 |
|
 | |
 | |
|
|
| |
| |
An amusing and clever Sherlock Holmes spoof, with good direction and careful scene and costume direction.
Holmes is played by Michael Caine, and is actually a third rate actor, employed by Watson, who is the real master detective, for reasons of his medical professional standing. Watson is played by Ben Kingsley, and he looks as if he is having more fun than when he was Gandhi.
The latter part of the film is based on a plot to distribute large numbers of forged five-pound notes. Lysette Anthony plays an impish young woman who says she is Lesley Giles, daughter of the Bank of England printing expert, now held prisoner by the gang.
In fact, as Watson discovers, there is no female Lesley Giles, but a son, Leslie Giles, and he is a female impersonator, on the stage in Paris. He too is held prisoner with his father, dressed as a female. In a dramatic finale at a landing stage on the Fleet River under London's streets, and under a closed-down theatre, Watson and Holmes discover the truth, and the false Lesley is exposed.
But the real Leslie is there dressed as a female, and Holmes does not realise his gender, until he gallantly removes the blindfold that the gang have placed on Leslie ... and his wig comes off with it too. Leslie is played by Matthew Sim.
The foolish police Inspector Lestrade has not seen this, and when Leslie has resumed his head covering, Lestrade is encouraged to flirt with "her". Homes and Watson say that she is on the stage in Paris, appearing in "Les Femmes Beaux", which Lestrade does not manage to decode.
The film is great fun and highly recommended.
It has been released under the alternative title of Sherlock and Me.
HF 2000
 |
This Page: Without a ClueReturn to Alphabetical Index PageReturn to Home Page |
Hazel Freeman's |
 |
Hazel Freeman |
and hosted at |
|
