Springorchid Files

The Hound of the Baskervilles, published in 1902, is one of four novels written by Arthur Conan Doyle featuring Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.

This novel is much longer than A Study in Scarlet and it is more popular than A Study in Scarlet. A Study in Scarlet showcased Sherlock Holmes’ observation and deductive brilliance. The Hound of the Baskervilles spent more time on the various characters, inviting the readers to participate in the “investigation”. It is about an heir of a wealthy estate being haunted by a demonic dog that glowed in the dark.

Before I started to compile, I didn’t know there were so many adaptations. Unfortunately, not all 9 listed here are full-length and the quality of some are wanting. They are free so I can’t complain.

This playlist consists of 10 films made from 1939 to the present. One is an animation and one is a Lego stop-motion production. I have also included 1 audiobook and 1 audio play.

1. Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Bruce Nigel as John Watson (1939)

2. Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes and Andre Morell as John Watson (1959)

A young Christopher Lee stars as Henry Baskervilles, the wealthy heir haunted by the demonic dog.

3. Stewart Granger as Sherlock Holmes and Bernard Fox as John Watson (1972)

Not a great adaptation by the Americans, in my opinion. The music, costume and casting were all off for me.

4. Tom Baker as Sherlock Holmes and Terrence Rigby as John Watson (1982)

A BBC Miniseries broadcasted in 1982. It is a faithful adaptation except that Henry Baskerville seems way too old. The pace was a bit too slow for me. I found 6 clips for 3 out of the 4 episodes on Youtube. The other clips were unavailable from Youtube due to copyright restrictions for my region.

The entire miniseries is available on Amazon Prime Video with a paid subscription (affiliate link).

5. Ian Richardson as Sherlock Holmes and Donald Churchill as John Watson (1983)

I think Ian Richardson makes a convincing Sherlock Holmes. Henry Baskerville is portrayed by a young Martin Shaw.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video (affiliate link).

6. Sherlock Holmes and the Baskerville Curse Animation (1983)

Sherlock Holmes is voiced by Peter O’Toole which is what caught my attention.

7. Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes and Edward Hardwicke as John Watson (1988)

This video is no longer available on Youtube. Watch it on Amazon Prime Video (affiliate link).

8. Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century Episode 3 (1999)

This is a British/American animated television series in which Sherlock Holmes is brought back to life in the 22nd century.

9. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson (2012)

The full episode is not free. The following is just a short clip where Sherlock reveals the secret behind the hound. It is quite a good twist from the original. Watch the episode on Amazon Prime Video (affiliate link).

10. Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles Movie Lego Stop-Animation Version (2015)

This is an extremely good attempt by a small production team. Thoroughly enjoyable.

11. Hound of the Baskervilles audiobook narrated by Greg Wagland

Length: 5 hours and 56 minutes.

12. Audio Play by Lions Den Drama Theatre

Length: 1 hour 37 minutes. A dramatization with a full cast.

13. Read the Hound of the Baskervilles Book

• Find it at Amazon (affiliate link)
• Find it at a library

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