A few words on this adaptation of Hound, which seems to get mixed reviews: it does have its weaknesses. There are some lovely shots of moorlands but they are occasionally interspersed at odd moments, not exactly where you would expect establishing shots. The film does give the impression of a low budget in this regard, as well as in the fact that special effects seem limited, especially concerning the titular dog. When Seldon is attacked by the dog, if you're watching carefully, you'll catch footage of Sir Henry's attack. But there is a great amount of period visual detail evoking Victorian England that helps make up for the shortcomings.
Performances are generally excellent. Although some say Jeremy Brett's health was already effecting his performances by this time (this was one of the middle installments of his tenure as Holmes), I just watched this film again recently and don't see it. Just as in the story, Holmes is largely out of the picture while Watson stays with Sir Henry at Baskerville Hall, but there are some really lovely and clever inserts giving us fleeting glimpses of Holmes' activities and clues of what is to come, and whenever he is on camera, Brett shines. I love the excitement in his voice when Dr. Mortimer, upon meeting Holmes at Grimpen, asks if he is any closer to solving the case and if there is indeed a hound, and his simple answers: "I am. There is." The moment is played perfectly. The early scenes at Baker Street, with Holmes and Watson examining Mortimer's stick and Mortimer asking for a cast of Holmes "dolichocephalic skull", are equally delightful. Listen for Brett's signature wonderful laugh. "Behave and sit down, Dr. Mortimer".
The demanding role of Dr. Watson is here ably filled by Edward Hardwicke. Some prefer David Burke, whom Hardwicke replaced in this series, but I find Hardwicke to be splendid and quite convincing as Holmes' likable, solid but sensitive gentleman companion. He does a good job of holding the fort in Holmes' absence. Other standout performances include Alastair Duncan as Dr. Mortimer, an eccentric physician and scientist, who shares a good chemistry in scenes with Dr. Watson. Watch them when Watson comes upon Mortimer's paleontological dig site on the moors. Also, James Faulkner has a strong presence as Stapleton; Ronald Pickup makes the small role of Barrymore, the Baskerville butler, surprisingly full and warm; and keep your eye out for Bernard Horsfall, as Frankland, a colorful local astronomer--a very fun performance. Kristopher Tabori is quite solid as Sir Henry Baskerville, a man who has spent most of his life in America but is trying to be English again.
The proliferation of clues and the story structure is generally handled well, although one or two sequences are strangely short, making it seem rather choppy. Some say the pace is too slow but I don't especially mind. I think the movie works well in terms of pacing when you let it soak in. It does work gradually but there are moments of genuine Gothic atmosphere. There isn't much action; it's more of a suspense piece and, in keeping with the novel, there's plenty of talking, meal time scenes, etc. I think it has an episodic quality and this, too, is in keeping with the novel, as much of Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles is told through diary entries and letters of Dr. Watson and it was originally published serially. I think if you let it unfold on its own terms, not expecting wall-to-wall breathless excitement, it works pretty well, although it could be that a mini-series format would suit this novel quite well.
It also true that music is used minimally. This works at times and may sap the movie of energy at others. As Patrick Gowers' scores for this series are always wonderful, the music is somewhat missed, but I can also see points at which the eerie silence of the remote moorlands is an atmospheric asset. It's definitely a deliberate choice not to be heavy-handed with music but to let a sense of ambiance in and allow quiet to do much of the work. And again, the filming locations for Grimpen are beautiful as is the gorgeous house used for Baskerville Hall. The locations are full of Gothic atmosphere and used very well. I enjoy just seeing Baskerville Hall on camera and getting some of those lovely nature shots. Dr. Watson describes "the beauties of the moor in autumn" and we can see what he means--beautiful.
Overall, this film is highly recommended for fans of the Brett series and of Holmes, especially if you're happy with a low-key, quiet movie that is engaging and has rewards for people are patient with it and let it soak in. And do expect it to be a somewhat low-budget TV film. It's 1980s English TV. It is what it is. For newcomers to the series, The Sign of Four would be recommended first of the feature films, as it's exciting and spirited and a good adventure mystery. Hound of the Baskervilles may be better for when you already love the series and want some more of it to savor on a quiet evening. Like any series, it obviously works better when you're invested in the characters. It's not a perfect movie but along with being based upon a truly classic tale, it's very good for its time and place, with fine acting, filming locations, and photography-- and added pleasure for dog lovers!
