Sherlock Holmes had been appearing in the cinema for a dozen years when Georges Tréville made a series of two-reelers for Eclair, a French film company. If you think it odd that a French company was making Sherlock Holmes movies, well, there had been a Danish Holmes picture three years earlier.
Although the other Tréville Holmes movie I have seen, THE COPPER BEECHES did not impress me, since Holmes is too cerebral a character for the silent screen, this is very watchable. The actor fits the lanky image of Holmes and his restrained movements contrast nicely with the stagier performances of the other actors. In addition, the heart of the story is very melodramatic, just made for the screen, and the photography, particularly the outdoor sequences, is very nicely composed.
Although this is not a film to recommend to anyone who is not both a Holmes and a silent film buff, those who are both should find it moderately entertaining.
Although the other Tréville Holmes movie I have seen, THE COPPER BEECHES did not impress me, since Holmes is too cerebral a character for the silent screen, this is very watchable. The actor fits the lanky image of Holmes and his restrained movements contrast nicely with the stagier performances of the other actors. In addition, the heart of the story is very melodramatic, just made for the screen, and the photography, particularly the outdoor sequences, is very nicely composed.
Although this is not a film to recommend to anyone who is not both a Holmes and a silent film buff, those who are both should find it moderately entertaining.