Devils (1985) and The Cabinet of Caligari (1962).

Cookieman108

Classic B Movie Comedy/Murder Mystery.......2005-09-25

Everyone knows Mike Shayne, everyone likes Mike Shayne...cops, chorus girls, tailors, lushes, janitors, hotel clerks. Mike is a good natured, smart private eye, maybe not too well educated but shrewd as they come. He doesn't break too many rules, but he's ready to bend them till they creak. If you get yourself murdered, try not to leave any good cigars in the humidor. A few might go missing once Shayne walks through the room. One afternoon, while trying to convince his girlfriend he's ready for marriage, he hears a scream, rushes up the stairs of the hotel to see an open door to a suite. When he enters he lands in one of the strangest murder mysteries of his career. Seated at a dining table set for six are two bodies, dressed in their costumes from "Sweethearts of Paris," a smash musical-comedy hit of 25 years ago. The woman is Desiree Vance, the show's star who played Countess De Froliere. The man wearing an Airedale mask is Louis Lathrop, her producer and costar. He played Pierre Peaubeau. It looks like Lathrop was shot with a rifle and Vance with a revolver by one person -- simultaneously. Shayne discovers the cast members of that long-ago hit are still very much around. One now works as a maid in the hotel. Another, the lush, was the composer. One of the stars appears to have chiseled Lathrop out of $26,000. Even more intriguing, the theater where Lathrop produced "Sweethearts of Paris" is next door to the hotel...and years ago Lathrop had no less than three private passages constructed from his suite to the theater and to the hotel rooms above and below his own. Events 25 years old have come back to roost.

This comedy/murder mystery is a B movie in the great tradition of B movies. They were programmers, turned out quickly by movie craftsmen who knew their business. Dressed to Kill is fast paced -- the movie is only 74 minutes long -- with nothing wasted. The mystery is intriguing and the plot just puzzling enough to keep you interested. Dialogue is funny and sometimes just this side of slapstick. Most importantly, the players all do fine jobs, starting with that great character actor Lloyd Nolan as Michael Shayne. He brings a lot of energy, crisp authority and wise guy humor to the part. William Demarest plays a blustering police inspector who if he isn't running into doors is falling off a stage. Other notable performances include those by Henry Daniel as a self-involved former actor and Irvin Kalser as a nearly deaf stage doorman.

A classic movie, it isn't. A classic B movie, it is. I recommend it. The black and white DVD picture looks just fine, clear and crisp. There are no extras.

for fans of 40's detectives.......2005-09-11

This is a movie for those of us who loved curling up with a good old murder mystery on a rainy Saturday afternoon long ago. Unfortunately this is the only Michael Shayne that I can find in print. I don't know why because it is much better than most of the later Charlie Chans that you can buy in an expensive set (a waste of money). Lloyd Nolan stars as the wise-cracking detective who would rather solve a double murder than get married on his wedding day. The mystery has enough suspects to keep you guessing and the ending is satisfying. Another plus is William Demarest as the police chief. Demarest adds to any movie, here playing the cop who has seen it all while adding to the comedy at the same time. The DVD transfer is very good, especially considering the price, but there are no special features except plugs for other movies. Still I know what I'll be watching the next rainy Saturday afternoon.

Legendary Sherlock Holmes (Dressed To Kill / The Woman In Green / Terror By Night)

Average customer rating:

Sherlock Holmes
Dressed to Kill/Woman in Green/Terror by Night-set
Just as I Remembered Them
Tremendous Nostalgic Value
Gotta love those sleuths.

Legendary Sherlock Holmes (Dressed To Kill / The Woman In Green / Terror By Night)
Starring: Basil Rathbone , Nigel Bruce , Hillary Brooke , Henry Daniell , and Paul Cavanagh
Director: Roy William Neill
Manufacturer: Bfs Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

ASIN: B00005N5RW
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Amazon.com

Basil Rathbone. Nigel Bruce. Sherlock Holmes. Who can resist these mystery masters? Legendary Sherlock Holmes Movies packs three Arthur Conan Doyle adventures on one DVD. Dressed to Kill pits Holmes against a formidable female adversary as he tries to tease apart a puzzle involving music boxes and murder. The Woman in Green centers on a series of brutal murders in which each victim is missing a finger. Finally, Terror by Night is a good old-fashioned mystery about jewel theft and murder on an overnight train. Any one is perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a stormy night. Basil Rathbone is still the definitive Sherlock Holmes, and Nigel Bruce, charming and deftly comic, is the perfect Watson. DVD goodies include cast biographies and Sherlock Holmes trivia. --Ali Davis

Description

3 Great Movies on 1 DVD. Star Power, Exciting Genre with Extras on each DVD.

Customer Reviews:

Sherlock Holmes.......2006-11-05

I was so very pleased with the quality of the films on this DVD. There is a disclaimer in the beginning saying the quality may not be as good as expected but it was better then I expected. The sound quality is very good and the picture quality is very good. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys the old Sherlock Holmes films.

Dressed to Kill/Woman in Green/Terror by Night-set.......2004-03-01

I think some of the postings here have been less than truthful. This particular DVD is very grainy, the sound is often muddy and there are occasional jumps in scenes. I do not recommend this to a buyer wanting to add some Holmes films to his library. Surely there's a better offering out there...and if not, I would suggest waiting till someone offers a digitally remastered version of these very fine old films.

Just as I Remembered Them.......2002-05-31

This DVD brings back these three movies exactly as I remember them. I was not yet born when these movies debuted on the silver screen, however...my memories of these movies is from when I was a child, watching them on late-night television with my grandmother. Since then, I have been a fan of Basil Rathbone and enjoy his rendition of the infamous resident of 221B Baker Street. These movies are original material (as opposed to, say, The Hound of Baskervilles which is adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings) but still capture the epitome of Sherlock Holmes.

The quality of the reproduction certainly is not perfect. However, if you remember watching these movies on television as I do, then you will be familiar with the quality of the film. The sound is a little scratchy, and the picture is a little grainy, but the movies are viewable and very much enjoyable. If you remember these movies, you will not be disappointed by this DVD. If, however, you are looking for adaptations of original Conan Doyle material, you may wish to look to the Jeremy Brett renditions.

Tremendous Nostalgic Value.......2002-03-27

Many people, especially those who grew up during the 1930s and 1940s, have fond memories of Basil Rathbone's famous Sherlock Holmes series. My own exposure to the popular series came in the 1970s, when I encountered them on the late-late show; "The Scarlet Claw" was a particular favorite. Unfortunately, few of these films have ever been released to the home market in either VHS or DVD, and those that have reflect their need for serious restoration. This is particularly true of the films seen here. Although not unbearably fuzzy, the pictures are far from being crisp and clean, and the sound is occasionally problematic.

DRESSED TO KILL finds Holmes investigating three mysterious music boxes--and events quickly turn to murder. Of the three films, this is the weakest: the story is very slow to start and it never really achieves a good pace; the sound quality is also very, very poor in spots. THE LADY IN GREEN concerns Holmes' investigation into several murders that seem to be the work of a serial killer, and although the film elements remain problematic this film is quite a bit more enjoyable than the first. The third and final film, TERROR BY NIGHT, is easily the best of the three in both story and elements, setting a cracking pace with its story of murder and a diamond theft onboard an Edinburg-bound train.

Film restoration issues aside, Rathbone's Holmes has held up extremely well over time. As interpreted here, Holmes is sometimes as much action hero as he is thinking machine, and Rathbone plays him with a snappy clip, dry humor, and enough intensity to suggest untold depths. He is well matched by Nigel Bruce, whose truly dunderheaded Dr. Watson nonetheless has considerable wit and charm. The stories and scripts are pure formula, of course, and the supporting casts and production values quite mild--but Rathbone and Bruce's performances and chemistry have more than enough charm to gloss over these inadequacies. Not every one will enjoy these films, for they have a naive quality that many may consider unsophistocated to the point of absurdity, but fans of the series would rather fight than switch. Just bear in mind the quality issues, don't expect too much, and you'll have a very good time.

Gotta love those sleuths........2002-03-11

I adore every one of the old Holmes/Watson films with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. I thought they were perfect for the parts, and Nigel Bruce was just an endearing Watson. If you are into the Master, and don't take yourself too seriously, these are fun to watch. I only wish that there were more of them for us to enjoy. On the down side, do not expect great quality from these films because it isn't there. Sadly, these are falling apart, so there may not be any more of them in the future, unless someone makes an investment, and restores them. Even though they are only "acceptable" visually, these are wonderful slices of cinematic entertainment. Rathbone's arch, tongue in cheek Holmes, and Bruce's endearing, bumbling, and smug Watson are too good to pass up. I watched these as a child, and so for me, there are no other actors who could come close to these guys. Watching Watson bumble around, gives you an understanding of what an upper class twit is, and how they lost the empire!

Sherlock Holmes Collection Volume 3 (Dressed to Kill/In Pursuit to Algiers/Terror By Night/The Woman in Green)

Average customer rating:

Dressed for terror
Satisfied but Bewildered
Most favorite Holmes movies.
Worth the wait !
Fantastic quality - classic films!

Sherlock Holmes Collection Volume 3 (Dressed to Kill/In Pursuit to Algiers/Terror By Night/The Woman in Green)
Starring: Basil Rathbone , Nigel Bruce , Hillary Brooke , Henry Daniell , and Paul Cavanagh
Director: Roy William Neill
Manufacturer: Mpi Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000EMYKY
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Description

The master detective Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and his faithful cohort Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) are back, preserved and digitally restored in 35mm to original condition by the UCLA Film and Television Archive. This newly restored version of the classic film includes the period war bond tag, studio logo and credits from its original theatrical release. Filled with ominous shadows and interesting camera angles, the visual beauty of the film in 35mm is stunning. Volume 3 contains: Sherlock Holmes In Pusuit to Algiers, Sherlock Holmes Dressed to Kill, Sherlock Holmes Terror By Night, Sherlock Holmes and The Woman in Green

Customer Reviews:

Dressed for terror.......2007-02-06

Basil Rathbone is one of the two great Holmes actors in movie history (the other being Jeremy Brett). And he was in fine form in "Sherlock Holmes Collection Volume 3," which varies from merely okay to absolutely brilliant.

"Dressed to Kill" has a friend of Watson's (Nigel Bruce) telling Holmes of a bizarre crime -- someone broke into his house, and stole a worthless music box from a valuable collection. Then the man is murdered -- and three plain little music boxes are the key to solving an elaborate mystery.

"Terror By Night" has Holmes hired to look after a valuable diamond belonging to a wealthy woman, as she travels back to Scotland. Of course, the diamond gets stolen and the woman's son is murdered in the attempt, and now Holmes discovers that the murderer is an old enemy.

"The Woman In Green" deals with a serial killer -- four women have died, and each time a finger was removed. The police think that it's just a baffling series of crimes, but Holmes knows better -- and he suspects that his old, supposedly-dead nemesis Moriarty (Henry Daniell) is involved.

Finally there's "In Pursuit to Algiers," in which the king of Ravenia has been murdered -- and now his son is in danger too. On the cruise to his homeland, the young king pretends to be a relative of Watson's -- but Holmes still has to guard him against an array of potential murderers.

These were some of the later Holmes adventures, often not based (or loosely based) on Arthur Conan Doyle's works. But even the weakest ("Dressed to Kill") is still an enjoyable mystery, with some amusing moments and unexpected twists. They're just not as brilliant as Doyle's, that's all.

And they are solidly written and directed, with plenty of interesting settings, from the claustrophobic train to Scotland to a hypnotists' society. And the filmmakers throw in some wonderful little twists, such as a switcheroo Holmes plays on his enemy in "Terror By Night."

Rathbone is still best known for playing Holmes, and he does it well -- cool, cerebral, but with a gentle humor and warmth in scenes such as the little girl's rescue. Bruce doesn't fare as well, since the capable Watson is portrayed as a kindly bumbler, but he does a solid enough job with a poorly-portrayed character.

"The Sherlock Holmes Collection Volume 3" is a bit less solid than the other collections, but still very nicely done. Definitely worth watching.

Satisfied but Bewildered.......2004-12-17

After having spent years watching all 14 of the videos from Key, I recently purchased volume 3 of the Sherlock Holmes Collection. Everything they've said about the enhanced picture/sound quality is true, however, the DVD extras are missing. Am I the only one? The DVD extras promoted on the back of the case include: audio commentary with Stuart Davies, footage of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, production notes by Richard Valley and Photo Gallery/Original Movie Posters. I don't have any of the extras. It's still worth the buy and a five star gem.

Most favorite Holmes movies........2004-04-24

I couldn't wait to get this set of Holmes. My all-time favorite is Terror by Night. They are super quality and even better than the Key Vidio editions. This volume is NOT COLOR...it's B & W. Amazon...PLEASE CHANGE THIS ASAP!!!! It's deceiving!!! I would have bought it from you but it said that it was COLOR. I went and called Suncoast Pictures and they said it was B&W so I got it there. Fans...it IS B & W. What would a Rathbone, Holmes movie be without it being B & W.

Thanks Amazon,

Larry

Worth the wait !.......2004-02-05

IF the house were burning down, I'd grab these 3 DVD sets of Sherlock Holmes on my way out !! Thanks to those who made these restored versions possible, they are wonderful. All of these are far superior to any entertainment made today.

Fantastic quality - classic films!.......2004-02-02

The films on this collection are of truly stunning quality, in comparison to the diabolical Region 2 set by Orbit Media Ltd. Truly fantastic quality. If you are a Basil Rathbone fan, you *must* get this set. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A definate must-buy product. Elementary, my dear Reader.

Sherlock Holmes - Prelude to Murder (aka Dressed to Kill) (Colorized / Black and White)

Average customer rating:

Colourful characters
Only a prelude
In colour and black and white-restored to perfection
The colorization nuts are at it again.
Color Me Happy

Sherlock Holmes - Prelude to Murder (aka Dressed to Kill) (Colorized / Black and White)
Starring: Basil Rathbone , Nigel Bruce , Patricia Morison , Edmund Breon , and Frederick Worlock
Director: Roy William Neill
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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My Man Godfrey - Criterion Collection

ASIN: B0009X75JC
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Description

The legendary Sherlock Holmes must apply his keen ear for music to help solve this thrilling case. A trio of music boxes contains the hidden secret to vast riches, and a group of criminals is willing to kill for them. When a friend of Dr. Watson?s is the first victim, Holmes is on the case. This is the last of Basil Rathbone?s portrayals of the iconic Sherlock Holmes, and certainly one of the best.

The amazing colorization, created with a new cutting-edge digital technology, breathes new life into this classic film. Also included is the original black-and-white version, beautifully restored. This is the definitive DVD edition of Prelude to Murder.

Customer Reviews:

Colourful characters .......2006-11-06

Bought recently PRELUDE TO MURDER was this a working title? But it was under its original title DRESSED TO KILL why was this? Anyway apart from this minor quibble the film is one of the best colorized Sherlock Holmes movies ive seen . Im all for colorizing movies so there ! How about THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES,THE PEARL OF DEATH,THE QUATERMASS EXPERIMENT,QUATERMASS II , gimme the paints and I will do the job !!!

Only a prelude.......2006-07-22

Basil Rathbone remains one of only two legendary Sherlock Holmes actors, even to this day. But "Prelude to Murder (or Dressed to Kill)" is not one of the better movies starring Rathbone -- while the mystery is genuinely entertaining, the plot isn't quite long or substantial enough.

Three plain music boxes are sold at an auction, one to Watson's old pal "Stinky" (Edmund Breon). The music boxes don't seem to be anything special, which is why Holmes (Basil Rathbone) is intrigued when Stinky is robbed of a similar music box -- and then found with a knife in his back. Obviously there's something special about the boxes.

Holmes and Watson (Nigel Bruce) rush to the next box's owner, and find that the little girl has been robbed by a disguised thief. But Holmes gets his hands on the third box, and learns what the thieves are after, and how the peculiar tune of the music box holds the key to unlimited wealth -- and ruin for England's economic structure.

"Prelude to Murder" was sadly the last of Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes movies, after thirteen other movies that ranged from Arthur Conan Doyle's own stories to ones made up for World War II. Some of those stories were amazing, and some -- like "Prelude to Murder"'s counterfeiting story -- are merely middling in quality.

The music box code and the missing five-pound plates make for an interesting mystery, especially for the first half of the movie. The thieves are especially intriguing, including a menacing colonel, a chauffeur madly in love with his employer, and the well-clad Hilda Courtney, who yanks her mink stole out from under a just-murdered man -- and seems more concerned about keeping the stole pristine.

But the plot just isn't enough to cover even a short film (about an hour and even minutes, in case you're wondering), and after the rescue of the little girl, it lags badly. Even more unfortunate, scenes like Holmes' capture don't have much suspense, even though they should.

Rathbone's performance is as solid as ever, giving Holmes elegant intelligence that he doesn't have to work at. He even gets to give Holmes some wistfulness in the opening scenes. And Bruce gives a similarly pleasant performance, although he does have his goofy moments, like doing a Donald Duck impression for a traumatized little girl.

This edition has both the original and the colorized versions, and both have been carefully restored to their original sharpness. The colorized version is quite well done most of the time, except in places (like the opening shot of Dartmoor) where it looked washed out. And it's a bit weird how "Stinky" looks like he has baby's skin.

"Prelude to Murder (or Dressed to Kill)" is an entertaining mystery, though it's rather slow and simple compared to Rathbone's other Sherlock films. But it's still worth watching.

In colour and black and white-restored to perfection.......2006-03-11

Don't be put off by people slating the colourising techniques/results.
As a lifelong fan of Rathbone and Sherlock Holmes, all the these colourised dvds are a delight. the colours come across well, and the picture and sound is excellent.
It's simply snobbish to complain about these colourisations-it's not as if it's been done permenantly and you do have the option to watch in black and white.
Oh, and nothing is cut from these films in these editions.

For Rathbone fans-buy them! For fans of the films-buy them!

The colorization nuts are at it again........2005-10-28

Reading the comments below about some people favoring all movies shot in black and white be colorized because they believe that if the studios could have shot them all in color if they could is just nuts. Many movies were intended to be in black and white to set the appropriate atmosphere. Film noirs, horror, etc. Ha ha, I'd love to see someone try to go to Martin Scorcese and tell him that they want to see a colorized version of Raging Bull. I love old Technicolor movies because that is the way they filmed them, but I never saw one colorized film that was any good. Someone said below said the system accurately colorizes them, but what they don't seem to realize is that when the studios shot them in black and white, they planned it that way and the actual color of the clothes they wore were not the normal colors we imagine we are seeing. For examples, a pink shirt would be worn to pass for white because with the lights hitting it did seem to be white in black and white. In a 1950s Superman movie with George Reeves, since it was a black and white film the costume was brownish instead of blue in order to film correctly. So, in them saying the colors are accurately colorized is wrong. It would not surprise me to have these people are in defense of full-screen version of widescreen movies simply because the picture fills the screen. What is surprising is that the studios are doing this will outrage a number of filmmakers because what they are doing is altering the director's vision. And I MUST address the review in Mark of Zorro's listing that put forth the stupid argument that people buy DVDs with color covers because people would be turned off by a b&w one. Isn't that like saying that back in the old days the studios made color movie posters hoping to trick people into coming in to the theatre, not knowing they were seeing a black and white movie? According to "Mr. Perfect" (gad), we "purists" are phonies atop high horses. No, we are film fans who like to see what we were meant to see when the movie was made. The one thing I regret about people who will not watch a black and white movie (and I have met some) is that they miss a number of great movie classics. It's like having an education of movies that only starts with the beach movies of the Sixties and goes to the present day (minus, of course, fims like Schindler's List, Sin City, Raging Bull, Manhattan, etc. I love these comments from directors about colorization:

Woody Allen: "Determining the colors that people wear, or what colors the walls are and so on are major creative decisions. . . . To have a group of people from the outside making those decisions is criminal and ludicrous." Also, he said, "I have no quarrel with the mechanics. "That has nothing to do with it. If a director is around and says he'd like to have it colorized, fine. If not, no one should be allowed to change it, in any way, ever."

Billy Wilder: "Those fools! Do they really think that colorization will make "The Informer" any better? Or "Citizen Kane" or "Casablanca"? Or do they hope to palm off some of the old stinkers by dipping them in 31 flavors? Is there no end to their greed?"

Joe Dante: "Black and white was an art form in the '40s. . . By changing them, they are tampering with history. It's the death knell of an entire art form."

Elliot Silverstein: "We're dealing with moral and professional issues here, not a commercial one. These fellows are lifting their legs on people's work."

Milos Forman: "I might see a colorized film and not be offended by it. That's not the point. The point is creative rights. Coloring films is like putting aluminum siding on a 17th-Century castle."

Color Me Happy.......2005-09-22

Wow, that's all I can say about the beautiful job done by the masters of colorization at Legend Films. Such a perfect color picture in every frame of this classic Sherlock Holmes movie. Every item in the frame was given it's own unique and accurate color, it looked even better than a real color movie. Perfection, that's what this colorized movie is. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful color picture. This wonderful new colorizing really does breathe life into these stale old b/w images, now this movie is alive again and of the present. It no longers looks like a relic of the old days, but a wonderful visit with a very colorful Sherlock & Watson. The colorful game is afoot and I loved every colorized minute!! I highly recommend everyone buy this and all the other fantastic colorized movies in this Sherlock series, Woman In Green, Terror By Night, & Secret Weapon. They all look just fantastic in these realistic and completely accurate and wonderfully beautiful color versions. I can not say enough to complement the great colorizing geniuses at Legend and Off Color Films, they create real works of art. I truly wish all dull drab ugly b/w movies & TV shows were colorized so beautifully. I love it, PLEASE COLORIZE MORE MOVIES & TV SHOWS, I'll guarantee to be the first in line. I hope more and more movie studios will start colorizing their movies, I'd love to see Paramount colorize "Holiday Inn", there's a movie just begging to be in color. COLORIZE your b/w tv shows & movies, is the key word to all the video movie studo companies out there holding b/w movies in your vaults. Video producers, Colorize all b/w movies/TV shows and release them on DVD, it would be a dream come true. Fox has realized the beauty of coloring their b/w movies, now please Paramount, Warner, MGM, & all others, please follow Fox's insight and colorize all your b/w movies/tv shows, and you'll find a real audience for these b/w movies and programs.

PopFlix - Mystery (The Woman in Green / Terror by Night / Dressed to Kill)

Average customer rating:

PopFlix - Mystery (The Woman in Green / Terror by Night / Dressed to Kill)
Starring: Rathbone , and Bruce
Manufacturer: Pop Flix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000F8O3JQ
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Description

SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE'S MASTER SLEUTH IN THREE THRILLING MYSTERIES! Total Running Time: 3 hrs 20 min

The Woman in Green (1945) 68 min. B&W Starring: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Hillary Brooke A series of beautiful women are found dead, each with her right forefinger chopped off! Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson aren't pointing fingers yet, but a trail of evidence leads Holmes to his recurrent nemesis, Professor Moriarty, and the occult world of hypnosis.

Terror By Night (1946) 60min. B&W Starring: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce; Director: Roy William Neill Terror haunts a train ride from London to Edinburgh! Detective Holmes and Dr. Watson are on board, guarding the delivery of a precious diamond known as the "Star of Rhodesia." When someone is murdered and the diamond is stolen, no passenger is considered innocent under Holmes' critical eye.

Description

Engraving plates stolen from the Bank of England have been hidden in a series of music boxes. With Britain's financial well-being severely jeopardized, Scotland Yard calls on the services of Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and his trusty right-hand man, Watson, to help solve the case. Bonus: Two Original Radio Broadcasts Sherlock Holmes The Book of Tobit Sherlock Holmes The Amateur Mendicant

Customer Reviews:

Dressing to kill.......2006-08-10

Basil Rathbone remains one of only two legendary Sherlock Holmes actors, even to this day. But the music-box mystery "Dressed to Kill" is not one of the better movies starring Rathbone -- while the mystery is genuinely entertaining, the plot isn't quite long or substantial enough.

Three plain music boxes are sold at an auction, one to Watson's old pal "Stinky" (Edmund Breon). The music boxes don't seem to be anything special, which is why Holmes (Basil Rathbone) is intrigued when Stinky is robbed of a similar music box -- and then found with a knife in his back. Obviously there's something special about the boxes.

Holmes and Watson (Nigel Bruce) rush to the next box's owner, and find that the little girl has been robbed by a disguised thief. But Holmes gets his hands on the third box, and learns what the thieves are after, and how the peculiar tune of the music box holds the key to unlimited wealth -- and ruin for England's economic structure.

"Dressed to Kill" was sadly the last of Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes movies, after thirteen other movies that ranged from Arthur Conan Doyle's own stories to ones made up for World War II. Some of those stories were amazing, and some -- like "Dressed to Kill's"'s counterfeiting gang story -- are merely middling in quality.

The music box code and the missing five-pound plates make for an interesting mystery, especially for the first half of the movie. The thieves are especially intriguing, including a menacing colonel, a chauffeur madly in love with his employer, and the well-clad Hilda Courtney, who yanks her mink stole out from under a just-murdered man -- and seems more concerned about keeping the stole pristine.

But the plot just isn't enough to cover even a short film (about an hour and even minutes, in case you're wondering), and after the rescue of the little girl, it lags badly. Even more unfortunate, scenes like Holmes' capture don't have much suspense, even though they should.

Rathbone's performance is as solid as ever, giving Holmes elegant intelligence that he doesn't have to work at. He even gets to give Holmes some wistfulness in the opening scenes. And Bruce gives a similarly pleasant performance, although he does have his goofy moments, like doing a Donald Duck impression for a traumatized little girl.

"Dressed to Kill" is an entertaining mystery, though it's rather slow and simplistic compared to Rathbone's other Sherlock films. But it's still worth watching.

Average customer rating:

Prelude to a murder
Last entry in the series
One of the best plots
All Gussied Up, but No Place to Go
Get it for free

Sherlock Holmes - Dressed to Kill
Starring: Edmund Breon , Lillian Bronson , Nigel Bruce , Patricia Cameron , and Harry Cording
Director: Roy William Neill
Manufacturer: Mpi Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000EMYKJ
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Description

Dressed to Kill (1946) is the fourteenth and final film in the Rathbone/Holmes series. After over a dozen movies and more than 200 radio appearances as The Great Detective, Rathbone felt it was time to move on to other pursuits. Three identical musical boxes manufactured by an inmate at Dartmoor Prison are sold to three random collectors at an auction house in London. A female antagonist (Patricia Morison) and her accomplices attempt to recover the musical boxes using all means possible, even murder. Watson's old schoolmate, Julian "Stinky" Emery, purchases one of the boxes. After an evening of entertaining Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Emery is murdered and robbed of the recently-purchased musical box. Holmes and Watson investigate and begin to realize that the musical boxes contain more than just a swaggering Australian folk tune.

Customer Reviews:

Prelude to a murder.......2006-07-27

Basil Rathbone remains one of only two legendary Sherlock Holmes actors, even to this day. But "Prelude to Murder (or Dressed to Kill)" is not one of the better movies starring Rathbone -- while the mystery is genuinely entertaining, the plot isn't quite long or substantial enough.

Three plain music boxes are sold at an auction, one to Watson's old pal "Stinky" (Edmund Breon). The music boxes don't seem to be anything special, which is why Holmes (Basil Rathbone) is intrigued when Stinky is robbed of a similar music box -- and then found with a knife in his back. Obviously there's something special about the boxes.

Holmes and Watson (Nigel Bruce) rush to the next box's owner, and find that the little girl has been robbed by a disguised thief. But Holmes gets his hands on the third box, and learns what the thieves are after, and how the peculiar tune of the music box holds the key to unlimited wealth -- and ruin for England's economic structure.

"Prelude to Murder" was sadly the last of Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes movies, after thirteen other movies that ranged from Arthur Conan Doyle's own stories to ones made up for World War II. Some of those stories were amazing, and some -- like "Prelude to Murder"'s counterfeiting story -- are merely middling in quality.

The music box code and the missing five-pound plates make for an interesting mystery, especially for the first half of the movie. The thieves are especially intriguing, including a menacing colonel, a chauffeur madly in love with his employer, and the well-clad Hilda Courtney, who yanks her mink stole out from under a just-murdered man -- and seems more concerned about keeping the stole pristine.

But the plot just isn't enough to cover even a short film (about an hour and even minutes, in case you're wondering), and after the rescue of the little girl, it lags badly. Even more unfortunate, scenes like Holmes' capture don't have much suspense, even though they should.

Rathbone's performance is as solid as ever, giving Holmes elegant intelligence that he doesn't have to work at. He even gets to give Holmes some wistfulness in the opening scenes. And Bruce gives a similarly pleasant performance, although he does have his goofy moments, like doing a Donald Duck impression for a traumatized little girl.

This edition has the original black-and-white version, which has been carefully restored to its original sharpness. No scenes in it look washed-out or blurred. The sound is outstanding as well.

"Prelude to Murder (or Dressed to Kill)" is an entertaining mystery, though it's rather slow and simplistic compared to Rathbone's other Sherlock films. But it's still worth watching.

Last entry in the series.......2006-06-10

This was the last entry in the series and while not one of the best, it was still an enjoyable entry. As usual, Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce gave excellent performances. At this point in the series Rathbone was tired of his character role and wanted to move on. Patricia Morison who played Hilda Courtney was a very good antagonist of Holmes. The MPI release is much more superior than some of the other poor releases that have been going around for years.

One of the best plots.......2006-03-23

I have all the Basil Rathbone-Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes' movies. This is one of the best and most interesting of them all. The use of the music boxes and the tunes are ingenious and the solving of the mystery is great. Enjoy and listen carefully and see if you can solve this before they do!!!

All Gussied Up, but No Place to Go.......2005-04-03

Movie: *** _____ DVD Quality: **** _____ DVD Extras: N/A

The final entry in the beloved Basil Rathbone-Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes series relies less on plotting than it does on the expert characterizations of the two leading actors and their onscreen rapport. The mystery is rather simplistic and not particularly compelling: a prison inmate jailed for the theft of Bank of England printing plates has sent out coded clues divulging the location of the hidden plates in three music boxes he has manufactured while in stir. The boxes, intended for his gang, end up in the hands of innocent citizens by mistake. Holmes and Watson become involved in a deadly race to collect the three boxes, crack the code, and find the plates before the prisoner's band of cronies beat them to it.

In their fourteenth outing, the characters of the master sleuth and his sidekick fit Rathbone and Bruce like old, comfortable shoes that are beginning to show their wear. As their deadly adversaries, Patricia Morison, Frederic Worlock, and Harry Cording (remember him as the burly, mute servant in the 1934 film "The Black Cat"?) make an interesting - if unmysterious - trio. The film's name is taken from Morison's character, who has a penchant for dressing to the nines when she's not wearing some sort of disguise. In one scene, a fresh body falls on top of her floor-length white mink, and as she disdainfully pulls the fur out from under the unfortunate victim, she gives the distinct impression of being more worried about her outfit than she is the warm corpse!

The MPI video release features a generally commendable transfer from a 35mm print digitally restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archive. Certainly this is the best edition of the film ever made available on home video; ever since its copyright fell into the public domain, "Dressed to Kill" has been released by second-tier video companies in an unending parade of almost unwatchable washed out and scratchy prints, often plagued by muddy audio. Here, although a couple of scenes briefly appear slightly out-of-focus or overly grainy, the majority of the transfer is sharp and clear in terms of both the video and audio quality. While not the best of the series, the MPI release is nonetheless recommended as a pleasant way to spend 72 minutes, and is definitely the edition to purchase if you plan on adding this title to your home video library.

Get it for free.......2004-11-15

It'll be interesting to see if amazon posts this. This movie can be legally downloaded for free at www.archive.org in their movie section.

Sherlock Holmes: Dressed to Kill/Terror By Night

Average customer rating:

Kill and terror
Two of Basil Rathbone's more distinctive Sherlock films

Sherlock Holmes: Dressed to Kill/Terror By Night

Manufacturer: Diamond Ent. Corp.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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Sherlock Holmes in Pursuit To Algiers

ASIN: B0000B1A6H
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Customer Reviews:

Kill and terror.......2006-08-03

Until Jeremy Brett put on the deerstalker, Basil Rathbone was considered the one and only Sherlock Holmes, cinematically. His excellent performances make both of these movies -- the mediocre "Dressed to Kill" and excellent "Terror by Night" -- definite must-sees, even if you have to deal with some crackling.

"Dressed to Kill" opens with several people bidding on peculiar music boxes, including Watson's pal "Stinky." Stinky ends up with a knife in the back and his music box stolen, which Scotland Yard regards as a curiosity -- and Holmes (Rathbone) regards as a dangerous intrigue.

Now they are in a race against time, against a gang of criminals led by a glamourous woman, who are determined to get their hands on every music box. Holmes manages to get his hand on one of them, but he will have to deal with the gang's desperation -- and their secret plot hatched in Dartmoor Prison.

"Terorr By Night" is somewhat different -- Holmes is hired not to solve a mystery, but to guard the astounding Star of Rhodesia on a train to Edinburgh. Lestrade and Watson are also on board, but all that doesn't stop its owner's son from being murdered, and the jewel (naturally) from being stolen.

Now all three of them -- Holmes, Watson and Lestrade -- begin their own investigations, sometimes with ridiculous results. Holmes quickly unravels a bizarre plot involving the Star, a coffin, a number of unsavory characters... and Professor Moriarty's dastardly sidekick, in disguise.

These movies are not the best of the old Holmes series -- "Dressed to Kill" is somewhat simplistic and overly straightforward for a Holmes flick, while "Terror By Night" is tighter, tauter and more suspenseful, though also more comic at times. There's also a nice twist at the end, with Lestrade and Holmes in a conspiracy that will fool even viewers.

Basil Rathbone was a really amazing Sherlock, with languid demeanor until he finds a mystery -- then he practically crackles with intelligence. Nigel Bruce makes a lovable if bumbling Watson, trying his hand at investigation (and offending his suspects) and making Donald Duck noises at a crying little girl.

This is one of Diamond Entertainment's less impressive pieces of work, although it's decent enough if you want two classic movies cheaply. The soundtrack has that "canned" quality, but is clear except for a bit of crackling (and that pervasive train noise in "Terror"). The picture wobbles a bit and is somewhat blurred by age, though "Terror by Night" is substantially clearer than "Dressed to Kill."

While the prints of this are merely decent, the two Holmes movies on here are still worth watching, if nothing else for Rathbone's wonderful performances.

Two of Basil Rathbone's more distinctive Sherlock films.......2005-09-27

Dressed to Kill (1946) has the distinction of being the final film starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, and I think it closed out the series on something of a high note. The film has a few weaknesses, but it does place the art of deduction on a pedestal above and beyond the action, and that is just what I want out of a Sherlock Holmes film. Needless to say, the plot is not based on any work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but it does try to place itself within the milieu of the canon. Early on, we see Dr. Watson perusing the latest issue of The Strand; A Scandal in Bohemia has just been published, and this leads to a few comments on "the woman," Irene Adler. This sets up the new case in hand, one in which Holmes finds himself greatly tested by yet another woman. Hilda Courtney (Patricia Morrison) is no Irene Adler, but she is devilishly clever enough to pose quite an interesting and dangerous challenge to the great detective.

Like many of the classic Holmes stories, this adventure starts with a common object - a music box. One of Watson's old friends stops by and describes the theft of one of the plainest music boxes in his collection the night before. Thinking it odd that a thief would steal only a seemingly insignificant piece of the collection, Holmes sets his mind to looking for an explanation more complicated than any petty thief theory. He soon finds himself on a search for three music boxes, each of which plays the same tune (but with minor differences). The ultimate quarry is a set of stolen plates from the Bank of England. Convinced that the music boxes contain some type of code pointing to the location of the plates, Holmes is hard pressed to figure out the secret of the boxes. His foe is a clever one; not only is she capable of playing Watson for a fool, she is clever enough to outmaneuver Holmes himself.

A needlessly elaborate method of disposing once and for all of the meddling detective definitely weakens the effectiveness of this story, but all in all I found this a perfectly enjoyable Holmesian adventure. Watching Holmes try to figure out the secret of the music boxes calls to mind the spirit of Holmes' original adventures and showcases the detective doing what he does best.

Terror By Night offers a nice change of pace in the old Sherlock Holmes series of films starring Basil Rathbone as the great detective. The action takes place completely outside the confines of London and 221B Baker Street, centering on a train ride from London to Edinburgh. Holmes has been hired to safeguard an ill-fated diamond called the Star of Rhodesia on Lady Margaret Carstairs' trip home, but he's not alone. Good old Inspector Lestrade is also onboard, posing as a fisherman on holiday. Despite the presence of Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade, though, Lady Margaret's son is murdered and the jewel stolen. The jewel must be in one of the compartments onboard the train, and Lestrade quickly takes over the questioning and searching of the passengers. Dr. Watson - God bless him - also attempts his own investigation, which bears only ignominious - and comical - results.

There are a number of real characters onboard the train, each one of them suspicious in some way or other. There's a rather impertinent young lady accompanying her mother's coffin, a most disagreeable professor, an older couple concerned about the police presence around them, Watson's old friend Major Duncan-Bleek, as well as several train employees. The fact that we the viewers are kept unaware of the culprit's identity until the end is a definite plus - as is the fact that the guilty party turns out to be a jewel thief of much renown. There's as much light comedy as there is drama until the endgame is set in motion, and the ending offers a surprise or two that rescues the film from the realm of the merely average. Terror By Night is not the best of the Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films, but it's certainly an entertaining, reasonably compelling entry in the series.

Average customer rating:

Sherlock Saves the Bank
Standard Sherlock Holmes fare
A Mystery where Cheap Music Boxes are Invaluable!!
Where's my Mary Beth Hughes?
Another good episode...

Dressed to Kill
Starring: Basil Rathbone , Nigel Bruce , Patricia Morison , Edmund Breon , and Frederick Worlock
Director: Roy William Neill
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
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Sherlock Holmes - The Woman in Green
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
Sherlock Holmes - Pursuit to Algiers
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death
Sherlock Holmes Terror By Night

ASIN: B00006AUG1
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Customer Reviews:

Sherlock Saves the Bank.......2006-01-26

The Basil Rathbone - Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes films were moved from Victorian England to WWII England. Also, like the James Bond films, the only thing similar to the books is the title. If you are looking for faithful adaptation of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books then get the Jeremy Brett Mystery series. If you are looking for some great acting and good period mysteries, the Rathbone - Bruce series is great.

A murder occurs but the only thing missing is a music box. Not a valuable or unique music box but an ordinary plain music box. Holmes is able to acquire two similar music boxes and finds that the songs are the same but not. But without the other two boxes, he cannot solve the mystery. The bounty is the location of stolen Bank of England engraving plates. This is one of the best (and the final) of the series and features Patricia Morrison as the seductive Hilda Courtney.

The transfer quality is fairly poor but not awful. These are the kind of films that are not usually subject to restoration and the deteriorated status is that of wear and age. I have seen a new collection but they are quite expensive. So if you just want to have a copy of the films just to enjoy these mysteries, these are fine.

Of course, for most Basil was Sherlock Holmes, this was probably the first films that he had a chance to a role that he could use his substantial talent. Before these, he was usually the bad guy or a minor supporting player. He was an accomplished swordsman and the joke was he constantly had to lose to actors that he could beat blindfolded. So Basil made these quickie films much more depth than they would otherwise have.

Standard Sherlock Holmes fare.......2005-11-01

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce star as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the last of 14 feature films they collaborated on in this entertaining series made between 1939 and 1946. "Dressed to Kill was however not one of their finest flicks.

The plot revolves around a group of three music boxes constructed by an inmate at Dartmoor prison. This particular inmate stole and hid a set of engraving plates for 5 pound notes. Within the music boxes are clues designed to reveal the whereabout of the missing engraving plates.

The music boxes are put up for auction and when their purchasers start winding up murdered, Holmes and Watson begin to investigate. An old school chum of Watson's, "Stinky" Emery, a music box collector, becomes one of the victims. Soon Holmes' attention is captured by a suspicious trio, a distinguished looking retired colonel, a fetching dark haired young woman and a boorish, knife throwing cab driver. Holmes must match wits against this dangerous group to solve the mystery.

A Mystery where Cheap Music Boxes are Invaluable!!.......2005-07-22

+++++

(This review is for the DVD version of this movie by "FOCUSfilm" entertainment and released July 2001.)

This movie is, according to the opening credits, adapted from a story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 to 1930). This was the last movie in which Basil Rathbone played Sherlock Holmes. (This was also the first time I saw Rathbone play Holmes.)

This movie is concerned with stolen counterfeit Bank of England money plates. Of all things, cheap, identical music boxes that play an old Australian song and that were made in prison by the same inmate seem to hold the key to the plates' hidden location. Also interested in these music boxes are three of this inmate's partners in crime: Mrs. Hilda Courtney (Patricia Morison), Colonel Cavanaugh (Fred Worlock), and Cavanaugh's driver Hamid Yard (Harry Cording).

When murders start occurring, Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. As well, the super-sleuth along with his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) helps with the investigation. An attempted murder also occurs.

My favorite quotation said by Sherlock in this movie:

"The truth can only be found by the painstaking elimination of the untrue."

Basil Rathbone captures the essence of the famous gumshoe in his performance. Nigel Bruce as his bumbling aid also gives a superb and, to me, an unforgettable performance. Also, look for the fine performance of Patricia Morrison as the "femme fatales."

This movie is like a time capsule of 1940's London. As well, the background music adds to each scene.

The DVD picture quality is practically perfect. There are no distracting artifacts. However, voices at the beginning of this movie are a bit muffled but this gets better as the movie progresses.

Finally extras include a theatrical trailer, still gallery, and seven original radio broadcasts of "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (3 ½ hours) starring Rathbone and Bruce. I found these interesting.

In conclusion, this is a fun movie that I feel serves as an excellent introduction to Basil Rathbone portraying Sherlock Holmes!!

(1946; 70 min; 12 scenes; black and white; full screen)

+++++

Where's my Mary Beth Hughes?.......2004-09-05

I bought this thinking it was the 1941 b-movie by the same name starring Mary Beth Hughes and Lloyd Nolan (it was labeled as such). I was disappointed, to say the least. This movie's just kind of boring and I didn't get my Mary Beth Hughes eye candy fix. I know this isn't helpful,but some sellers on Amazon Marketplace seem to be getting these two movies mixed up, so be sure to ask the seller which version of Dressed to Kill they're selling before you buy!

Another good episode..........2004-01-28

It is remarkable to me just how much these early Sherlock Holmes' movies influenced the later James Bond films. Ian Fleming makes reference to Sherlock in From Russia With Love, where the Russians refer to the English as having a Sherlock Holmes mentality with regard to James Bond within the British Secret Service.

More remarkable to me is the trademark of - as Dr. Evil would put it - putting Sherlock Holmes in an easily escapable situation by planning an overly elaborate and exotic death and then not actually witnessing his demise but assuming that all goes to plan. I mean, this is Sherlock-Freaking-Holmes here, don't you think that he's going to think of a way out of that garage?

At this stage in the game, without Professor Moriarity to chase around, Holmes is usually pitted against a femme fatale, as in the case of this movie. It is another pleasant mystery in which Holmes must crack a code and then rescue the MacGuffin before the bad guys do. I especially appreciate the nod to Samuel Johnson and Boswell, whose relationship was the precursor to Holmes and Watson.

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