Sherlock Holmes In New York (1976)

Set in 1901, fearing an ex-flame (Charlotte Rampling) may be in danger, Sherlock Holmes (Roger Moore) and his companion Dr. Watson (Patrick Macnee) rush from London to New York. As he feared, her son has been kidnapped, only a part of a larger devious plan by Holmes' archenemy Professor Moriarty (John Huston in a lazy performance). While the production values are first rate and the atmosphere thick with peril, this is a rather weak entry in the Sherlock Holmes franchise. It's not based on any of Arthur Conan Doyle's Homes adventures but an original screenplay by Alvin Sapinsley. The mystery is relatively simple rather than complex but worse, if the audience can spot things that the great Sherlock Holmes can't, what's the point? While MacNee makes for an admirable Dr. Watson, most of the acting is artificial as if they were trying for a stylized approach. Roger Moore is way too soft for Holmes and even Rampling, normally the most natural of actresses, comes across as counterfeit. For the Holmes completists only. Directed by Boris Sagal (THE OMEGA MAN) with a light attractive score by Richard Rodney Bennett. With Gig Young, Signe Hasso, Jackie Coogan, Leon Ames, David Huddleston and Marjorie Bennett.