Reginald
Owen, who, while he favors playing on a violin when he, as Holmes, has satisfied himself concerning the most difficult phases
of a crime, does not entertain the use of the "needle" or calm his frayed nerves with the smoking of the once familiar
pipe. And Holmes's friend, Dr. Watson, seems quite changed from the Watson of old. But notwithstanding the modernizing of
these two, this murder mystery is almost as exciting on the audible screen as it was in type in the days of yore.
Mr.
Owen gives quite an effective performance as Holmes. He is a good-looking Holmes and he speaks his lines with due reverence.
Warburton Gamble is interesting as the latest Dr. Watson, and Alan Mowbray, the villain of more than one picture, fills the
part of the much-handicapped Lestrade. In the juvenile rôles there are June Clyde and John Warburton.
Billy Bevan
gives a pleasing portrait of an intemperate Britisher, who might sell his soul so as to have a bottle in his pocket for the
morning. Anna May Wong does well in her part.
The atmosphere of London thoroughfares, including, of course, Baker Street,
is quite well reproduced. And there are also some glimpses in a tap room that may make some sigh with regret that only 3.2
is, so far, here.
Mordaunt
Hall - The New York Times
June 1, 1933
