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The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970) Reviews

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)
Member Rating:  
In Billy Wilder's cinematic homage to the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, British stage luminary Robert Stephens plays Holmes, while Colin Blakely is his friend and chronicler Dr. Watson. This self-described "hitherto suppressed and thoroughly fascinating" tale concerns Holmes' search for a missing mining engineer -- a case that may have a far-reaching effect on the national security of England. Along the way, Holmes falls in love for the first time in his life, with enigmatic foreign beauty Gabrielle Valladon (Genevieve Page). In this 1970 film, Wilder emphasizes such then-current topics as homosexuality (notably during the film's prologue) and drug addiction. Christopher Lee, a former screen Holmes himself, has a cameo (minus toupee) as Sherlock's brother Mycroft Holmes. Heavily re-edited and rearranged both before and after its release, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes was a box-office disappointment when it came out in 1970. Since that time, its reputation has grown immeasurably, especially among those lucky enough to have seen a complete print. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Robert Stephens, Colin Blakely, (more)
Director(s):
Billy Wilder
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(11 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Linda S.

It's always hard for anyone actor to achieve the standards set by Jeremy Brett, but Robert Stephens was better than some. The plot was obvious, but it did have some fun twists and turns. Of course, the British Monachy reigns supreme, but that's what we want anyway.

Yes   |   No


Jonathan H.

This was entertaining and had amusing twists and turns to the plot. I consider myself a sophisticated viewer who solves plots, but this unfolds in unpredictable and delightful ways. Christopher Lee plays Sherlock's brother and the DVD extras include a modern-day, much older Lee discussing the movie and how Billy Wilder was perhaps the best director in his career.

Yes   |   No


Geoffrey G.

Pretty modest, considering cast and director. 'The Seven Percent Solution' is much better of this type - I mean mixing H&W with actual historical characters in a non-Doyle story. This is just OK if yer not too much a purist... but what Holmes n' Watson fan isn't a purist?

Yes   |   No


Robert J.

During the first 15 minutes of the film I didn’t think this was going to be a very good film. But one the case got going it picked up fast. It was kind of refreshing to see a lighter Holmes story. That is not to say any of the “holmesian” details are left out. Drug use and the hints that he and Watson are involved are hit upon in a very interesting way. I would think this film is a must for Holmes fans and fans of Billy’s work.

Yes   |   No


Mary E.

I just love Sherlock Holmes movies

Yes   |   No


LEANNE D.

Fun little Sherlock Holmes story, well acted and engagingly funny. It is too bad that the Watson character is written as such a dunce - otherwise well worth watching.

Yes   |   No


Andrew R.

I must disagree with linda s. jeremy brett can no way even come close to the true sherlock holmes ,basil rathbone for the era he played he was perfect if he had the props they have to work with today how much more amazing could he have really become

Yes   |   No


Diana C.

the dvd arrived broken

Yes   |   No


Jim H.

Good plot, good characters, well-acted. Robt Stephens is a little effete, but then Sherlock never married or even had a girlfriend, did he? The best is the extra's. Billy Wilder envisioned this as a 3 hour magnum opus with a prologue and then 3 mysteries. That is very entertaining.

Yes   |   No


Robert C.

a more mordern day version...but left a grreat deal to be desired. the classiic nigel bruce & basil rathbone team can vever be duplicated! just like bogey and becall!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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Member Reviews
Read all (11)
 
Linda S.

It's always hard for anyone actor to achieve the standards set by Jeremy Brett, but Robert Stephens was better than some. The plot was obvious, but it did have some fun twists and turns. Of course, the British Monachy reigns supreme, but that's what we want anyway.

Yes   |   No

 
Jonathan H.

This was entertaining and had amusing twists and turns to the plot. I consider myself a sophisticated viewer who solves plots, but this unfolds in unpredictable and delightful ways. Christopher Lee plays Sherlock's brother and the DVD extras include a modern-day, much older Lee discussing the movie and how Billy Wilder was perhaps the best director in his career.

Yes   |   No

 
Geoffrey G.

Pretty modest, considering cast and director. 'The Seven Percent Solution' is much better of this type - I mean mixing H&W with actual historical characters in a non-Doyle story. This is just OK if yer not too much a purist... but what Holmes n' Watson fan isn't a purist?

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 11 Reviews
 

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