Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

When assorted people start having inexplicable delusions that lead to their deaths, a teenage Sherlock Holmes decides to investigate.

Director:

Barry Levinson

Writers:

Arthur Conan Doyle (characters), Chris Columbus (screenplay)

Stars:

Nicholas Rowe, Alan Cox, Sophie Ward

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nicholas Rowe	...	Sherlock Holmes
Alan Cox	...	John Watson
Sophie Ward	...	Elizabeth Hardy
Anthony Higgins	...	Professor Rathe
Susan Fleetwood	...	Mrs. Dribb
Freddie Jones	...	Chester Cragwitch
Nigel Stock	...	Rupert T. Waxflatter
Roger Ashton-Griffiths	...	Det. Sgt. Lestrade
Earl Rhodes	...	Dudley
Brian Oulton	...	Master Snelgrove
Patrick Newell	...	Bentley Bobster
Donald Eccles	...	The Reverend Duncan Nesbitt
Matthew Ryan	...	Dudley's Friend
Matthew Blakstad	...	Dudley's Friend
Jonathan Lacey	...	Dudley's Friend

Storyline

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson meet as boys in an English Boarding school. Holmes is known for his deductive ability even as a youth, amazing his classmates with his abilities. When they discover a plot to murder a series of British business men by an Egyptian cult, they move to stop it.

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Plot Keywords:

cult | sherlock holmes | graveyard | solution | school | 

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Taglines:

Before a lifetime of adventure, they had the adventure of a lifetime.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Family | Fantasy | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 December 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le secret de la pyramide

Filming Locations:

Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, Leicestershire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$4,250,320 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amblin Entertainment, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Barry Levinson:  [Tabakin]  Ralph Tabakin (Policeman in Shop Window) appeared in every Levinson picture from Diner (1982) through Liberty Heights (1999).

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Goofs

Holmes misidentifies Duncan Nesbitt as Rupert Waxflatter in the group graduation picture.

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Quotes

Schoolboys: Holmes is going to solve a crime.

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Crazy Credits

Before the end credits roll, there is a note that the film was an affectionate speculation on Sherlock Holmes' youth, and not based specifically on any of Arthur Conan Doyle's works: "Although Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did not write about the very youthful years of Sherlock Holmes and did establish the initial meeting between Holmes and Dr. Watson as adults, this affectionate speculation about what might have happened has been made with respectful admiration and in tribute to the author and his enduring works."

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Connections

References The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

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Soundtracks

Young Sherlock Holmes - Waxing Elizabeth
Written by Bruce Broughton
Performed by Crouch End Festival Chorus and the The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

User Reviews

Stands the test of time...

I feel one of the true tests of a good movie is how it holds up over time. Can't believe it has been 18 years since I first viewed this little gem, and it was as good today as in 1985! Among other reasons, the Holmes and Watson characters were obviously cast for their youthful likeness to the characters in the old Basil Rathbone series of movies. Take a good look! This a wonderful penning of the proposed early days of the two and a very original concept. Probably only true Holmes officiandos will see some obvious references to the adult Rathbone character, and these add to the cleverness of this version. Make certain to stay 'til the end of the credits; Sherlock Holmes fans will receive an ingenious clue to the his "future".