The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939 film) described the film as an "excellent film version" of the novel." noting that the films elements "sustain the suspense until the exciting climax," and that "the atmosphere is extremely well contrived". Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce were praised for their roles, while "only Wendy Barrie seems lifeless as Beryl in a cast which is uniformly good." American Film Institute recognition The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939 film) The Hound of the Baskervilles is a 1939 mystery film based on the novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was directed by Sidney Lanfield and released by
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939 film) to the house and destroys the poison that Stapleton had just given to the wounded Baskerville. Stapleton pulls a gun and flees. Holmes says ominously, "He won't get very far. I've posted constables along the roads and the only other way is across the Grimpen Mire." Holmes is praised for his work on the case, and he turns in. The butler was named Barrymore in the novel, but because of the existence of the real-life John Barrymore of the Barrymore family theatrical dynasty, his name was changed to Barryman in the film. In a contemporary review, the "Monthly Film Bulletin"