The Sleeping Cardinal (1931)

Watchable mystery-drama with Arthur Wontner and Ian Fleming as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson respectively. A bit slow at times but I still was engaged enough with the mystery element and liked Wontner's portrayal of the classic character. 3.25/5

Arthur Wontner ("Sherlock Holmes") and Ian Fleming ("Dr. Watson") really do foil well together as our deductive duo investigating a dastardly counterfeiting conspiracy conjured from the ever-devious mind of their nemesis "Prof. Moriarty" (? - that'd be telling...). Not unusually, this plot strays quite far from the original serial - as do the characterisations, but Wontner is strong as the sleuth and Fleming offers a much more cerebral contribution as the pair have to thwart the scheming Professor. The story has all of the usual twists, turns and red herrings - but what sets it aside a little is the way in which we, the audience, are given clues by "Holmes" - not always obvious, indeed sometimes they are so obscure as to render all but the most advanced criminologist baffled - and that's part of the enjoyment. We are encouraged to take part, ourselves - and it's not a simple deduction! I've watched this twice now and though, of course, there is no actual jeopardy with the end result, the second time I noticed more by way of guidance from the deft Wontner. Technically - well, it's not the greatest. Though the lighting can help the atmosphere a bit, it doesn't much help us see what's going on half the time; and the script can be a bit dry and muddled at times. I won't fib - Rathbone/Bruce are my definitives in these roles, but if you can put comparisons to the back of your mind, and treat with this as an original - then it's a good watch.