Sherlock Holmes Faces Death

"Don't tell me that you met a ghost."

"Well, not so spooky as that.  Ghosts don't stab people in the neck, do they? Or do they?"

"Not well-bred ghosts, Watson."

Dr. John Watson (Bruce) is working at a convalescent home called Musgrave Manor.  The Musgrave family is notorious in the town and the manor has a reputation for being haunted.  When the other physician, Dr. Bob Sexton (Margetson), is attacked, Dr. Watson asks Sherlock Holmes (Rathbone) for assistance.

When they return to the manor, Inspector Lestrade (Hoey) is already investigating the attack.  He believes the culprit is Captain Vickary (Stone), a wounded American serviceman who is dating Sally Musgrave (Brooke) against the wishes of her brothers Geoffrey (Worlock) and Phillip (Muir).  Holmes discovers the body of Geoffrey and believes there is a bigger mystery on hand.

Holmes continues the investigation, as Phillip becomes the new head of the family.  Everyone at the manor, the injured servicemen, the servants, and the remaining family members, is a suspect.  Can they solve the case before more bodies pile up?

This is the 6th of 14 Sherlock Holmes films to star Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as the titular detective and Dr. Watson.  The story, by Bertram Millhauser, is loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short story "The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual."

The Good:

Rathbone and Bruce are good as Holmes and Watson.  This film marks the second appearance of Dennis Hoey as Inspector Lestrade, and he is a good foil to Holmes.  The story is interesting and the central mystery is compelling.  The atmosphere and camera work are good.

The Bad:

No real complaints.

Other Comments:

-The film features an uncredited appearance by Peter Lawford as a sailor in the opening scene.  Norma Varden is uncredited as Gracie the barmaid.

Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1943) 68 minutes
Director: Roy William Neill
Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
Nigel Bruce as Dr. John Watson

Dennis Hoey as Inspector Lestrade

Arthur Margetson as Dr. Bob Sexton

Hillary Brooke as Sally Musgrave

Halliwell Hobbes as Alfred Brunton

Minna Phillips as Mrs. Howells

Milburn Stone as Captain Vickary

Frederick Worlock as Geoffrey Musgrave

Gavin Muir as Phillip Musgrave

Gerald Hamer as Major Langford

Vernon Downing as Lieutenant Clavering

Olaf Hytten as Captain MacIntosh