Memorable, crazy movie

It is a performances centric movie

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

All star television presentation brings back the great Peter Cushing returning to the part of Sherlock Holmes as he and Dr. Watson(..played here by John Mills)attempt to solve a baffling mystery concerning three dead bodies with no apparent physical damage that could've caused death. The bodies' faces appear to have a look of fright so Holmes and Watson search the abandoned White Chapel district looking for possible clues, finding a hideous drunken hobo who tells them of demons in the area. Meanwhile, Holmes is visited by England's Home Secretary(Ray Milland)who begs for his assistance in finding a missing German of great importance, a special guest supposedly staying at the rented estate of Graf Udo Von Felseck(Anton Diffring) which could start a war between their two countries(England and Germany)if he isn't found. After uncharacteristic mistakes(..including threats against his life), Holmes uncovers a diabolical plan, which may very well involve Felseck in an attempt to cause the very war the Home Secretary wishes to avoid. Anne Baxter(..in her last film)has a nice role as "the WOMAN", Irene Adler, an American of German descent, who was able to defeat him in the past. She a potential suspect within the curious plot involving Felseck.I must admit that I was hoping for something more substantial when I purchased this, but seeing Cushing in the role of Holmes once again was thrilling enough. It's also fascinating seeing Cushing, as a much older gentleman, as Sherlock Holmes, both men in the twilight of their careers taking on one last case. The most painful thing about this film was that it seemed to end so soon. I was like, "That's it! Oh, no, don't let it end!" That's how much I loved his performance. As Sherlock Holmes in this particular film(..more interesting than perhaps the case itself)was seeing him as imperfect and flawed. Through making certain mistakes he wouldn't have as a younger man, Holmes does succeed in figuring out the case. Cushing gets to don two disuises, both of which lend a great deal of support to his staying alive and escaping others idenitfying him. And, the identifiable traits are added so that we couldn't forget the details of the character, such as his pipe, violen, and suit/hat. I, like a lot of folks who may've watched this, did wonder how one case(..regarding the trio, soon a fourth victim, who were found dead)correlated with the kidnapping plot, but it all has a connection, of course, revolving around the potential horror of a German-British war, which certain sinister figures probably wanted due to a brilliant plan which could've worked had not the Baker Street Sleuth been involved. Mills lends a great deal of support to Holmes as Watson, a man who would follow his partner anywhere, more than happy to lend a helping hand when necessary. I thought the pair(Cushing and Mills)made a wonderful, endearing duo, two older gents who had been a part of many difficult, life-threatening cases, at it one final time.The film has Watson publishing Holmes memoirs to a writer narrating the "Masks of Death" case. Superb cast joining Hammer scribe Anthony Hinds and director Roy Ward Baker. Such a collaborative effort from so many recognizable names provides THE MASKS OF DEATH with an allure. Sadly, for me anyway, Milland is only in one scene, begging for Holmes assistance in solving the mystery behind a kidnapping. Anton Diffring, an actor who just never received the respect he deserved, ably fulfills his role as a suspicious character, equipping Felseck with an air of mystery, yet also providing him a degree of sophistication and manners..a polite, yet dubious fellow who is talented enough to skillfully hide his evil intent. Baxter, still quite lovely as her life was nearing an end, plays off of Cushing especially well..she provides Adler with enough debatable qualities that you're never sure what is up her sleeve, or if there's a scheme at all. Adler, thanks to Baxter, has a charm about her, for sure, but there's an uncertainty that she pulls off that adds to the film. I couldn't help but think back to her performance in ALL ABOUT EVE because the character of Eve had such sneaky qualities as well, a certain ability to project a person who may or may not have ulterior motives to benefit her own well being. I think Baxter proves why her Adler was indeed able to out-best Holmes once before. I wanted more of Adler and Felseck, but THE MASKS OF DEATH had a rather flimsy plot which didn't provide much time for all the characters to evolve. Still, it was such fun to see all these actors together even if for such a short amount of time on screen. Somber experience for me knowing that most of the cast have now left us because such talent was certainly appreciated. I would hate to not mention Gordon Jackson as Inspector Alec MacDonald, of Scotland Yard, who comes to the retired Sherlock Holmes, wondering if he'd help solve the case of the three dead men found around White Chapel. 70 or so minutes is just too short, sigh, but alas..

The Masks of Death is a real coming together of classics. First of all, we have the fact that the film is based on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle character of Sherlock Holmes (albeit it an aging version of the character), then we have the fact that the film is directed by the great Roy Ward Baker; a name that fans of classic British horror will recognise instantly, and perhaps most important of all is the presence of one of the finest British actors ever to grace the silver screen - the great Peter Cushing in a reprisal of the iconic role that he last played in 1968. The story is not a Conan Doyle original, but still focuses on his most famous character. Sherlock Holmes has been called in to investigate three bodies that have mysteriously turned up in the Thames. It's not into the investigation before he is called to investigate another case; that being the investigation of a German prince that mysteriously disappeared. However, shortly into his second case; Holmes begins to suspect that something more sinister may be afoot.What sets this film apart from almost every other Sherlock Holmes film ever made is the fact that this one shows the character in his twilight years. Holmes is in retirement and he's not quite his usual sharp self and even shows some failings on a number of occasions. One of the main things that is liked about the character is his sharpness and keen eye for detail; but even so, The Masks of death has to be admired for daring to do something a little different. And who better to portray this aging Holmes than the great Peter Cushing? Cushing would have been seventy years old at the time of filming and still manages to inject his usual verve and screen presence into what would turn out to be his penultimate screen role. Roy Ward Baker certainly knows how to direct and does a good job here as the film moves swiftly and the shots of a dingy London are very well done. Cushing receives good support from the likes of John Mills, Anton Diffring and Ray Milland too, which is nice. It does have to be said that this isn't the most interesting Holmes story ever put on the screen; but its well worked and entertaining and the ending is intriguing and imaginative.

The story is a little on the thin side, if decidedly chilling at the climax. But the pleasure of watching a first-rate assortment of mature actors go through their paces makes this a show worth watching again and again. Peter Cushing's Holmes is severe, ascetic and all business, John Mills' Watson cheerful and worth having in a tight spot, and Anne Baxter's Irene Adler a genuinely charming and intelligent lady.

Peter Cushing gives an excellent performance as Sherlock Holmes in this original story. John Mills give a very good performance as Watson, portraying well a former soldier (which Watson was). The only problem I have with the film is Ray Milland's performance as a British Home Secretary. It just sounds like an American playing a British cabinet member with an American accent!