Sherlock Holmes Faces Death

Sherlock Holmes Faces Death Original Theatrical Poster Country USA Directed by Roy William Neill Release Date 1943 Studio Universal Pictures Main Cast Character Actor Sherlock Holmes Basil Rathbone Dr. Watson Nigel Bruce Inspector Lestrade Dennis Hoey Dr. Sexton Arthur Margetson Sally Musgrave Hillary Brooke Brunton Halliwell Hobbes Mrs. Howells Minna Phillips Phillip Musgrave Gavin Muir

Sherlock Holmes Faces Death is an American 1943 detective movie, directed by Roy William Neill and starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. This is the sixth installment to the series of fourteen Sherlock Holmes films starring Rathbone and Bruce. After three spy movies, this one marks a return to the pure detectives, but the story is still set in 1940s. The plot is adapted from "The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual". Musgrave Manor estate is used as a hospital for shell-shoked militarymen, and Dr. Watson is in charge of the medical facility. When another physician, Dr. Sexton, is attacked when out on a walk, Watson asks Holmes to help with this case.

The following weapons were used in the film Sherlock Holmes Faces Death:

Colt Detective Special

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) carries a Colt Detective Special revolver in several scenes. Later his revolver falls in hands of Dr. Sexton (Arthur Margetson).

Colt Detective Special 1st Gen with Square Butt - .38 Special

When holding an investigation, Holmes ascertains if a man with tied hands could fire a revolver, as it presumably did a suspect.

Another view of the scene.

Holmes opens the door to Mrs. Hudson (Mary Gordon) who is not very happy about the firing in her house. Note the bullet marks on the silhouette of a man on the wall: Holmes' six-shooter fired seven times a row.

A good view of the revolver.

Holmes sets a trap for the murderer who turns out to be Dr. Sexton.

A closeup of the revolver.

A view of Holmes' Colt from another side.

The revolver in hands of Dr. Sexton.

He fires at Holmes, not knowing that the revolver is loaded with blanks.

Holmes' Colt DS is seen on a promotional image.

Colt 1877 Thunderer Shopkeeper Model

While in earlier movies of the series Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) uses a Bulldog revolver for the most part, in this film his weapon is an equally antique (for 1940s) Colt 1877 Thunderer Shopkeeper Model.

Colt Lightning Shopkeeper - .38 Colt. Colt Thunderer Shopkeeper looks generally the same, except for slightly larger size and chambering in .41 caliber.

Watson prepares his revolver.

He guards the door to the crypt.

The grip of the revolver is seen.

A view of the revolver from the back.

Watson is alert when he hears suspicious noises.

Another view of the scene.

Watson aims his revolver at Sexton when Lestrade arrests the villain.

Colt Police Positive

Inspector Lestrade's (Dennis Hoey) weapon is a large frame Colt revolver, most likely a Colt Police Positive.

Colt Police Positive with 4" Barrel - .38 Special

Inspector Lestrade with a Colt Police Positive and Dr. Watson with Colt 1877 Shopkeeper model.

The arrest of Sexton.

Sherlock Holmes holds a Colt Police Positive on a promotional image. He doesn't use this gun in the movie.

Dr. Watson holds a Colt Police Positive on a promotional image. He doesn't use this gun in the movie.