On March 31, 1939, 20th Century Fox (per prolific producer Darryl F. Zanuck) released director Sidney Landfield/scripter Ernest Pascal's acclaimed adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles".
The novel was, in fact, a prequel to Doyle's many popular stories featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watston, but this particular adaptation served as a significant springboard for a movie series starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as the shrewd Baker Street duo. (The initial sequel to "Baskervilles" appeared six months later, sealing the revered teaming of Rathbone and Bruce for what became a fourteen-chapter run.)
Like its iconic stars, the supporting cast is well suited, with Richard Greene as Sir Henry Baskervilles; Wendy Barrie as Beryl Stapleton; Morton Lowry as Jack Stapleton; Lionel Atwill as Dr. James Mortimer; Beryl Mercer as Jennifer Mortimer; and John Carradine as Barryman the butler. The exemplary ensemble is enhanced by J. Peverell Marley's haunting photography, which brings Doyle's "demon dog" chiller to ferocious life.
"Hound of the Baskervilles '39" was one the most successful movies in a year populated by destined classics. Though other successful Holmes submissions had come before it and others would follow (in particular the revered, Terence Fisher/Hammer '59 "Baskervilles" remake, which will soon celebrate its 60th anniversary), the '39 edition is the sagacious standard for anyone with a penchant for mystery.
Also, when it comes to fog-drenched craftiness, "Baskervilles '39" is the one-and-only initiator of further Holmes indulgences and that includes the Rathbone/Bruce installments and all those beyond.
Grant it a dutiful view today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbfc_FfGB9E
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