The Woman in Green (1945)

Directed by: Roy William Neill | 68 minutes | horror, thriller, crime | Actors: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Hillary Brooke, Henry Daniell, Paul Cavanagh, Matthew Bolton, Eve Amber, Frederick Worlock, Tom Bryson, Sally Shepherd, Mary Gordon

‘The Woman in Green’ is an installment in the film series of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories starring Basil Rathbone as the genius private detective Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as his assistant and chronicler Dr Watson. Soon after Conan Doyle starts publishing his stories in ‘The Strand Magazine’ in 1891, he becomes world famous. Sidney Paget’s beautiful illustrations certainly contributed to this enormous success. Countless detective writers, including Agatha Christie, are indebted to Conan Doyle as the inventor of an entirely new genre.

Sherlock Holmes is the most filmed character of all time. Fixed elements include his brilliant ability to infer important matters from seemingly insignificant details, the winged words ‘Elementary, my dear Watson’ and finally the dog-faithfulness of his somewhat gullible assistant. The illustrious couple lives at 221B Bakerstreet and Mrs. Hudson runs their household. Holmes plays the violin, smokes a pipe and, thanks to his genius, always knows how to stay ahead of his opponents and solve every case.

When Scotland Yard is still puzzled after four victims, Inspector Gregson (Matthew Bolton) decides to enlist the help of Sherlock Holmes. Moved by the sight of the young girl’s remains, Gregson urgently needs a drink. Holmes takes him to Pembroke House. There they see Sir George Fenwick (Paul Cavanagh) in the company of the much younger Lydia Marlowe (Hillary Brooke). When Fenwick commits suicide, his daughter Maude (Eve Amber) enlists Holmes for help and tells of the horrific discovery she made.

‘The Woman in Green’ is a different episode in every way. The atmosphere is gloomy and threatening and there are more horrors and violence in it than in the other films. There is also a lot of room for psychological battles, such as between Holmes and Lydia Marlowe. Much is said, but much more is not, which further emphasizes the menacing atmosphere. At the same time, there is plenty of (word) jokes between Holmes and Watson and the dialogues are sharp and fast. The denouement may be predictable by today’s standards, but it would certainly have come as a big surprise at the time. A good and exciting episode.