The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976)

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writers:

Arthur Conan Doyle (characters)
Nicholas Meyer (novel)

Release Date:

2 June 1977 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Adventure | Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

To treat his friend's cocaine induced delusions, Watson lures Sherlock Holmes to Sigmund Freud.

Plot Keywords:

Sigmund Freud | Cocaine | Sherlock Holmes | Subconscious | Kidnapping

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 nominations

Cast

Alan Arkin	...	Dr. Sigmund Freud
Vanessa Redgrave	...	Lola Deveraux
Robert Duvall	...	Dr. John H. Watson / Narrator
Nicol Williamson	...	Sherlock Holmes
Laurence Olivier	...	Professor James Moriarty
Joel Grey	...	Lowenstein
Samantha Eggar	...	Mary Morstan Watson
Jeremy Kemp	...	Baron von Leinsdorf
Charles Gray	...	Mycroft Holmes
Régine	...	Madame
Georgia Brown	...	Mrs. Freud
Anna Quayle	...	Freda
Jill Townsend	...	Mrs. Holmes
John Bird	...	Berger
Alison Leggatt	...	Mrs. Hudson

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:15 (video rating) | UK:AA (original rating) | Netherlands:12 | Sweden:15 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 | USA:PG | Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

Austria

Company:

Herbert Ross Productions

Trivia:

The title of the movie refers to the drug Sherlock Holmes is abusing. He injects himself with a solution of 7% cocaine and 93% saline solution.

Goofs:

Factual errors: During the railroad pursuit, the trains are seen on two tracks that are about to merge. Holmes states that there are no points left to switch. However, the coming together of the two track lines necessarily involves a switching point. And, in fact, that set of points is visible soon thereafter.

Quotes:

[as Holmes' boat pulls away]
Dr. John H. Watson: But how will you live?
Sherlock Holmes: When my arm is better, you would do well to follow the concert career of a violinist... named Sigerson!
Dr. John H. Watson: But your readers - my readers - what will I tell them?
Sherlock Holmes: Anything you like! Tell them I was murdered by my mathematics tutor; they'll never believe you in any case!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Designing 'Salon Kitty' (2003) (V)

Soundtrack:

The Madame's Song

Excellent

Sherlockians will no doubt grouse, but this is certainly the best Sherlock Holmes tale outside the "canon" and one of the best Holmes films ever. Although Conan Doyle never really combined his characters with historical figures, it's a great device. Alan Arkin gives one of his wonderful performances, employing one of his all purpose accents, and initially very understated. Holmes helps bring out heroic qualities you don't suspect in Sigmund Freud, pace, Anna Freud. Nicol Williamson looks and moves like Holmes, truly "hawk-like". Robert Duval is one of the best Watsons ever, outside of the BBC. Some characterizations of Watson make it hard to believe that he could possibly be a doctor, or even any kind of useful member of society. But this Watson is believable as a person, doctor and friend. The plot line also provides an answer as to who Holmes really is, and what makes him tick. Not THE answer, but an answer. A lot of fun, and very well done. Great period color. Don't go all serious, and you'll have a good time. Nice use of the cimbalom in the score during action sequences. Gives it that "Hungarian" flavor.