Der Hund von Baskerville

Produced in Germany in 1929 with an international cast and a rich expressionist visual style, Der Hund von Baskerville is the last silent Sherlock Holmes film ever made and the first to bring out the defining friendship between Holmes and Watson. American actor Carlyle Blackwell plays Holmes as a serious but good-natured genius and George Seroff is his affable friend and loyal ally, Dr. Watson. The duo attempt to protect Henry Baskerville (Livio Pavanelli), whose family members are dying off amidst rumors of a demon dog. The great German character actor Fritz Rasp plays Jack Stapleton—possessive guardian of young Beryl (Betty Bird)—an eccentric figure who grows even more jealous when Henry begins courting Beryl. While the adaptation directed by Richard Oswald takes liberties with Arthur Conan Doyle’s original story (there are hidden panels, secret tunnels, and diabolical booby traps), it is more faithful than earlier productions and Blackwell is a fine Holmes, seen here in his trademark deerstalker cap and displaying brotherly affection for Watson. The film was a hit in Europe but was never released in the U.S. and was long thought lost until being discovered and now restored (missing and damaged footage was supplied from 9.5mm reduction where possible and bridged with an inventive and effective mix of stills and text where necessary). It’s a landmark film for Sherlock Holmes buffs and will be welcomed by silent movie fans. Extras include an earlier 1914 German production of Der Hund von Baskerville (with disguises, spy gadgets, and crazy plot twists that have nothing to do with the original tale), featurettes on Doyle and the restoration process, and a booklet with an essay by film historian Russell Merritt. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)