Reeling Backwards: ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror’
By Bob Bloom
I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes movies, especially the B-programmers produced by Universal Pictures in the 1940s and starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson.
While many aficionados of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Holmes disdain the movies for their then-contemporary settings and Bruce’s comically-tinged portrayal of Watson, I enjoy the movies simply for their entertainment value.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror” was the first of 12 features Universal produced about the Great Detective.
Previously, Rathbone and Bruce starred in “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” at 20th Century Fox.
Both were true to the Victorian-era settings of Doyle’s stories, with Bruce offering a straighter, supporting performance as Watson.
Also, around this time, Rathbone and Bruce were starring as Holmes and Watson in a weekly radio series.
Thus, the two were the logical choices to reprise their roles when Universal decided to launch its movie series.
The first few movies had wartime themes, with Holmes and Watson matching wits with Nazi agents as well as Holmes’ famed adversary, Professor Moriarity who, in “Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon,” was working for the Germans.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror” centers on sabotage, death and 
destruction throughout England as the mysterious Voice of Terror correctly predicts various catastrophes that destroys men and materials needed for the war effort.
Holmes in called in by the “Inner Council” of British intelligence to help stop the sabotage, discover the Germans’ ultimate plan and unmask the Voice of Terror.
For those who may not have seen the movie, I will not reveal the identity of the Voice. It’s more satisfying to learn that yourself.
At a quick 65 minutes, the movie proceeds at a nice pace that keeps the viewer in suspense and guessing.
One of the pleasures of the Universal Holmes movies is the stock company of players who show up in various roles — large and small — throughout the series.
Mary Gordon is a semi-regular as Mrs. Hudson, Holmes’ landlady at 221B Baker St.
Others who turn up frequently include Henry Daniell, who plays Inner Council member Sir Anthony Lloyd in “Voice of Terror,” appears in “Sherlock Holmes in Washington” and portrays as Professor Moriarity in “The Woman in Green.”
Character actor Harry Cording appears in “Voice of Terror” in a minor role as a crook sent to prison by Holmes. He also appears in “Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon,” “The Spider Woman,” “The Pearl of Death,” “The House of Fear,” “Terror by Night” and “Dressed to Kill.”
Universal scream queen Evelyn Ankers has an important supporting role in “Voice of Terror” and returns as a jewel thief in “The Pearl of Death.”
But, what anchors the series are the performances of Rathbone and Bruce. Rathbone is the personification of Holmes: brilliant, arrogant, smug, condescending and driven.
His treatment of Bruce’s Watson sometimes borders on cruel, but many times he demonstrates a true affection for his colleague.
Bruce plays Watson as an archetypical befuddled, blustery Englishman more concerned with cricket or other stereotypical activities associated with his standing in society.
He is more help than hindrance to Holmes and a few times in the series, he actually saves the detective’s life or unearths a vital clue.
All 14 collaborations starring Rathbone and Bruce are worth viewing. They are available on Blu-ray and DVD, and many show up on various television channels once in a while.
Like most Universal product of the era, they contain stock footage and mismatched editing, but that also is one of the strange charms of the studio’s features.
They were not intended as high art, but as simple entertainment to hold your attention for a little more than an hour, then send you on your way.
I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
THE RATHBONE-BRUCE SHERLOCK HOLMES SERIES
“The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1939, 20th Century Fox)
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” (1939, 20th Century Fox”
“Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror” (1942, Universal Pictures)
“Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon” (1942, Universal Pictures”
“Sherlock Holmes in Washington” (1943, Universal Pictures)
“Sherlock Holmes Faces Death” (1943, Universal Pictures)
“The Spider Woman” (1943, Universal Pictures)
“The Scarlet Claw” (1943, Universal Pictures)
“The Pearl of Death” (1944, Universal Pictures)
“The House of Fear” (1945, Universal Pictures)
“The Woman in Green” (1945, Universal Pictures)
“Pursuit to Algiers” (1945, Universal Pictures)
“Terror by Night” (1946, Universal Pictures)
“Dressed to Kill” (1946, Universal Pictures)