The Hound of the Baskervilles is probably the most well-known Sherlock Holmes tale. There have been so many adaptations, with some very good (1988 Brett and 1959 Cushing) and some a little dull (2002 Roxburgh), but the story is a very gripping one so its always enjoyable to see. Yet the 1983 version is easily one of the better efforts.
The premise is pretty much the same as the novel. Sir Henry Baskerville arrives in England to inherit the estate of his uncle Sir Charles, who died mysteriously. Dr. Mortimer comes to Holmes with the legend of a demonic hound that has plagued the Baskervilles for many generations, with Holmes deciding to join the case in belief that someone or something is threatening Sir Henry's life. There are some liberties taken and little changes (the addition of Geoffrey Lyons, more of Lestrade and a little more action in the climax). None of these things distract from the story and are actually welcomed in certain places.
Ian Richardson makes Holmes more upbeat and humorous than usual, but he does a fantastic job. He looks the part and handles the dialogue perfectly, whilst nicely balancing wit and seriousness. It is a shame he only got to play Holmes twice. Sadly, Donald Churchill goes a down the Nigel Bruce way of playing Watson. He comes off as slow- minded and clumsy, the opposite of what Watson should be. It does hurt things a bit as Watson is the main protagonist here, but he does have some nice moments and a warmth that never makes him uninteresting.
The support is very solid. Denholm Elliot is very good as a more soft spoken and on edge Mortimer, seeming intelligent and forgetful. Martin Shaw is a little bland as Sir Henry, the accent is also a little faulty, but he does a decent enough job. Nicholas Clay is brilliant as Stapleton, playing up his eccentric side to good effect and keeping the character mysterious. Glynis Barber is fine as Beryl. Brian Blessed and Ronald Lacey are excellent as usual, with Eleanor Bron and Edward Judd perfectly playing the Barrymore's.
The production values are truly excellent. The picture looks great considering its made for TV. The locations used are perfect, the moors looks beautiful of a day and haunting of a night. Even the sets look very authentic and don't take anything away from the film. The soundtrack is also superb, balancing sweeping tones with quiet creepy moments.
The atmosphere is another strong point, this being probably the creepiest version of the Hound. The origins of the legend, the chilling light upon the moor and event parts of the climax are perfect in crafting the scary tone. The hound itself is one of the best, it looks downright terrifying and the phosphorus glow adds to the spectral horror. The more action added to the climax is actually quite welcomed and adds more excitement to the ending.
It might not be a perfect adaption, but this version of the Hound profits from some great actors, a wonderful look and strong atmosphere to be one of the best versions of the classic story.
The premise is pretty much the same as the novel. Sir Henry Baskerville arrives in England to inherit the estate of his uncle Sir Charles, who died mysteriously. Dr. Mortimer comes to Holmes with the legend of a demonic hound that has plagued the Baskervilles for many generations, with Holmes deciding to join the case in belief that someone or something is threatening Sir Henry's life. There are some liberties taken and little changes (the addition of Geoffrey Lyons, more of Lestrade and a little more action in the climax). None of these things distract from the story and are actually welcomed in certain places.
Ian Richardson makes Holmes more upbeat and humorous than usual, but he does a fantastic job. He looks the part and handles the dialogue perfectly, whilst nicely balancing wit and seriousness. It is a shame he only got to play Holmes twice. Sadly, Donald Churchill goes a down the Nigel Bruce way of playing Watson. He comes off as slow- minded and clumsy, the opposite of what Watson should be. It does hurt things a bit as Watson is the main protagonist here, but he does have some nice moments and a warmth that never makes him uninteresting.
The support is very solid. Denholm Elliot is very good as a more soft spoken and on edge Mortimer, seeming intelligent and forgetful. Martin Shaw is a little bland as Sir Henry, the accent is also a little faulty, but he does a decent enough job. Nicholas Clay is brilliant as Stapleton, playing up his eccentric side to good effect and keeping the character mysterious. Glynis Barber is fine as Beryl. Brian Blessed and Ronald Lacey are excellent as usual, with Eleanor Bron and Edward Judd perfectly playing the Barrymore's.
The production values are truly excellent. The picture looks great considering its made for TV. The locations used are perfect, the moors looks beautiful of a day and haunting of a night. Even the sets look very authentic and don't take anything away from the film. The soundtrack is also superb, balancing sweeping tones with quiet creepy moments.
The atmosphere is another strong point, this being probably the creepiest version of the Hound. The origins of the legend, the chilling light upon the moor and event parts of the climax are perfect in crafting the scary tone. The hound itself is one of the best, it looks downright terrifying and the phosphorus glow adds to the spectral horror. The more action added to the climax is actually quite welcomed and adds more excitement to the ending.
It might not be a perfect adaption, but this version of the Hound profits from some great actors, a wonderful look and strong atmosphere to be one of the best versions of the classic story.