Product: Seven Per Cent Solution [VHS] (1976)
Rating: 4.0
HOLMES GOES TO REHAB!
Adapted by Nicholas Meyer's from his clever 1974 novel, this is certainly among the most faithful iterations of Arthur Conan Doyle's famous fictional detective. The Herbert Ross directed film has Holme's loyal sidekick and chronicler Dr. John H. Watson (Alan Arkin) seeking the help of Dr. Sigmund Freud (Robert Duvall) in finding a cure for Holmes' debilitating cocaine addiction. Nicol Williamson portrays Holmes as an authentic addict, alternately hyper and depressed with manic episodes that suggest he has truly lost touch with reality. There's no tongue in cheek, winking at the audience here, but a solid piece of entertainment with the brilliant Holmes on the brink of losing his great mind to an obsession that leads to no solution but madness and death. The three lead actors are all excellent - Vanessa Redgrave has a supporting role -- and Williamson's drug addled Holmes is unforgettable. This fascinating film is long overdue for the a full Blu-ray restoration.