Melanie McFarland of the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer" said, ""The Case of the Silk Stocking" contains more than the usual share of pedestrian turns of phrase, and Neil Dudgeon's Inspector Lestrade is less than an afterthought here. Everett makes up for it with a haunting portrayal." Brian Lowry of "Variety" wrote, ""The Case of the Silk Stocking" is a rather wan addition to the Holmes filmography, yet respectable enough in showcasing the character's cerebral charms. If push comes to shove, though, when all the revisionism's done, I prefer my Holmes in black-and-white."