the films of 1939: The Hound Of The Baskervilles

the films of 1939: The Hound Of The Baskervilles by ric gustafson


Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had a character in his mind for a long time. He wanted his detective to be highly intellectual, physically strong, musically inclined and able to deduce truth from clues. Doyle was a doctor but also a writer. He had ten brothers and sisters and loved to tell stories. He became a devotee of Edgar Allan Poe. He began to write a story about a detective and his friend lodging in London at 221B Baker Street. This detective would have knowledge of chemistry, literature and geology. There would be a murder and then the detective would solve it.
Doyle had named his detective Sherringford Holmes but felt that it should be changed. He changed the name to Sherlock Holmes. Doyle finished his novel in three weeks and then tried to get it published. Eventually, Ward Lock and Co bought the rights and gave Doyle twenty five pounds for the copyright. In March of 1901, Doyle wrote a story called ' The Hound Of The Baskervilles' which takes place before Holmes is killed at Reichenbach Falls.
At a cocktail party in 1937, Producers Darryl Zanuck and Gene Markey talked about possible new movie properties. Sherlock Holmes was brought up. Both agreed that Basil Rathbone would make a great Sherlock Holmes. By late 1938, Twentieth Century Fox had a made a decision to make a new Sherlock Holmes film. Sidney Lanfield was selected to direct and Nigel Bruce was selected to play Watson. The film was shot on the backlot at Fox Studios. The film opened in March of 1939 and was praised by the critics and audience.
According to the Guinness Book Of Records, the character of Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed character in film history.
The film has been nominated by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten mystery films of all time.


research help: ' 1939, the making of six great films from Hollywood's greatest year' by Charles F Adams


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric