by Ted Davis

English Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Directed by: Richard Oswald

Synopsis: An atmospheric adaptation of the famous Arthur Conan Doyle mystery novel, which utilizes a number of tropes from that era’s old-dark-house movies and adventure serials, featuring a surprisingly robust and hearty Sherlock Holmes (Carlyle Blackwell), who designates his loyal and cheery friend, Dr. John Watson (George Seroff), to act as his surrogate to visit the remote and spooky Baskerville Hall and protect the endangered Sir Henry Baskerville (Livio Pavanelli), who is the last of his line, from a prompt and violent demise.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Late one evening in forbidding Baskerville Hall a restless Watson is unable to sleep and is disturbed by strange noises outside his door. He leaves the bedroom to investigate and eventually discovers the cause of at least one of the noises — a young tuxedo cat is frisking on the staircase with a ball, the sound of which, bumping down the stairs, so discomfited the good Watson.

The cat notices Watson, who is smiling genially at him, and stops his play with the ball. The cat arches his back slightly, not yet in full spitting mode, and hops up the stairs and out of the movie.

Final Mewsings: Cats, whether frisky or not, will always have a welcome spot in old dark house movies.

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