A series of fourteen films based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories was released between 1939 and 1946; the British actors Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce played Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively. The first two films in the series were produced by 20th Century Fox and released in 1939. The studio stopped making the films after these, but Universal Pictures acquired the rights from the Doyle estate and produced a further twelve films. Although the films from 20th Century Fox had large budgets, high production values, and were set in the Victorian era, Universal updated the films to the contemporary era of the Second World War, and produced them as B pictures with lower budgets. Both Rathbone and Bruce continued their roles when the series changed studios, as did Mary Gordon, who played the recurring character, Mrs. Hudson.
The Hound of the Baskervilles

NR 1h 20m 7.4

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Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson investigate the legend of a supernatural hound, a beast that may be stalking a young heir on the fog-shrouded moorland that makes up his estate.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

NR 1h 25m 7.3

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The master sleuth hunts his archenemy, Professor Moriarty, who is planning the crime of the century.

Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror

NR 1h 5m 6.4

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When a Nazi saboteur jeeringly predicts to the nation new depredations, via their radio 'Voice of Terror', the Intellegence Inner Council summons Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) to help in the crisis.

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

NR 1h 8m 6.5

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Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson must protect a Swiss inventor of an advanced bomb sight from falling into German hands.

Sherlock Holmes in Washington

NR 1h 11m 6.7

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Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson travel to Washington D.C. in order to prevent a secret document from falling into enemy hands.

Sherlock Holmes Faces Death

NR 1h 8m 6.9

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During WWII, several murders occur at a convalescent home where Dr. Watson has volunteered his services. He summons Holmes for help and the master detective proceeds to solve the crime from a long list of suspects including the owners of...

The Spider Woman

NR 1h 3m 7

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Sherlock Holmes investigates a series of so-called "pajama suicides". He knows the female villain behind them is as cunning as Moriarty and as venomous as a spider.

The Scarlet Claw

NR 1h 14m 7.2

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When a gentlewoman is found dead with her throat torn out, the villagers blame a supernatural monster. But Sherlock Holmes, who gets drawn into the case from nearby Quebec, suspects a human murderer.

The Pearl of Death

NR 1h 9m 7.1

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When a valuable pearl with a sinister reputation is stolen, Sherlock Holmes must investigate its link to a series of brutal murders.

The House of Fear

NR 1h 9m 7.2

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Sherlock Holmes investigates a series of deaths at a castle with each foretold by the delivery of orange pips to the victims.

The Woman in Green

NR 1h 8m 6.6

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Sherlock Holmes investigates when young women around London turn up murdered, each with a finger severed. Scotland Yard suspects a madman, but Holmes believes the killings to be part of a diabolical plot.

Pursuit to Algiers

NR 1h 5m 6.7

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Holmes is recruited to escort the heir to a European throne safely back to his homeland after his father's assassination.

Terror by Night

NR 1h 6.7

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When the fabled Star of Rhodesia diamond is stolen on a London to Edinburgh train and the son of its owner is murdered, Sherlock Holmes must discover which of his suspicious fellow passengers is responsible.

Dressed to Kill

NR 1h 12m 6.8

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Sherlock Holmes sets out to discover why a trio of murderous villains, including a dangerously attractive female, are desperate to obtain three unassuming and inexpensive little music boxes.

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) background