Credits
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
Nigel Bruce as Dr Watson
Gerald Hamer as Alistair Ransom
Paul Cavanagh as Lord Penrose
Arthur Hohl as Emile Journet Kay Harding as Marie Journet
Miles Mander as Judge Brisson
David Clyde as Sergeant Thompson
Victoria Horne as Nora
Screenplay by Paul Gangelin
Directed by Roy William Neill
Released May 26 1944
Synopsis
Whilst on a trip to Canada to attend a meeting on the occult, Holmes and Watson are called to the small village, La Mort Rouge (The Red Death), where the townsfolk believe the legendary beast who haunts the town (and gave it its name) - described as a "ball of fire spitting flames in each direction" - has returned.
As the Master Detective becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a murdered former actress, a homicidal thespian and a sickly Watson, can even Holmes' brilliant skills of deduction stop this hellish killer...
Villian
Alistair Ransom: Convicted of murdering a fellow actor in a jealous rage over famed actress, Lillian Gentry, Ransom was believed to have killed himself in prison two years before the events of the film. However, he had escaped and travelled to La Mort Rouge to get his revenge on those who sent him to jail. Whilst there, due to his acting skills, Ransom creates several identities for himself, including a genial postman who Watson befriends. At night, however, he dons a costume doused in phosphorous which, in the moonlight, looks like he is ablaze. The villagers then believe the Monster of la Mort Rouge is the culprit.
Review
As it was made during the war, 'The Scarlet Claw' would have been great patriotic fare for a British audience (Holmes even quotes Churchill in the film's closing moments). However, even now the film is an enjoyable light-hearted romp with a creepy mystery and fun performances from Rathbone and Bruce. 7/10
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