This made-for-TV movie poses an interesting question: can a burly, Hollywood action man like Charlton Heston play the refined, intellectual Sherlock Holmes? The answer is: of course not. Written and directed by Heston's son Fraser, The Crucifer of Blood is an exceptionally silly exercise in Holmesian idolatry. The long opening sequence set in 1957 India introduces three British officers who conspire to steal the crown jewels and then sign a blood pact to ward off the curse associated with the wonderful booty. Picking up again 30 years later, we are introduced to Sherlock Holmes in a few scenes which milk every possible distinguishing characteristic that we know of the great sleuth in about five minutes. When Irene St. Clair (Susannah Harker) approaches Holmes and Watson (Richard Johnson) about her fearful father (one of the officer trio), the gang begins with a trip to see another of the officers, Major Alistair Ross (outrageously overplayed by Edward Fox), who is murdered when the lights go out during the interview. Before the film is half over, we know exactly who the killer is, and must tap our feet while the incredibly stupid Holmes spends the better part of an hour coming to the same conclusion. While Heston is unquestionably one of Hollywood's most enduring actors, the role of Holmes eludes his thespian grasp--partly due to a natural incompatibility, but also because his son has written a ridiculous script that would have made Sir Arthur Conan Doyle scream "way too elementary, my dear Watson." Not recommended. (R. Pitman)
The Crucifer of Blood
color. 105 min. Turner Home Entertainment. (1991). $89.98. F.A.B. rating: M (Mature) Library Journal
The Crucifer of Blood
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