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19 out of 20 people found the following review useful: Vastly underrated entry in the classic Sherlock Holmes series, 10 October 2005 Author: The_Void from Beverley Hills, England
You gotta love the classic Sherlock Holmes films - and I certainly do! To be honest, I wasn't expecting all that much out of Terror by Night - it's not often mentioned alongside the best of the series, and I'm not really sure what the reason for that is. Set aboard a speeding train, Terror by Night breathes a claustrophobic atmosphere throughout and does everything that you could possibly want one of these classic pictures to do. The last film in the Sherlock Holmes series, Dressed to Kill, was sub-par (but certainly not bad!) so it's good to see that the entries in the series leading up to that lapse didn't go the same way. The cast outdo themselves as usual, with Basil Rathbone providing the central role as only he can. Nigel Bruce joins him in support as the inept but lovable Dr Watson, and their chemistry is superb as usual. Perhaps not quite as great as some of the earlier films; but then again, they had done this twelve times already by this point. Finally, Dennis Hoey in the role of Scotland Yard inspector Lestrade makes up the cast. His presence really is underrated in the series, and he helps to give the film all-important extra comic dimension.A few of the Holmes films made during World War Two annoyed me because of the rampant and often ham-fisted propaganda themes, so maybe one of the reason why this film appealed to me so much is that it stays away from any such themes. What we have instead is a streamlined and simple plot, which allows for more of what we tuned in for; namely, Holmes solving a mystery. The great detective has been hired to guard a lady carrying a rare diamond, The Star of Rhodesia, aboard a train bound for Edinburgh. I won't give anything else away, but I will say that while a few of the plot twists become apparent before they happen; most of them don't, and Terror by Night represents a solid hour of mystery. The classic style that makes the other films such a joy is here too; and because of the fact that this film (or any others in the series) never makes a direct bid for greatness, it is easy to enjoy and ignore any flaws that may ensue. This film isn't often mentioned when talking about the best Sherlock Holmes films - and it is topped by certain entries in the series. However, Terror by Night is a more than solid entry and you'll do well not to skip it!
16 out of 19 people found the following review useful: Lots Of Characters & Twists - A Fun Train Ride, 13 May 2006 Author: ccthemovieman-1 from Lockport, NY, United States
This Basil Rathbone-Sherlock Holmes adventure involves a bunch of suspects on a train, each looking guilty making the viewer undecided who really is the culprit who trying to steal a precious diamond, "The Star Of Rhodesia."With all these suspects (who are fun to watch), there a number of twists every five minutes to keep us all guessing. There isn't a lot of action, but just enough to keep things lively. Once again Nigel Bruce as "Dr. Watson," provides the humor with his mumbling and bumbling aboard the train. It's always fun to see the equally-bumbling Inspector Lestrade, (Dennis Hoey) too.What I really appreciated was the fine transfer the UCLA 35mm "restored" process team did on this disc. It looks great. Speaking of looks, there is a very attractive woman aboard, Rene Godfrey, but she must have gotten the part because of those looks because she's not much of an actress. It didn't matter; she didn't have a lot of lines. The wrap-up at the end went a little quickly but overall I have no complaints about this Holmes entry. I would watch it multiple times and always enjoy it.
14 out of 16 people found the following review useful: Pardon Me Boys Is That the London to Edinburgh Choo Choo?, 10 September 2005 Author: BaronBl00d (baronbl00d@aol.com) from NC
As fast-paced, tightly-woven Sherlock Holmes mystery as you will find, Terror by Night tells of a famous jewel being transported from London to Edinburgh with the watchful eye of Sherlock Holmes and befuddled, faithful Watson in tow. Along for the ride are Inspector Lestrade, arch-criminal Colonel Sebastion Moran, a cast of eccentric, Victorian-type characters including a wonderful professor of mathematics(not Moriarity), and a train that gives off the right mood for murder and intrigue. I really liked this addition to the series of Holmes' films. It is not the finest of the lot, but it ranks right up there in terms of what it delivers. Good, solid direction from Holmes veteran Roy William Neill, quality, reliable acting from leads Rathbone and Bruce, exceptional character acting from Alan Mowbry and company, and a zippy pace connected to a script that is able to develop the plot and suspense despite the length of the film being just under an hour. All aboard! You won't regret taking this ride if you like good, old-fashioned suspense.
14 out of 16 people found the following review useful: The Sherlock Holmes Express, 1 September 2002 Author: telegonus from brighton, ma
I'm especially fond of this late entry in the Rathbone-Bruce Sherlock Holmes series of the forties. It's one of the more cheaply made ones, set almost entirely aboard as fast-moving train. The story concerns Holmes' efforts to make sure that a valuable diamond, the Star Of Rhodesia, does not get stolen. There are some awfully suspicious characters around, some of them quite cranky. Holmes is his usual unflappable self, Watson bumbles and enrages people, Inspector LeStrade is his always stupid and yet somehow reassuring self. The supporting cast is, as usual for this series, exceedingly well-chosen. Skelton Knaggs makes the most of his small role. I especially like Alan Mowbray's performance as a fellow who pals around with Watson. Mowbray was smooth as silk as an actor, and in his languid way as sharp as Rathbone. The revelation of the criminal and the circumstances surrounding it are handled in a manner surprisingly baroque even for a Sherlock Holmes film, and are so sudden and jarring,--one doesn't expect the movie to end quite this way--that the ending actually improves on the second and third viewing. How many films can you say that about?
11 out of 12 people found the following review useful: Strangers, Suspects and Super-detectives on a train!, 6 February 2006 Author: Coventry from the Draconian Swamp of Unholy Souls
Rather short (60min.) and fast-paced last but one Sherlock Holmes adventure, entirely set on an express train and once again revolving on the theft of a very valuable diamond. Holmes and Dr. Watson are hired to keep an eye on the "Star of Rhodesia"; a most precious jewel that travels from London to Edinburgh, along with its owner, Inspector Lestrade from Scotland Yard and a whole carriage of oddly behaving suspects. When the person who hired Sherlock Holmes is found murdered in his compartment, our master-detective has to come up with some of his most amazing deduction skills to catch the culprit. Although still highly enjoyable and compelling, this installment shows that the overall brilliant series is slightly "running out of steam" (pun intended!). Holmes' inimitable investigation techniques are becoming less and less perplexing and the plot-twists occasionally are repetitive, or at least give the impression to be. Even poor Dr. Watson is turning more and more into a caricature of himself, here pretending to be a police officer in order to prove that he can handle the work of Scotland Yard. On the other hand however, thanks to a couple of effective and innovating elements, avid fans of the Sherlock Holmes cycle could righteously claim that "Terror by Night" is a very underrated and actually one of the best film in the series! The train setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere and writer Frank Gruber put a lot of effort in the characterizations of the supportive cast, making all of them look suspicious. Fans of classic cinema, horror and film-noir should all get aboard!
10 out of 11 people found the following review useful: Pretty Good Atmospheric Holmes Mystery, 30 May 2001 Author: Snow Leopard from Ohio
One of the many Sherlock Holmes movies with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce appearing as Holmes and Watson, "Terror By Night" is distinguished by a good, atmospheric setting on a train. Much of the plot itself is fairly routine, but the setting and a good climax make this a worthwhile film.The action takes place on a train heading from London to Edinburgh, with Holmes being employed to protect a valuable diamond. Not only is there a robbery, but a murder as well, and Holmes must investigate within the confines of the train. Much of it is routine by the standards of the series, but there are a couple highlights, plus a good climax with some interesting final twists.The train setting is the best aspect of this one. The details of the train's motion and arrangement are done convincingly. They make the film pleasant to watch, and a train is an ideal setting for a Holmes mystery. The setting also allows Bruce, as the well-meaning but bumbling Dr. Watson, to have some of his best moments as he earnestly but unsuccessfully tries to help with the investigation.While unspectacular, most fans of the Holmes series should find "Terror By Night" pleasant and entertaining.
10 out of 11 people found the following review useful: one of the best cases holmes has been on, 24 April 2001 Author: GreyFox37 from USA
now this was a good movie. holmes and watson must protect the star of rhodesia on a train bound for scotland from another one of holmes arch rivals, Sabastian Moran. this movie portrayed the elements of a great case, lots of suspects, a dark atmosphere, a second hand, a few murdrs, and a plot twist at the end. this is a must see for any holmes fans!
7 out of 7 people found the following review useful: Clever, brisk and thoroughly entertaining..., 12 December 2006 Author: Neil Doyle from U.S.A.
There's not a second of screen time wasted in telling the tale of the Star of Rhodesia diamond that is stolen aboard an express train--and, of course, Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Insepctor LeStrade are all aboard the train, having been advised that someone is going to make an attempt to steal it.This low-budget Universal entry is easily one of the best of the Universal features co-starring BASIL RATHBONE and NIGEL BRUCE. Bruce is especially funny as he decides to do some investigating himself, with amusing false clues leading him astray. Rathbone is completely suave and relaxed as Holmes, less snappy than usual in the way he treats Watson and much more likable in the role than he has been in other entries.The plot abounds with the usual assortment of suspicious characters, but of all the supporting players ALAN MOBRAY is the one who stands out as the man who befriends Watson.Despite the low-budget trimmings and overuse of miniatures to show a train racing through the fog at night, the story is taut and the whole affair is intriguing enough to keep you watching until the unusual ending--where a double twist is completely unexpected.Highly enjoyable Holmes adventure, well-paced and entertaining.
7 out of 7 people found the following review useful: All aboard for murder!, 15 May 2005 Author: Gary170459 from Derby, UK
Or so the trailer for Terror By Night went, also "A thrill a mile at 90 miles an hour". This means with a meagre "running" time of 57 minutes I should have had 85.5 thrills, and does this astounding feat of mathematic calculation make me Colonel Sebastian Moran?!I've always enjoyed this penultimate Rathbone Holmes film, although my daughter (Chunky Chops) has always been rather bored by it and only ever watches it again because we've usually seen the previous twelve outings in quick succession. Rathbone was certainly getting fed up with the role by now and it showed. However, it's a pleasant whodunnit, with many scenes and accents to either admire or hoot at. Universal couldn't have had a large bill for the sets, as nearly all the action is on board a train - the London to Scotland where a murder has been committed to gain possession of a privately owned huge diamond. Apart from its shortness the only other thing to slightly let TBN down for me is the climactic fight - where fantasy becomes the far-fetched involving the ultimate non-sequiteur I believe! A nice little film for the discerning viewer who paradoxically doesn't want to think too much but simply revel in the atmosphere and the 85.5 thrills of the chase!
10 out of 13 people found the following review useful: One of the Best Classic Sherlock Holmes Films !, 1 September 2004 Author: whpratt1 from United States
Movie goers in the late 1930's and 40's thought this team of actors performed exactly how Sherlock Holmes was suppose to be in real life. Basil Rathbone,(Sherlock Holmes),"The Black Cat",'41 always gave an outstanding performance and his very appearance added greatly to his role as the famous English detective from London, England. Nigel Bruce(Dr. John H. Watson),"The Corn Is Green",'45 played the sidekick to Holmes and appeared goofy at sometimes. This entire film dealt with a long train ride, running in and out of compartments and even looking into a coffin. Alan Mowbray,(Maj.Duncan-Bleek),"I Wake Up Screaming",'41 gave a great supporting role and kept Dr. Watson busy playing Gin Rummy during the "Lionel Train Ride" in Black & White! Skelton Knaggs,(Sands),"Bedlam",'46, put his ugly face into the plot and as always gave a great supporting role. If you love Classic Holmes Films and these great veteran actors, this is just one of the great films Rathbone & Bruce appeared in!
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