The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975) Reviews

• Hilarious

  buddhadan-12006-09-16

  Well, I can see that this movie really didn't get the best reviews, which surprised me as it is one of my favorite movies ever. I thought back on it while posting my 9 out of 10 review and I can see how others might not enjoy this style of humor, as it does take getting used to and not everyone gets that chance because the movie is rarely played. If you are a Gene Wilder fan, a Marty Feldman fan, a Madeline Kahn (sp?) fan, or a fan of sherlock holmes, then this movie is for you. Yes, it's a bit dry in places, and yes it can be a bit flighty, but if you can stick it out and just turn off the logical part of your mind for a bit and go along with the wild ride, I think that in the end, you'll buy a ticket and ask to go on the ride again. The singing numbers, the wild looks of Kahn, Wilder and of course my buggy eyed friend, Feldman, help to make this movie quirky and humorous at the same time. The dark London (I think it's in London) streets and the perpetual night helps to make this a very fun period piece with humor at every step. For someone such as myself who does enjoy a good Sherlock Holmes story, I truly loved the way that our main character (Wilder) is constantly getting things so way off. Such as when he thinks he is describing the person on the other side of the door based on the clues he has and then he is so way off that it's hilarious. See this movie, and if you need to watch it again to fully enjoy it, give it about a week and then see it again. It's worth the multiple viewings.

• quirky and undervalued

  fairiesbite2004-07-23

  I really don't understand why this film isn't better-known. It's been a favorite of mine for years, and is very funny, if rather off-beat and quirky. Perhaps it's an acquired taste, and its nay-sayers haven't watched it enough; I don't know. It's full of some of the best comic talent ever to appear to the screen, and they do an admirable job. From the oddly reticent detective who has been forced to live in his brother's shadow, to the gorgeous music hall singer/compulsive liar, to the villain who must do something truly rotten every twenty minutes, the characters are very original and manage to surprise laughs out of audiences who never have any idea what to expect from them--a true rarity when put in the context of the modern comic film. Don't believe me, however; watch it yourself and form your own opinion.

• One of Gene Wilder's Best

  Lane_Meyer2003-05-17

  If you are a fan of Gene Wilder or Mel Brooks' comedies, you will love this movie! Within the first 10 minutes of watching this film, I was in tears. You might need to watch it a few times, as some scenes require multiple viewings in order to pick up on the layer upon layer of comic genius contained within. Absolutely hilarious. Not quite the classic that Young Frankenstein was, but in the same class, to be sure. I doubt it has any mainstream appeal these days, but then again... what does that tell you?

• The first movie I ever saw ...

  shyamksriram2005-01-28

  All right I take that back. This may not have been the first movie I ever saw (I think that was either "Return of the Jedi" or "The Rescue Rangers"), but this was the first movie I remember enjoying thoroughly. This is the bonding film for my dad and I. He used to quote Madeline Kahn's lines all the time while we were growing up ("I have a little dimple on my cheek ..."). Like my impassioned review of Wonka for IMDb, I'm again very partial to the acting of Gene Wilder, who I believe is one of American's all-time comic gems. He was a master of body comedy. Just look at him when he finds Zero Mostel kissing a client in "The Producers." I love this movie because it is so absurd. I remember thinking that as a child, but watching it now, do I really understand. I guess a lot of people didn't "get it" because the movie was so unconventional. Wilder's acting as Sherlock (or as he puts it "Sheer-Luck") Holmes's younger brother is funny as hell, but Marty Feldman as a cross-eyed detective? Even better. And the other casting is fantastic too - Kahn, Leo McKern, Dom DeLuise and Roy Kinnear all act brilliantly. This movie will always mean more to me than most people. However, I urge you to see it if you always wanted to or never even heard about it, because I believe you will definitely take something positive away from it.

• The more times you see this movie, the more you'll like it

  p_liles2006-01-24

  There are a select few movies that I enjoy more each time I watch them. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" is one of them. I've seen the movie over 20 times, and I laugh out loud every single time. Every main character in the movie gives a great performance. And, the comedic trio of Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn & Marty Feldman is at its best in this film. Dom DeLouise's performance as the opera singer is a gem as well. This film marks Gene Wilder's first attempt at movie making without the help of Mel Brooks. Although this film stays close to Brooks' style, Wilder overall uses more subtle humor. The bottom line is, if you are a fan of Gene Wilder's earlier movies like: Blazing Saddles, Silver Streak, The Producers, Willy Wonka..., Young Frankenstein, etc., then this movie should end up being one of your favorites.