Once again, did any detection actually take place here? By now, later on in the series, it’s all atmosphere and characterization, with some eye-winking thrown in. As mentioned before, we may all feel to regret how the literary Watson was turned into this bumbling Nigel Bruce character. Having said that, the storm lashed near-climax, in which Watson dithers and dorks all around the dark mansion, is hilarious unto golden. The comic skill and general modesty and geniality that lies at the root of this sequence is positively Oliver Hardy-like. As such, Holmes’ expression of affection at the end of the movie comes across not only as sincere, but quite touching. Us too! I loved the tilt shots, and those few, actual Scottish accents.