Sherlock Holmes has successfully became one of my
favorite literary figures. It has gotten to the
point where there are only a few movies about him
that I have not seen, and those I feel demean the
character in some way are given a hearty stamp of
disapproval. I was somewhat reluctant to rent
Without a Clue but am glad I did, for it is a
genuinely funny reversal of roles that is fit for
the entire family without offending my delicate
Holmes sensibilities.
The great detective has solved another baffling
case, to the dismay of Scotland Yard and the
pleasure of the crown. Or so it seems. First, the
case is not solved and second... there is no
Sherlock Holmes. There is, however, a somewhat
stupid actor hired to play him in order to maintain
a ruse that is rapidly getting on the nerves of Dr.
Watson (Ben Kingsley). Fascinated with crime but hoping
for a professional practice with an esteemed London
hospital, Dr. Watson fabricated Holmes in the belief
that he would not get the position if it was known
that he was involved in such undignified pursuits as
solving mysteries. He lost the position anyway but
the public loved Holmes, so much so that he is
forced to put up with the theatrics of a local
washed up actor (Michael Caine) in the role of the
world-renowned sleuth.
Having come to the end of his emotional rope, Watson
tosses "Holmes" out on his ear, only to need him
again when it becomes apparent that no one is
willing to listen to his theories of the crime.
Reuniting with Holmes and the Baker Street
Irregulars to take on the notorious Professor
Moriarty (Paul Freeman) and uncover a diabolical plan to
print billions of dollars in five pound notes, the
unlikely duo find mayhem along the way. With the
beautiful young Leslie (Lysette Anthony) to distract
"Holmes," who knows what will happen! The result is
a surprisingly good-humored poke not at the great
detective as one might suppose, but that allows
Watson for once to shine, since the roles are so
dramatically reversed. In the old black and white
films it is Holmes who is intelligent and
calculating, who strides around with a sense of
purpose and mystery, and Watson who has been reduced
to a bumbling buffoon. In this movie, Watson has his
day!
One of the more overlooked gems of comedic history,
Without a Clue has all sorts of humor.
Slapstick and wit, exploding chemistry sets and
falling sandbags, sarcasm and visual gags.
The cast is great. Michael Caine is magnificent in
funny roles, quite a change from his customary
grouchiness in various other productions, and has
perfect timing. I haven't seen Kinglsey in that many
films but his Watson impressed me a lot. He has a
nice sense of presence and also has some very funny
moments (such as throwing himself four feet onto the
divan, which slides about a foot, just as Lestrade
enters the room). There is also a wonderful
performance from Pat Keen as the long-suffering Mrs.
Hudson. It is not meant to be taken seriously and as
such will not offend lovers of Holmes. I found it a
wonderful way to spend an evening and know that the
rest of my family will enjoy it too.
Without
a Clue (1988)
Sexual Content:
The actor playing Holmes is a womanizer,
so on occasion he pinches backsides and once peers through a keyhole to
watch a young woman undress. (She is shown removing her stockings.) There is
one mild innuendo. However, there is a plot twist toward the end that
another young woman is not a woman at all, but a cross-dresser. The duo and
the audience are left to snicker when Lestrade unknowingly flirts with
him/her.
Language:
Scattered mild profanities.
Violence:
There is some violence but none of
it is graphic or particularly unsettling.
