The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)

A gripping tale of crime and intrigue, played dead straight by the inimitable Basil Rathbone. Although it portrays another world, it still has the power to hold your attention. The story employs the characters of the original Conan Doyle books, but in a created script.

As everyone knows, Sherlock Holmes lived in rooms in Baker Street, London, where Mrs Hudson was his landlady. A servant boy, Billy, (Terry Kilburn) is sweeping the floor of the landing, dressed in a very frilly woman's apron.

Dr Watson arrives and climbs the stairs to Holmes' rooms, and encounters the boy on the landing:

Watson: Well well well well, Billy; that's a fetching little frock that you're wearing.

Billy: Mrs Hudson made me put it on, Sir. I was afraid Mr Holmes or you would see me.

Watson (flicking the flounces with his finger as he walks on): I think it's very becoming, ha ha.

HF January 2006

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