Sherlock Holmes - The Hound of Baskerville

The Hound of the Baskervilles opens with a mini mystery—Sherlock
Holmes and Dr. Watson speculate on the identity of the owner of a
cane that has been left in their office by an unknown visitor.
Wowing Watson with his fabulous powers of observation, Holmes
predicts the appearance of James Mortimer, owner of the found
object and a convenient entrée into the baffling curse of the
Baskervilles.


Entering the office and unveiling an 18th century manuscript,
Mortimer recounts the myth of the lecherous Hugo Baskerville.
Hugo captured and imprisoned a young country lass at his estate
in Devonshire, only to fall victim to a marauding hound of hell
as he pursued her along the lonesome moors late one night. Ever
since, Mortimer reports, the Baskerville line has been plagued by
a mysterious and supernatural black hound. The recent death of
Sir Charles Baskerville has rekindled suspicions and fears. The
next of kin, the duo finds out, has arrived in London to take up
his post at Baskerville Hall, but he has already been intimidated
by an anonymous note of warning and, strangely enough, the theft
of a shoe.


Agreeing to take the case, Holmes and Watson quickly discover
that Sir Henry Baskerville is being trailed in London by a
mysterious bearded stranger, and they speculate as to whether the
ghost be friend or foe. Holmes, however, announces that he is too
busy in London to accompany Mortimer and Sir Henry to Devonshire
to get to the bottom of the case, and he sends Dr. Watson to be
his eyes and ears, insisting that he report back regularly.


Once in Devonshire, Watson discovers a state of emergency, with
armed guards on the watch for an escaped convict roaming the
moors. He meets potential suspects in Mr. Barrymore and Mrs.
Barrymore, the domestic help, and Mr. Jack Stapleton and his
sister Beryl, Baskerville neighbors.


A series of mysteries arrive in rapid succession: Barrymore is
caught skulking around the mansion at night; Watson spies a
lonely figure keeping watch over the moors; and the doctor hears
what sounds like a dog's howling. Beryl Stapleton provides an
enigmatic warning and Watson learns of a secret encounter between
Sir Charles and a local woman named Laura Lyons on the night of
his death.