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The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939 film)

1939 film by Sidney Lanfield

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a 1939 film in which Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson investigate the legend of a supernatural hound, a beast that may be stalking a young heir on the fog-shrouded moorland that makes up his estate.

Directed by Sidney Lanfield. Written by Ernest Pascal, based on the 1902 novel by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Sherlock Holmes

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  • The person who wanted to snuff out your life, Sir Henry, was the same one who plotted to kill your uncle. He wanted to get you both out of the way so that he could lay claim to this place, to the whole Baskerville estate. In tracing back his lineage, he discovered not only that he was the next of kin, but also learned that old legend about the hound. So he brought the hound to life by the simple expedient of buying the most savage dog that he could find and hiding it here on the moor until he needed it. If he had succeeded tonight, the blame would have fallen on the legendary monster, and no possible suspicion would have been attached to him. A most ingenious device. And I'm quite sure that he would have had no difficulty in proving his claim to Baskerville Hall and all that goes with it.

Other

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  • James Mortimer, M.D.: Mr. Holmes, we've admired you in the past, as does every Englishman. Your record as our greatest detective is known throughout the world. But this... seeing how you work... knowing that there is in England such a man as you, gives us all a sense of safety and security. God bless you, Mr. Holmes.

Dialogue

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James Mortimer, M.D.: Mr. Holmes, you're the one man in all of England who can help me.
Sherlock Holmes: Well, won't you sit down.
James Mortimer, M.D.: Thank you. A friend of mine is in grave danger.
Sherlock Holmes: May I inquire his name?
James Mortimer, M.D.: Sir Henry Baskerville. Heir to the estate of Baskerville Hall.
[Holmes and Watson exchange a look]
James Mortimer, M.D.: I am in mortal fear Sir Henry's life will be... snuffed out.
Sherlock Holmes: Did he tell you his name?
Cabby: Yes sir.
Sherlock Holmes: What did he say it was?
Cabby: Sherlock Holmes, sir
Sherlock Holmes: What?
Cabby: Well, that's the name what he give me, sir. Sherlock Holmes!
[all laugh]
Sherlock Holmes: Well, whoever it is, at least has a sense of humor!
Sherlock Holmes: [a portrait that he has just seen fascinates him] You must... you must dine with us before you sail.
Sir Henry Baskerville: Well, there's the old boy himself... Sir Hugo. Hugo, the Beast of the Baskervilles.
Dr. Watson: Not a bad bit of brush work. By Ransome, one of the minor painters.
Sir Henry Baskerville: Oh, I don't imagine it's very valuable.
Sherlock Holmes: I can't quite agree with you, Sir Henry. [ominously] One day, it might prove to be of the greatest value.
Sherlock Holmes: There are still some gaps to be filled in, but all in all, things are becoming a little clearer.
Dr. Watson: Not to me, I assure you. It's still a hopeless jumble. Mr. Franklin, Doctor Mortimer, the Barrymans... put it all together and what have you got?
Sherlock Holmes: Murder, my dear Watson. Refined, cold-blooded murder.
Dr. Watson: Murder?
Sherlock Holmes: There's no doubt about it in my mind. Or perhaps I should say, in my imagination. For that's where crimes are conceived and where they're solved... in the imagination.
Dr. Watson: It's a pity you didn't think about bringing that infernal violin of yours... to regale me with some of your enchanting music!
Sherlock Holmes: I did, my dear Watson! Anything to oblige!
[he whips out the violin and begins to play]
Dr. Watson: Then, why are we rushing up to London, leaving Sir Henry entirely unprotected?
Sherlock Holmes: We're not, my dear Watson. We're just giving the impression of rushing up to London.
Sherlock Holmes: The only way is to catch him red handed. To catch him in such a way that there's no escape, no alibi. That means gambling with Sir Henry's life.
Dr. Watson: [horrified] But you can't poss...
Sherlock Holmes: Gambling to save his life. But we've got to take that chance.
Sherlock Holmes: Do you remember that missing boot, Watson? Why do you suppose the brown one, the one that had never been worn, was so mysteriously replaced and the black one taken?
Dr. Watson: Why?
Sherlock Holmes: Because a boot that had never been worn wouldn't have had the scent of the owner... and the black one had!

Cast

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