J.R. Jordan, author of Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures, has written a new book on the films of another legendary director, Billy Wilder. In Magic Time: The Films and Scripts of Billy Wilder, Jordan takes a film-by-film look at the career and filmography of Wilder, including several films which certainly lend themselves to the fringe of what all monster kids enjoy. For example, most Bela Lugosi fans will likely want to take a look at Ninotchka (1939) to see their beloved Count Dracula in one of his most celebrated non-horror roles.
This book was just released and is now available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover editions. Thanks to the author, I’ve been able to spend some time learning more about Billy Wilder’s films and from what I’ve read so far, I highly recommend all cinephiles to seek it out and add it to your library today. It receives the Monster Movie Kid (and Kansas City Cinephile) seal of approval.
In a career full of classics, such as Sunset Boulevard (1950), Stalag 17 (1953), Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960), Billy Wilder gave us a few thrills along the way. Today, let’s take a look as Billy Wilder visits 221B Baker Street and one of the greatest film detectives of all time in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970).
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Released: October 29, 1970
Cast:
Robert Stephens as Sherlock Holmes
Colin Blakey as Dr. Watson
Genevieve Page as Gabrielle Valladon
Christopher Lee as Mycroft Holmes
Written by Billy Wilder & I.A.L. Diamond
Directed by Billy Wilder
“Criminals are as unpredictable as head colds. You never know when you’re going to catch one.”
– Sherlock Holmes (Robert Stephens)
Plot:
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the case of a woman’s missing husband and become embroiled in a plot involving the British Navy and the Loch Ness Monster.
Richard Thoughts:
I believe I’ve only seen this film once and it was many years ago on a family vacation when I was about 12 years old. I’ve been a Sherlock Holmes fan since childhood and my appreciation for the legendary detective has only continued to grow over the decades. So, it was with an older and wiser set of eyes that I’ve revisited this classic and I must say that I was quite impressed.
Considering how many actors have played Sherlock, everyone has their favorites and I’m no exception. While I wouldn’t say Robert Stephens is my favorite or even in the top five, he definitely earned a spot in my top ten. Since this film is a mixture of mystery and comedy, his interpretation could almost be separated from the more serious incarnations. However, the writing, while a little uneven at times, is highlighted by some fantastic banter between Holmes and Dr. Watson, as played by Colin Blakely. The scene with Sherlock and Madame Petrova is also quite entertaining.
The story is a little fragmented but that was by design as it was originally much longer. It was structured as a series of previously untold adventures with a framing story of Dr. Watson’s narration of past events as his archives were opened. Unfortunately, the studio cut the film from a 2 hour and 45 minute running time to just over 2 hours. The framing story, which was to include Dr. Watson’s grandson, was shortened and two whole adventures, “The Dreadful Business of the Naked Honeymooners” and “The Curious Case of the Upside Down Room” were cut altogether. Billy Wilder’s road show event and potential big moment of his career was left on the cutting room floor. Billy felt the original version was elegant and he was devastated at the end result.
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes is still a fun film, even if the action and adventure doesn’t always mix well with the comedic moments. I would have liked to see Robert Stephens play Sherlock again but he apparently had no desire to return to the role due to the physically and mentally demanding nature of playing such a well-known and robust character. He supposedly even went as far as to tell Jeremy Brett to turn down the role in the 80s. Colin Blakely is a little over the top at times and tends to overact in some scenes but I think he really is a good Watson. And yes, Christopher Lee is along for the ride as Sherlock’s brother Myrcroft. However, his participation in the overall story is somewhat brief, although highly entertaining.
I highly recommend fans of Sherlock Holmes give this movie a try. It may not be the masterpiece that Billy Wilder envisioned but it’s absolutely worth checking out. From production designer Alexandre Trauner’s amazing sets (later seen in Hammer’s Hands of the Ripper in 1971) to the masterful score by Miklos Rozsa, there is much to see and hear that will enhance your overall experience.
Trivia:
The original Loch Ness Monster prop sank to the bottom of the lake and was initially never recovered. A second and smaller version was created for the film. In April 2016, modern technology was used to rediscover the remains of the prop at the bottom of Loch Ness.
Available:
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes was available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber but it’s now out-of-print, so shop around for the best price. It’s also currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
Recommended Reading:
Sherlock fans will definitely enjoy Sherlock Holmes on Screen: The Complete Film and TV History by Alan Barnes. It’s a comprehensive look at the history of the master detective. In it, Barnes comments on this film, stating it’s “an uncommonly charming and atmospheric picture.” A worthy addition to any cinephile’s library.
Monster Movie Kid 