The 1939 film version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the Waupaca Area Public Library.
The movie is the April installment in the library’s First Thursday Film Series and will be introduced by Dr. Jack Rhodes. Free popcorn, sodas, and theater treats will be provided.
“Although the novel has been filmed almost 20 times and in several languages,” said Rhodes, “this black-and-white film has attained a prime place in critical opinion as the definitive movie version. During the opening remarks before the film, we’ll attempt to understand why its reputation may well be justified.”
The movie, directed by Sidney Lanfield from a script by Ernest Pascal, stars Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Also in the capable cast are Richard Greene, Wendy Barrie, John Carradine, and Lionel Atwill.
Rhodes said 20th Century Fox, “spared no expense in making the film seem first-rate and atmospheric. They re-created the mire. the moor and the manor house on the Hollywood back lot rather than travelling to England for actual locations, primarily due to the imminent outbreak of World War II in Europe.”
Joining Rhodes on the podium before the screening will be Dr. Doug Northrop, former dean of the faculty at Ripon College, who will discuss the backstory of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation of the famous fictional character of Sherlock Holmes.