Silver Blaze (1937)

If anyone remembers Jeremy Brett's television interpretation of "Holmes" then they might well see some similarities with the measured, cerebral, style of portrayal here from Arthur Wontner. The detective and his friend "Dr. Watson" (Ian Fleming) must help Scotland Yard Inspector "Lestrade" (John Turnbull) who is investigating a mysterious death at the home of Sir Henry Baskerville. Pretty soon they are embroiled in an historical legend that ends shivers down their spines as well as the equally puzzling disappearance of the racehorse "Silver Blaze" that has gone missing just days before it's big race. The production is a bit stage-bound, but the story is solid and the talent here works well to create and sustain a sense of mystery with this most memorable of "Sherlock Holmes" stories amalgamated with another intrigue. At only just over the hour, it's not so very hard for us to guess who the perpetrator is - the cast doesn't leave us too much room for guesswork on that score, but it's still a decently paced film that I found quite entertaining.