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Poster for The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes

Seen it?

1970 | 125 min | Mystery, Crime, Comedy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime fans, anyone who likes to be kept guessing and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Thin Man or The Apartment, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Light and funny, tense.
The pace
Breezy, at 2 hr 5 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13: scary moments. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When a bored Sherlock eagerly takes the case of Gabrielle Valladon following an attempt on her life, the search for her missing husband leads to Loch Ness and the legendary monster.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    87% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 45K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Billy Wilder

  • Robert StephensSherlock Holmes
  • Colin BlakelyDr. John Watson
  • Geneviève PageGabrielle Valadon
  • Christopher LeeMycroft Holmes
  • Tamara ToumanovaMadame Petrova
  • Clive RevillNikolai Rogozhin
  • Irene HandlMrs. Hudson
  • Mollie MaureenQueen Victoria
  • Stanley HollowayGravedigger
  • Catherine LaceyWoman in Wheelchair