Although this film was to have been based on the William Gillette play Sherlock Holmes this second installment has absolutely nothing to do with the stage version!

Rathbone and Bruce are at their prime! And it shows in one of the most enjoyable films of the series! The last to be set in the "Proper time frame", everything works well in this film. The writing, the casting, and the story line were top notch! As the first of three, George Zucco, makes what in my opinion ranks as the the "Definitive" Professor Moriarty!

Despite its box office profits, Fox decided not to continue making Holmes films. They felt the Holmes stories were too dreary and dark for a war-torn public to enjoy!

The Case of the Disappearing Pipe!?
watch closely... After being retained by his clients Holmes closes the apartment door.
(His pipe held tight in his teeth.)
When he turns around again his pipe is gone!!