We rejoin the Universal Sherlock Holmes series with the
fifth entry, THE SPIDER WOMAN (1944). Long considered one of the best of the run
Beth, Troy and I relate our opinions in this episode’s rambling discussion. Be
aware that spoilers abound! Do we think it is one of the best of the Rathbone Holmes
films? Maybe…..
We dig into this one enumerating our likes, loves and various concerns about the story. We point out the numerous elements taken from several of the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories and revel in the reference to the giant rat of Sumatra! We discuss the logic behind Holmes faking his own death and the inherent cruelty of that move. Of course, THE SPIDER WOMAN is the first of the series to feature a female villain and the casting could not have been better. Gale Sondergaard is brilliant in the title role with her sly smile and her expert delivery of the sharp dialog putting her well above other baddies that have faced Holmes. Fully half the fun of the movie is watching her glide her way through her evil schemes. The other actors get fine moments too with Nigel Bruce and Dennis Hoey especially given scenes that show their characters under emotional strain. This is a tight, well-made film but we do find some things in it that don’t work as well as we might wish.
If you have any comments on this film or any other we’ve covered thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to send them. Thank you for listening and we’ll be back soon.
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