The Speckled Band (1931)

The Speckled Band is a well-intended and nicely made Sherlock Holmes film from a little too early in the sound era -- not that it is as primitive as some thrillers from this era, but the techical aspects of the picture are still too rudimentary, even if the shooting and editing (done under the supervision of Byron Haskin, one of the top men in the new field of sound production), are first-rate for their time. Athole Stewart makes a superb Watson, with a flinty quality that was missing from Nigel Bruce's later portrayal in Fox's and Universal's series with Basil Rathbone. As for Raymond Massey's Holmes, he is a modern detective (circa 1930), based in a Baker Street with an art-deco-style office, where secretaries are hard at work processing information for the renowned detective, which is a new twist; his is a laid-back presence, self-absorbed and very obviously observing the world through his own, unique prism. It's an unusual take on the character, and one that didn't quite catch on, but modern viewers may well enjoy it. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide