The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
One of the most famous and frequently adapted stories in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series, The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959), directed by Terence Fisher, is a gothic horror thriller that brings Sherlock Holmes’ deductive brilliance to one of his darkest cases. Produced by Hammer Films, known for their horror films, this adaptation stars Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes and Christopher Lee as Sir Henry Baskerville. Set on the misty moors of England, this version blends mystery with eerie atmospheres, suspense, and some gothic horror elements that made Hammer Films famous.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, themes, and the haunting style of The Hound of the Baskervilles, along with detailing where U.S. audiences can watch the film online.
Overview of The Hound of the Baskervilles
The story of The Hound of the Baskervilles revolves around the legendary curse that haunts the Baskerville family. According to legend, the Baskervilles are doomed to be hunted by a supernatural hound, a punishment for the misdeeds of their ancestor, Sir Hugo Baskerville. After Sir Charles Baskerville dies under mysterious circumstances on the moors, his heir, Sir Henry Baskerville (Christopher Lee), returns to Baskerville Hall. Fearing for Sir Henry’s life, Dr. Mortimer calls upon Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing) and Dr. Watson (André Morell) to investigate.
Holmes sends Watson ahead to Baskerville Hall while he stays in London, but it soon becomes clear that something far more sinister is at play. As Watson uncovers strange events on the moor, from suspicious neighbors to the howling of a beast in the night, Holmes reappears, ready to solve the mystery before Sir Henry meets the same fate as his ancestors.
Plot and Themes
At the heart of The Hound of the Baskervilles is the tension between rationality and the supernatural. Sherlock Holmes, the ultimate rationalist, is pitted against what appears to be a supernatural threat—a monstrous, spectral hound. Holmes’ task is not only to uncover the truth behind the Baskerville curse but also to dispel the superstitions that surround it.
The theme of fear and superstition versus logic and reason is central to the story. The Baskerville legend has held the local community in fear for generations, and the haunting moors, with their gloomy atmosphere and sense of isolation, serve to amplify that fear. Holmes’ job is to strip away the layers of myth to reveal the cold, hard truth, which he does with his trademark sharp wit and unshakeable belief in rational explanation.
The movie also explores the idea of legacy and guilt. The Baskerville family’s curse is tied to the immoral actions of their ancestor, and the question of whether the current heir, Sir Henry, is doomed by his bloodline looms large throughout the film.
Performances and Characters
Peter Cushing’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is one of the standout elements of this adaptation. Cushing brings an energy and sharpness to the role, portraying Holmes as both intensely intellectual and somewhat cold, a man always a few steps ahead of everyone else. His Holmes is fastidious, precise, and detached, but he also shows a keen sense of justice. Cushing’s performance adds a layer of intensity that fits well with the darker tone of the film.
Christopher Lee, as Sir Henry Baskerville, plays the role with a sense of vulnerability and inner turmoil. Lee, often known for his roles as villains in Hammer horror films, brings an emotional depth to Sir Henry, who is not only facing the potential danger from the hound but is also grappling with the weight of his family’s dark past. His portrayal balances strength and fragility, making Sir Henry a sympathetic character.
André Morell, as Dr. Watson, delivers a more competent and assertive version of the character compared to other portrayals where Watson is often the comic relief. Morell’s Watson is a capable partner for Holmes, and his steadfast loyalty to Holmes shines through.
Supporting performances from Francis de Wolff as Dr. Mortimer and Marla Landi as Cecile Stapleton add to the film’s mystery and gothic atmosphere.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Terence Fisher’s direction brings a unique gothic horror twist to The Hound of the Baskervilles. Unlike previous adaptations that leaned more toward mystery and detective work, this version embraces the eerie, atmospheric qualities of the story. Fisher, famous for his work on Hammer Films’ horror movies like Dracula and Frankenstein, uses the moody landscape of the moors and the decaying grandeur of Baskerville Hall to create a haunting setting.
The cinematography by Jack Asher enhances the sense of dread that permeates the film, particularly in the scenes set on the fog-shrouded moors. The stark contrast between light and shadow, the ominous mist that rolls across the landscape, and the looming ruins of Baskerville Hall all contribute to the gothic tone. This is not the bright, logical world of London that Holmes typically inhabits—here, the boundaries between reality and legend are blurred.
The hound itself, while a physical creation, is shot in such a way that it appears monstrous and otherworldly. The film’s score, composed by James Bernard, heightens the tension with its dramatic and eerie melodies, complementing the gothic mood.
Where to Watch The Hound of the Baskervilles Online
For U.S. audiences looking to watch the 1959 adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles, several streaming platforms offer the movie for rent or purchase.
1. Amazon Prime Video
The 1959 version of The Hound of the Baskervilles is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, while purchasing the film costs around $9.99 to $12.99, depending on the resolution.
2. Apple TV
For Apple users, Apple TV offers The Hound of the Baskervilles for rent or purchase. The rental price is usually $3.99, and purchasing the film costs about $9.99. Apple TV’s platform is well-suited for those who prefer to watch movies on their iOS devices.
3. Vudu
Another option is Vudu, where the movie can be rented for around $3.99 and purchased for $9.99 to $12.99. Vudu frequently offers special deals on rentals, making it a budget-friendly option for classic film lovers.
4. Google Play Movies & TV
For Android users, Google Play Movies & TV offers The Hound of the Baskervilles for rent or purchase. Rentals generally start at $3.99, and purchases range from $9.99 to $12.99. This platform provides flexibility for watching the movie across different Google-enabled devices.
Conclusion
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) stands as one of the finest adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale, thanks to its masterful blend of mystery, suspense, and gothic horror. Peter Cushing’s sharp, precise portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, combined with Christopher Lee’s emotional depth as Sir Henry Baskerville, elevates the film into one of the best Holmes adaptations of its era. Terence Fisher’s direction brings a unique gothic atmosphere to the story, making it a gripping and eerie viewing experience.
For U.S. audiences, The Hound of the Baskervilles is available on popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies & TV. Whether you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes or Hammer horror films, this adaptation is a must-watch for its atmospheric storytelling and unforgettable performances.
