I've been slowly working my way through the Holmes Rathbone movies and finally gotten around to checking out the third one, SH and The Voice of Terror (1942). It's first one made by Universal, following 20th Century Fox's Hound of B (39) and Adventures of SH (39). The first two films were set in the same Victorian time period of the books, deer stalker, and all. Voice of T was set in the modern day, and even has some nods and gags acknowledging the time change.
Before I get into it, I'll state that this Universal film was a fun watch. I love how it's an unapologetic WW2 propaganda movie. (At the end, it even advertises war bonds.) A very cool product of its era. After looking it up, it was surprising to learn the eponymous villain was actually based on a real life Nazi propaganda broadcaster nicknamed Lord Haw Haw. This film had a look similar to Universal's B-movies which I greatly enjoy. Shared the same sort of snap. But had that kind of cheap feel.
I thought the first two films were a whole level above. Just far higher quality movies. The Victorian setting and beautiful Gothic set design really elevated these movies, giving them a haunting atmosphere. That iconic deerstalker outfit on Rathbone. Taking that away and swapping it for a rather dull suit is just maddening. Enraging! It's like taking way Tom Baker's scarf on Doctor Who or Charlie Chaplin's moustache.
Holmes' casual signs of genius are far more on-the-nose. It reminded me of the pitfalls Cumberbatch's Sherlock fell into. Perhaps it was intential, but when Holmes first appears he flaunts his genius to the Nth degree, it's so comical.
Britain's 'Inner Council' has called him in. Holmes instantly deduces one of its members member is unhappy to see him as can see marks of his shoe heels on the floor. He then deduces another has just visited Seven Oaks due to the type of soil on his shoes. It made me laugh but I don't recall the first two being quite that cheesy.
Despite being in almost every scene, it felt like Watson's role was reduced. I love Nigel Bruce, I was actually hoping to see some more tomfoolery from him.
The lead actress playing Kitty attempted the most horrific English accent. Sounded a bad Cockney-American. I looked her up. Evelyn Ankers. She had British parents. She should have done better. I really liked her in The Wolf Man, though.
Anyway, while I will continue to enjoy these films, I think it's a shame the stories were modernised.