Product: Seven Per Cent Solution [VHS] (1976)
Rating: 5.0
Sublime pastiche of Holmes, Freud and a Beautiful Redhead
This is one of the very few movies I have found vastly superior to the book on which it is based. The decision to change the heroine from a Quaker peace activist to a glorious redheaded actress, mistress to a venal nobleman (any other kind?) was perfect and Vanessa Redgrave is utterly sublime in the role. Alan Arkin and Nicol Williamson are perfectly cast, although I was not as enchanted with Robert Duvall in a change of pace role for him. The revisioning of the Sherlock mythos to encompass detox with Freud is inspired. The scene in the bordello with Regine is wonderful, and the climactic scene aboard the train is unforgettable. Sumptuous production values, a witty script and top notch direction and acting make this an enchanting treat which can be enjoyed over and over.