Watch The Scarlet Claw

The Scarlet Claw from 1944 is the eighth movie in the series of Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone as the famed detective and Nigel Bruce as his loyal companion Dr. Watson. The film is directed by Roy William Neill and produced by Universal Pictures. The story begins with Holmes and Watson receiving an urgent request for help from a small village in Canada called La Mort Rouge. They arrive to find that a series of brutal murders have taken place in the village, and the local authorities are completely stumped. Each of the victims has been found with a scarlet claw mark on their neck, leading the villagers to believe that a supernatural creature is responsible for the deaths.

Holmes and Watson, however, are convinced that the murders are the work of a human killer. They set out to investigate the crimes and quickly discover several suspects, including the owner of the local inn, a reclusive scientist, and a suspicious handyman. As they delve deeper into the case, Holmes uncovers a complex web of lies, deceit, and revenge that ultimately leads him to the identity of the real killer.

One of the standout features of The Scarlet Claw is the eerie atmosphere that pervades throughout the movie. The remote Canadian village, complete with dense forests, rocky cliffs, and swirling fog, provides the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The cinematography and lighting effectively create a sense of foreboding and suspense, building tension as the story progresses.

Rathbone delivers a masterful performance as the ever-calculating Holmes, displaying his iconic deductive reasoning and razor-sharp intellect. The chemistry between Rathbone and Bruce is also a highlight of the film, with their banter and camaraderie providing much-needed levity amid the tension.

The supporting cast is also notable, particularly Gerald Hamer as the primary suspect, who exudes a sinister demeanor and keeps the audience guessing until the film's climactic reveal. Other notable performances include Miles Mander as the secretive scientist and Kay Harding as his daughter.

The Scarlet Claw is a tightly plotted and well-executed mystery that leaves the audience guessing until the very end. While it may not be the most complex or sophisticated detective story, it is nevertheless a solid example of a classic whodunit that will appeal to fans of the genre.

The Scarlet Claw is a 1944 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.