Question 1

What famous phrase did Sherlock Holmes utter for the first time in a film adaptation in this movie?

Accepted Answer

This was the first adaptation where Sherlock Holmes uttered the phrase, 'Elementary, my dear Watson', which was never uttered in the original stories.

Question 2

What historical event coincided with the release date of this film?

Accepted Answer

The film was released on September 1, 1939, the same day as the German invasion of Poland.

Question 3

What is the central conflict that drives the plot of this Sherlock Holmes adventure?

Accepted Answer

Professor Moriarity develops a murderous plan to 'finish off' his last major nemesis, Sherlock Holmes, by making him fail to prevent the perfect crime.

Question 4

Which actor played Billy in this film, and what notable connection does the character have to stage history?

Accepted Answer

Terry Kilburn plays Billy. The film is based on an 1899 stage play by William Gillette, which was the stage debut of Charles Chaplin, playing the character of Billy.

Question 5

What was significant about Basil Rathbone's costume in this film compared to his later Sherlock Holmes roles?

Accepted Answer

This is the last time Basil Rathbone would wear the famous deerstalker hat and cape in the 14 Holmes films, though you can still see the hat hanging on the hat stand in the early Universal Holmes movies.

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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

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