Watch The Crucifer of Blood

The Crucifer of Blood is a thrilling mystery movie from 1991, directed by Fraser Heston and starring Charlton Heston, Richard Johnson, and Susannah Harker. The movie is based on the play The Sign of the Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and follows the story of a retired and disillusioned Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion, Dr. Watson, as they embark on an investigation of a murder case in colonial India.

The movie is set in 1887, and opens with a scene showing the young Dr. Watson (Simon Callow) arriving in India to serve as a surgeon in the British army. There, he becomes involved in a love affair with a beautiful woman named Mary Morstan (Harker), whose father has gone missing. Watson befriends a fellow soldier named Major Alistair Ross (Edward Fox), a man with a dark past and a severe drinking problem. Ross tells Watson about a mysterious treasure, and gives him a map leading to its location. However, before he can reveal any more, Ross is killed by an unknown assailant.

Years later, Watson (played by Richard Johnson) is summoned to a London flat to investigate a murder. He is surprised to find that the flat is owned by Sherlock Holmes (Charlton Heston) who, after years of detective work, has retired and taken up beekeeping. The murder victim is the son of a man named Jeremy Norton, who coincidentally is friends with Mary Morstan. Norton wants Holmes to help him get revenge on the killer and retrieve the stolen treasure.

Holmes, intrigued by the case, agrees to help. He and Watson delve into the world of Indian politics, as they try to uncover the connections between the missing treasure and the murder. Along the way, they meet a host of interesting characters, including a police inspector who is a fan of Holmes, and a psychic who claims to have visions of the treasure. Eventually, the investigation leads Holmes and Watson to a remote island in the Andaman Sea, where they finally uncover the truth.

The Crucifer of Blood is a gripping mystery movie that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The chemistry between Charlton Heston and Richard Johnson is excellent, as they portray the iconic characters of Holmes and Watson with great skill and depth. The supporting cast, including Susannah Harker as Mary Morstan, is also strong and convincing. The movie is well-directed, with plenty of suspenseful scenes and a lush, atmospheric setting that helps to immerse the viewer in the story.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Crucifer of Blood is the way it explores the legacy of the British Empire in India. The movie depicts a colonial society that is deeply divided and corrupt, and where power and wealth are concentrated in the hands of a few privileged individuals. The mystery itself is intricately tied to this history, as Holmes and Watson find themselves uncovering dark secrets that reveal the true nature of the Empire.

Overall, The Crucifer of Blood is an excellent mystery movie that will appeal to fans of both Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle. The performances are superb, the story is engaging, and the themes are thought-provoking. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good mystery movie with a historical twist.

The Crucifer of Blood is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.