Who Is the Scarlet Claw?
A number of the old Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes movies have recently become available on DVDs and streaming. The Universal series, is well done for a “B” film series. This film would have warmed the audience up for the main feature like Double Indemnity (1944).
In the The Scarlet Claw (1944), Sherlock Holmes, played by Rathbone, is in Quebec, Canada with Dr. Watson, played by Nigel Bruce, for a conference. A series of mysterious murders occur, which the locals blame on a wild animal or super natural occurrence. However, Holmes suspects a human monster.
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
I am a Sherlock Holmes purist, so this series presents a few problems. The biggest objection is Nigel Bruce’s portrayal of Dr. Watson. I don’t have a problem with Mr. Bruce, who simply acted in a comic relief role demanded by producers of the series.
However, due to the popularity of this particular series, many viewers have been led to believe that the literary Dr. Watson was a bungler. The literary Dr. Watson was a soldier, who often handled physical restraining the criminals that they caught.
Basil Rathbone is not gaunt enough to be Holmes. Arthur Wontner was a better fit for Holmes in the 1930s movies. However, Rathbone was perfect voice casting for the role. His distinctive way of speaking and his punctilious manner do match the literary Sherlock Holmes.
This film (affiliate link) is the eighth of fourteen films in the series. My problems with the series do not keep me from enjoying the films. They are tight little mysteries that rarely run for more than 75 minutes.
If you miss a few minutes of the film, you could actually miss the key clue to finding the suspect. I find this quality is often missing in the normal 2 hour plus movie of today.
Have you seen these movies? What do you think of them? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.
