Watch The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It

The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It is a British comedy film directed by Joseph McGrath, released in 1977. Starring John Cleese, Arthur Lowe, and Ron Moody, this film is a parody of Conan Doyle's famous detective character, Sherlock Holmes. The plot revolves around the investigation of a murder that threatens the very existence of humanity. The mysterious death of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle leads his great creation, Sherlock Holmes (Cleese), to team up with Dr. Watson (Lowe) to solve the case. However, in this film, Holmes and Watson are portrayed as completely inept detectives who make ridiculous deductions and mistreat every character they encounter.

As they investigate the crime, they are led to a series of increasingly absurd clues, including the discovery of a secret society of geneticists who are planning a global takeover by replacing the world's population with genetically modified clones. Ron Moody plays the role of the mad scientist who is behind this sinister plot, and he delivers a hilarious performance as the paranoid and eccentric villain.

Throughout the film, the jokes come thick and fast, and there are plenty of references to popular culture and political satire. The film pokes fun at everything from the Royal Family to the CIA and even includes a parody of a James Bond-style villain's lair.

One of the highlights of the film is the performance of John Cleese as Sherlock Holmes. Known for his work with Monty Python, Cleese brings his trademark comedic timing and physical humor to the role of the bumbling detective. His portrayal of Holmes is a far cry from the serious and intellectual character portrayed in the original stories, but it is this departure that makes the film such a enjoyable parody.

Arthur Lowe is also excellent as Dr. Watson, playing the role with a perfect mix of sincerity and incompetence. His deadpan delivery of some of the film's best lines is a particular highlight.

The film's visual style is also noteworthy. With its garish colors and over-the-top sets, the film feels like a loving tribute to the technicolor films of the 1960s. The music is similarly whimsical, with an upbeat score that matches the film's irreverent tone.

Overall, The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It is a hilarious and irreverent parody of the Sherlock Holmes genre. While it is certainly not a faithful adaptation of Conan Doyle's stories, it is a loving tribute to the sillier side of detective fiction. Fans of Monty Python and British comedy in general will find plenty to enjoy in this film, and it remains a cult classic to this day.