Product: Seven Per Cent Solution [VHS] (1976)
Rating: 5.0
An interesting, exciting, and humorous new view of Sherlock Holmes
Conan Doyle knew nothing about this tale, which was invented whole-cloth by a modern writer. The story has two plots. It is 1891. Sherlock Holmes has become deranged by his constant overuse of cocaine, which he injects into himself, seven percent cocaine and ninety-three percent water. Holmes is convinced that Professor Moriarty, his and his brother Mycroft's math teacher when they were children, is the master criminal behind all the crimes in London, and that the professor is trying to kill him. Dr. Watson, his loyal friend, seeks Holmes' brother's help and the two decide to lure Sherlock to Venice where he could be treated and cured by Dr. Sigmund Freud. Their scheme is successful and Freud is able to get Sherlock to stop using the drug.While in Venice, Sherlock becomes involved in one of Freud's cases. A beautiful red-headed woman also had a drug overuse problem and was treated by Freud. After being cured, she was abducted and given drugs to make her pliant. Sherlock and Sigmund work together, both drawing brilliant conclusions, in unraveling the mystery. This second plot ends in a long chase and fights.The film has suspense and humor and is interesting. The end of the film discloses the modern writer's view of why Watson said that Holmes was killed by Moriarty, disappeared for three years, became addicted to the seven percent solution, hated Moriarty, and usually disliked women. Some viewers may object that Freud finds out about Sherlock's past under hypnosis, but orders Sherlock to forget what he revealed. They may argue that they would expect Freud to tell Sherlock to remember his past and help him deal with it.