The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939): Cast & Plot
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a 1939 mystery thriller directed by Alfred L. Werker, starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, George Zucco and Nigel Bruce. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 25m (85 min)
- Director
- Alfred L. Werker
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- 20th Century Fox
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes About?
The premise of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A battle of intellects unfolds as Professor Moriarity, having eluded conviction once more, devises a murderous scheme to eliminate his greatest foe, Sherlock Holmes, by forcing him to miss the chance to stop the perfect crime. The plot may involve a family curse, the Crown Jewels of England, or another mysterious element.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- jewel
- tower of london
- playing flute
- chinchilla foot
- albatross
- death threat
- emerald
- woman in jeopardy
- sherlock holmes character
- dr. john watson character
- five word title
- psychotronic film
+38 more Show fewer
- year 1894
- europe
- solicitor
- male police officer
- 1890s
- housefly
- stage thriller
- old dark house
- 19th century
- sweeping under a rug
- based on a stage play
- mentor protege relationship
- pressing a flower
- straight edge razor
- screaming
- woman faints
- 19th century england
- second in series
- theft
- theft of the crown jewels
- arch enemy
- part of series
- conspiracy thriller
- crown
- crown jewels
- murder
- second part
- diversion
- shaving off beard
- male singer
- natural sponge
- lucky charm
- playing piano
- footprints
- lying in the street
- bowler hat
- top hat
- poem
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Cast & Characters
Basil Rathbone leads the cast as Sherlock Holmes, with George Zucco as Professor Moriarty and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Directed by Alfred L. Werker; 37 actors are credited in all.
- Director Alfred L. Werker
-
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes - George Zucco as Professor Moriarty
-
Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson - Ida Lupino as Ann Brandon
Also Starring in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
· 33 more- Peter Willes Lloyd Brandon
- George Regas Henchman Mateo
- Robert Cory Tower Sentry (uncredited)
- Henry Stephenson Sir Ronald Ramsgate
- Mary Gordon Mrs. Hudson
- Harry Cording Second Fake Constable (uncredited)
- Holmes Herbert Justice of the Court
- Eric Wilton Conyngham Butler (uncredited)
- Leyland Hodgson Bobby (uncredited)
- Herbert Evans Scotland Yard Man (uncredited)
- Leonard Mudie Barrows - Moriarty's Attorney (uncredited)
- Charles Irwin Marine Sergeant (uncredited)
- Mary Forbes Lady Conyngham
- E. E. Clive Inspector Bristol
- Frank Baker Tompkins (uncredited)
- Ivan F. Simpson Gates - Trial Prosecutor (uncredited)
Show all 37 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Arthur Hohl Henchman Bassick
- Robert R. Stephenson Cabby (uncredited)
- Ted Billings Pub Customer (uncredited)
- Boyd Irwin Bobby (uncredited)
- Gordon Hart Guard (uncredited)
- May Beatty Mrs. Jameson, Brandon Housekeeper
- William Austin Inquisitive Stranger
- Keith Hitchcock Constable (uncredited)
- Alan Marshal Jerrold Hunter
- Neil Fitzgerald Clerk of the Court (uncredited)
- Terry Kilburn Billy
- Frank Dawson Dawes, Moriarty's servant
- Frank Benson Cockney (uncredited)
- Denis Greene Denis Green (uncredited)
- Ivo Henderson Bobby (uncredited)
- Anthony Kemble-Cooper Tony Conyngham
- Robert Nobel Foreman of the Jury (uncredited)
More from Alfred L. Werker
More films directed by Alfred L. Werker: The Young Don’t Cry, Rebel in Town, At Gunpoint and Three Hours to Kill.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Plot Summary
What happens in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1894, George Zucco as Moriarty and Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes verbally spar on the steps outside the Old Bailey, where Moriarty has just been acquitted on a murder charge owing to lack of evidence.
You have a magnificent brain, Moriarty. I admire it. I admire it so much I’d like to present it, pickled in alcohol, to the London Medical Society.
It would make an impressive exhibit.
Full summary
The whole story of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the 1939 film?
Seen The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?
Movies Like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes Faces Death.
-
Sherlock Holmes 2009 -
Sherlock Holmes 1922 -
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death 1943 -
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon 1942 -
Holmes & Watson 2018 -
Young Sherlock Holmes 1985 -
Sherlock Holmes 1932 -
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Treasures of Agra 1983 -
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes 1970 -
The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes 1935 -
Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace 1962 -
Sherlock Holmes 1916
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).
When was The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes released?
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was released on September 1, 1939.
Who directed The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was directed by Alfred L. Werker.
More films by Alfred L. Werker Who is in the cast of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes stars Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, George Zucco as Professor Moriarty and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, among 37 credited actors.
Does The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes have a post-credit scene?
No. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
