Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

It is a performances centric movie

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Who has played Sherlock Holmes on screen better than any other actor? Who has captured the essence of the role most accurately? There are those who would say Basil Rathbone; others might plump for Jeremy Brett; Peter Cushing has his admirers too. Not in a month of Sundays would you think Roger Moore could make it onto that illustrious list. Moore is usually the suave, handsome, ever-humorous leading man – the Saint, yes; Lord Brett Sinclair, yes; James Bond, yes - but not a character actor with sufficient range to play Conan Doyle's famous literary sleuth. As it happens Moore is surprisingly good as Holmes, giving a refreshingly witty and confident performance in this made-for-TV movie. While he never quite threatens to erase memories of Basil Rathbone, he certainly creates a memorable and unique interpretation of the oft-portrayed character.In Victorian London, nefarious villain Moriarty (John Huston) is confronted in his hideout by a disguised man who reveals himself as Sherlock Holmes (Roger Moore). Moriarty successfully escapes from the confrontation, leaving Holmes to return to his famous home on Baker Street to ponder his next move. Aided by his loyal sidekick Dr Watson (Patrick MacNee), Holmes deduces that Moriarty is on his way to realizing some sort of sinister master plan…. a plan which somehow involves New York City. Holmes and Watson embark for New York, where they try to convince American policeman Inspector Lafferty (David Huddleston) that trouble is in the air. Holmes also renews his acquaintance with an ex-flame, Irene Adler (Charlotte Rampling), whose young son Scott (Geoffrey Moore) may be his son. Eventually, it becomes evident that Moriarty is scheming to carry out an incredibly audacious bank robbery, simultaneously kidnapping young Scott to discourage anyone from pursuing him. Holmes must use his considerable intellect to thwart his arch-enemy's despicable plan….The actors seem to be having a ball with their respective roles in this film. Moore enjoys the opportunity to escape his James Bond persona; Huston is slightly hammy but very enthusiastic as the cunning Moriarty; MacNee provides amusement as Holmes's ever-reliable sidekick; and Rampling is her usual elegant self as the ex-lover. Alvin Sapinsley's script is wordy but clever, bringing in various characters from the original Conan Doyle stories, while Boris Sagal directs the film solidly. The film has a rather studio-bound look which detracts from the overall believability and brings unwanted attention to the film's modest budget. But on the whole this is an enjoyable affair, a TV-movie of rare quality which passes very nicely indeed as a lazy afternoon's entertainment.

The greatest detective ever known (in fiction) appears in this really enjoyable TV film with three great actors and a great story of kidnap and robbery together. Sir Roger Moore as the very English and very professional Sherlock Holmes is a very good creation, the best (and only) one I've seen. Apparently there are scenes where John Huston as the nasty Professor Moriarty steals scenes, but I don't think that's true. Patrick Macnee (who worked with Moore in A View To A Kill) is a very good, amusing and lovable Doctor Watson. Basically they have to stop Moriarty from stealing some gold, and get Irene Adler's (Charlotte Rampling) kid back as well. The good moments are the small action, chases and sneaking moments. Moore's good breakaway from James Bond. Good!

I watched this on its premiere on NBC back in 1976 when I was really starting to have a real interest in Sherlock Holmes. Roger Moore struck me as looking a bit young for the part (even though he wasn't), but his performance really impressed me. Patrick MacNee was very much my idea of Watson, and Charlotte Rampling was beautiful, dignified and ladylike as Irene Adler (although I really doubted the likelihood of Holmes actually being romantically involved with her). But the grandest part of the show was John Huston in the role of Moriarty. Here was a professor who reeked of evil, was fiendish, devilish, and to top it all off, wickedly brilliant. So with a cast this impressive (Gig Young and David Huddleston as well), a production this stylish, and a thorough sense of fun all the way through, it's a great oversight that the powers that are in control of this movie are not making it more widely available than just finding it on a TV schedule sometime (and I haven't found it lately myself) by releasing it to VHS or DVD (especially for us Holmes fans). If I am wrong here, please let me know and set me straight. So far, my hunts for a video release have come up empty and I really would like to see it again. My e-mail is as above: name, Philip Davis.

Roger 007 Moore play the super sleuth in an elegantly produced 1976 TV movies title Sherlock Holmes in New York.The movie is full of interesting twist,disguise and exciting climax involving chase and fight sequence between Holmes and his long time nemesis Professor Moriarty played amazingly by John Huston.A must see movie for all Bond/Holmes fan and judge yourself on Moore performance as the sleuth .A winner!!!!!