one-nine-eighty Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are back as the detecting duo Holmes and Watson, in Terror by Night, the 13th of 14 films starring the pairing. Hired by Roland Carstairs to prevent the theft of the Star of Rhodesia on a train between London and Edinburgh Holmes and Watson have their hands full with lots of potential suspects. This is generally a good film and romantically portrays the duo due to it's limited set and enclosed surroundings. Dialogue and acting performances definitely drive this film forward and as ever Rathbone and Watson are brilliant, the supporting cast which includes Dennis Hoey as Inspector Lestrade and Alan Mowbray as Maj. Duncan-Bleek are decent too (if not occasionally bumbling). Even though Renee Godfrey's acting and accents are awful it's still forgivable as she adds some beauty to the picture. Despite being shot by Universal Studios, by Roy William Neill, even the die hard Holmes fans seem to not mind this instalment. While it's not the strongest Holmes film it's still enjoyable for 60 minuets. As with other Rathbone/Bruce Holmes/Watson films this is a none offensive film ready to be enjoyed on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Enjoy.

Paul Evans The penultimate outing for Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes sees him on board a train attempting to stop the famous diamond 'the Star of Rhodesia from being stolen, solving a murder, and coming up against (The Empty House's) Colonel Sebastian Moran.possibly fair to say that a little sparkle had gone out of the series by this stage, but it's still enjoyable nonetheless, not based on any one particular story, but it lightly borrows from The Blue Carbuncle, and Empty House.I love the fact that one of Professor Mortiarty's henchmen 'Colonel Sebastian Moran' was re-introduced, a truly interesting villain, perhaps not quite as I picture him, but a nice touch.The fact that this is more of a murder mystery too works quite well, it's nice to keep guessing til the end. The humour between LeStrade and Watson is also enjoyable. I think the only word for Skelton Knaggs's performance is shocking.The biggest negative is the running time, at just over 60 minutes it feels desperately short, but at least they decided not to pad it out.All in all though, pretty good. 7/10

LeonLouisRicci Next to Last in the Sherlock Holmes-Rathbone-Bruce Series of 14 Movies. This is a Step Up from the Last One and is Usually Ranked in the Mid-Range. Simply, Not the Best and Not the Worst. Suffering a Bit from the Confined Setting on a Train, Although it can be Used as a Contrivance, for Low-Budget Efforts, for Good Effect.The Film has an Outstanding Sequence where Holmes is Next to Death and Hanging On for His Life. There are some Villainous Characters that have Cold Blooded Demeanors and some Bait and Switch Shenanigans that Up the Mystery.Inspector Lestrade (Dennis Hoey) is the Least Irritating here than in Any of His Appearances and His Role in this Swan Song is a Less Comedic One for a Change. Watson is also Less Bumbling than Usual but does Manage to Mumble Characteristically.Overall, Fast Paced, with Hidden Compartments, Dart Guns, and a Huge Gemstone Attracting All the Attention. An Intriguing Movie and is Entertaining Enough for Fans with an Ending that is Twisted and Turned for Your Viewing Pleasure.

mark.waltz Mysterys set on trains are always thrilling because of the claustrophobic feeling of all the suspects, investigators and usual red herrings being placed so close together and unable to get away. In this case, the mystery surrounds a precious diamond, the Star of Rhodesia, stolen from a wealthy British dowager. It just so happens that Sherlock Holmes has been hired to guard the stone so the occurrence of a murder to get possession of the jewel is perfect timing. While the movie gets a little slow at times, there's still a lot of thrills to be had, particularly Rathbone's desperate fight with the unseen killer that almost knocks Holmes off the side of the train. The identity of the killer and their relation to a previous Holmes villain is ingenious.