Product: Hound of the Baskervilles [VHS] (1983)
Rating: 4.0
Good take with a few drawbacks
I first watched this film when I was little and it scared me to bits! (Especially the scene where the great glowing dog comes running onto the cliff and pushes Selden off). Ever since, I have wanted to reconnect with this film because of the darker and more gothic take it employed.However, when I did acquire it, and watch it again (after I had read the novel), I was disappointed to see that there some major differences between novel and film. Not a complete disappointment however, as some of these differences actually compliment the much darker approach to the movie. For instance, in the book we learn at the end that Mortimer's spaniel has been killed by the hound. In the movie, this is something we actually see happening, likewise with Stapleton falling into the mire. However, one change I did not really agree with was the omission of Mr. Frankland from the film. (In the novel, he is Laura Lyons' father). This character is instead replaced by Jeffrey Lyons, Laura's husband, played by Brian Blessed. In the novel, Jeffrey only received a brief mention. However, one might find redemption in the fact that Blessed does portray his character convincingly.Another note (literally) is the score composed by Michael Lewis, beginning with a subtle opening title that seemed to share a typical "Holmesy" characteristic of the time, leading into the more sinister trumpet motive heard before the hound has a go at poor Sir Charles. But other scenes, such as the Selden death scene and the first attempt on Sir Henry's life, also boast a complimentary musical narrative that keeps the tension going.But the depiction of the hound itself is what truly takes the cake. It comes across as more menacing with each entry, and this suits the story perfectly. Although one would have to be careful while doing this, that it does not turn the Hound of the Baskervilles into simply another creature feature. Thankfully, this film avoids that particular trap, and brings the story to life in a more menacing tone than some of its previous remakes, and definitely the ones after. I do not believe my money was wasted, for as Holmes says so eloquently: "Without imagination, there can be no horror."