Cheap The Hound of the Baskervilles (DVD) (Peter Cushing, André Morell) (Terence Fisher) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Hound of the Baskervilles

Beware the moor while darkness reigns and evil is exalted!
The most famous Sherlock Holmes story is given a fine Hammer Films treatment. Peter Cushing, more famous for his movie roles as Dr. Frankenstein and Van Helsing of Dracula fame, does very well as Sherlock Holmes. Cushing's late-Victorian portrayal is faithful to the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Andre Morell is quietly dignified as Dr. Watson. Christopher Lee is atypically cast as the romantic lead, Sir Henry Baskerville. The screenplay is generally faithful to the original novel, although Conan Doyle purists will notice some differences and even omissions in the story's characters. The lush color photography and the rich, old English decor of the sets enhances the spooky atmosphere. Baskerville Hall reminds the viewer of Castle Dracula transported to a remote area in England. The classic mystery tale with supernatural overtones of the hound of hell that haunts the foggy moors and stalks the Baskerville family remains chilling. Although this film is not really targeted at children, it can be recommended as an ideal introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes for the next generation coming up. It's also great entertainment for older viewers who may recall seeing this film and other Hammer horrors at the Halloween horror-fests at "a theater near you" back in the '60s. Make a big bowl of popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy the experience.

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Sherlock gets the classic Hammer Horror treatment
A Sherlock Holmes story wasn't a typical subject for Hammer Studios to film. In the 50's, Hammer was better known for their colorful horror films full of blood, sexy women, and the typically solid acting of Peter Cushing & Christopher Lee. Needless to say, this classic story of Holmes' investigation into the curse of a hellhound is given the usual Hammer treatment. Fortunately, this works all to the benefit of this film, which is both fun and exciting to watch. Peter Cushing, despite being a little too short for the role, is excellent as Sherlock Holmes, conveying both the character's energy and eccentricity. Andre Morrel is solid as the faithful Dr. Watson, while avoiding the buffoonish behavior unfortunately associated with the role. Christopher Lee pretty much has to take a back seat as the endangered heir to the Baskerville fortune, but he puts in a typicially good performance. The film is excellently photographed and it really helps set the creepy mood of the story. While the film takes some liberties with the plot, it is probably the most exciting and engrossing version that I've seen to date. I really recommend this film, especially if you enjoy Hammer films or Sherlock Holmes.

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What a waste of talent!
Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing - sounds like a recipe for success!

NOT!

If you are not familiar with the original story, you will have a moderately hard time following along with this version. It seems very choppy at times and the plot is somewhat difficult to follow.

If you are familiar with the original story, you won't like this one, which may as well be a different story altogether!

Peter Cushing is a great actor, but was ill-suited for this script (since the story mostly revolves around Watson and Sir Henry, of course) - he would have been better off playing Watson.

Christopher Lee is a great actor, but seeing him as a "good guy" makes me realise how poorly cast he was into this role. Also his acting appeared wooden, likely due to the poor scripting of Sir Henry's part. (Maybe he was familiar with the original story and was in shock the whole time regarding what was done with the plot...)