why - Pursuit to Algiers (1945) Discussion

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

I don't understand either why this is considered one of the poorer Holmes films by Rathbone and Bruce. I thought it was great fun, full of humour, great dialogue and an unexpected ending.

I suppose due to the fact it is more of a Holmes as 'protector and escort' it is not considered a true Holmes detective type story but it is still one of my favourites.

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[–] ghostfan 14 years ago

I don't know either. Actually, of the 'modern' Holmes films (with Rathbone and Bruce) this one is one of my favorites, along with Spider Woman and the one that takes place on a train...(Terror by Night)

Actually, I have two particular reasons for REALLY liking this - first, I figured out what Holmes did with the prince/king before the end of the movie, and second, I really enjoyed them giving Watson (Nigel Bruce) a chance to shine a bit, singing Lochlomand (sp?) Most of the time he ended up being silly (I still think that was the way he was told to play it, because he doesn't come across that way on the radio shows).

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[–] greenbudgie (2355) 3 years ago

I noticed that Nigel Bruce plays Watson more soberly on the radio. I expect that the silliness wouldn't have come across with just the audio performance to go by. And I notice that Watson is often the storyteller on the radio so probably he needed to put on a more serious air. So that we believe the story he is relating.

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[–] Jason_Radley 13 years ago

Rathbone and Bruce reading a telephone directory together would still be fun but that doesn't distract from the fact that this is a very contrived story with blatant red herrings that become redundant far too early.

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[–] xnet95 13 years ago

The thing that bothered me the most about this film was the fact that Holmes KNEW the 3 people that came on board at Lisbon were trying to kill him and "Watson's nephew". Why endanger himself and the poor young "nephew"? It's ludicrous! Kill the three, throw them over board, have them arrested...whatever. Just get rid of them. Also, what happened to the singer? What happened to the "nephew"? The movie ended so abruptly that these issues were never resolved.

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] scribe1270 11 years ago

Have them arrested on what charge? Holmes may have suspicions about the 3 men but without proof his hands were effectively tied. If he had killed them he'd have been the one in the dock since he wasn't in immediate mortal peril. And they did explain what happened to the nephew and singer though not onstage. The 3 men (and their hostage) were taken into custody when they reached shore, and Holmes told the singer that he'd see she got the reward for the return of the emeralds so she could go back home.

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[–] realart 10 years ago

I agree (rather late here.) A most enjoyable entry into the Rathbone/Bruce series. I love shipboard settings like this one from the old days. For me these films are not as much about the mystery as they are about the characters. PURSUIT TO ALGIERS has great characters and interactions.

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[–] udippel 9 years ago

Not much of a reason, no.
It is different, maybe people consider it strange that it is not about robbery or murder, but about protection? Not a standard diet delivered by a crime story ... ?
The 4 songs are unexpected, or just added to add minutes? And the three assassins are not as dangerous as other adversaries have been.
Still, there are worse in this season, and this one is good on some suspense, and quite some fun,already with the start, and the introduction of Holmes and Watson into the 'best fish and chips in London'.
Definitively a 'can view'!

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[–] greenbudgie (2355) 3 years ago

I think you are right to say that the four songs are included to fill the time out. As it is this film lasts only sixty five minutes which is just about right for a B-mystery.

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