After being acquitted of murder, Sherlock Holmes' (Basil Rathbone) cunning nemesis Professor Moriarty (George Zucco) hatches a plot to steal the famous Star of Delhi from the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. In order to distract the master sleuth from this crime of the century, Moriarty sends anonymous death threats to young socialite Ann Brandon (Ida Lupino in an early role), forcing Holmes and Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) to split up to protect the jewels and prevent her murder. Based on a stage play by William Gillette, this second of the 14 films starring the classic pairing of Rathbone and Bruce is arguably considered the series' finest.

Master sleuth Sherlock Holmes must prevent the brilliant but evil Professor Moriarty from stealing the Crown Jewels.

Second and last film starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes that Fox produced; Universal took over the series thereafter, updating it from Victorian England to the present.

Video available only in the USA.

Film was not taken directly from one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novels, but from a William Gillette play that was itself an adaptation of the original Holmes stories.

The Gillette play was used with permission of the executors of the estate of the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Excerpt: "You've a magnificent brain. I'd like to present it pickled in alcohol to the London Medical Society." -- Holmes to Moriarty

DVD Features:

Region [unknown]
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary
Theatrical Trailers
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Text/Photo Galleries:
Stills/Photos
Production Notes

Basil Rathbone: British Actor
Nigel Bruce: British Actor
Ida Lupino: American Actress, director, HIGH SIERRA
George Zucco: British Actor/"Moriarty"
Alan Marshal: Australian Actor/In USA
Terry Kilburn: Former Child Actor/Director
Henry Stephenson: British Actor
E. E. Clive: British Actor
Mary Gordon: Character Actress

Alfred Werker: 

Gene Markey: American Screenwriter/Producer

Edwin Blum: American Screenwriter
William A. Drake: American Writer/Playwright

Cyril Mockridge: 

Robert Bischoff: Editor -Mark of Zorro