A Study in Scarlet (movie 1914 with Ford)

From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia
Ad in The Moving Picture World, 19 december 1914, p. 1627 (New York)

A Study in Scarlet is a silent American movie released on 29 december 1914, produced by Gold Seal / The Universal Film Manufacturing Co. Inc., starring Francis Ford as Sherlock Holmes. Black & White. 2 reels (2000 feet).

Survival status: Presumed lost.


Cast

  • Sherlock Holmes : Francis Ford
  • Dr. John H. Watson : John Ford
  • ? : Grace Cunard
  • ? : Harry Schumm


  • Director : Francis Ford
  • Screenplay : Grace Cunard



Review

The Moving Picture World, 2 january 1915, p. 77
  • The Moving Picture World, 2 january 1915, p. 77

A STUDY IN SCARLET (Gold Seal). Dec. 29. — A two-reel adaptation of the famous Conan Doyle story, the scenario being written by Grace Cunard. Francis Ford plays the part of Sherlock Holmes. There is of course one of the thick-headed officers from Scotland yard and Dr. Watson to complete the picture. The characterizations are none too strong, but the story is well put on and holds the interest firmly. The finding of Drebber's body is shown and then the manner in which Sherlock Holmes takes the trail, finally rounding up the guilty man. The cabby's story is well-pictured, the American scenes being elaborately staged. The photography is a little dark in places, but on the whole this makes a good offering.


Plot summary

The Moving Picture World, 26 december 1914, p. 1892-1894
  • The Moving Picture World, 26 december 1914, p. 1892-1894

A STUDY IN SCARLET (Two Parts — Dec. 29). — This is the first of the Sherlock Holmes' stories by the famous English author. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes and his friend, Dr. Watson, receives an invitation from Mr. Gregson, of Scotland Yard, to assist in unraveling a murder mystery. Holmes makes a careful study of the case and as a result of his ingenious deductions rounds up the murderer, one Jefferson Hope, a cabman.

The man confesses his guilt and tells his life-story and of the vengence of the many wrongs he has suffered at the hands of the dead man in the years gone by. Before the case comes to trial the prisoner dies from heart failure. This is another victory for Holmes and his wonderful deductive methods, as the officers of Scotland Yard had all but fastened the guilt upon another and an innocent person.




Motography, 2 january 1915, p. 40-41
  • Motography, 2 january 1915, p. 40-41

A Study in Scarlet — Gold Seal — (Two reels) — December 29. — This detective story marks Sherlock Holmes' debut into motion pictures. Holmes and his friend, Dr. Watson, receive an invitation from Mr. Gregson of Scotland Yard to assist in unraveling a murder mystery. Holmes makes a careful study of the case and as a result of his ingenious deductions rounds up the murderer, one Jefferson Hope, a cabman. The man confesses his guilt and tells his life story in which he reveals his motive for committing the crime. Hope dies before the case comes to trial, the fulfilling of his oath of vengeance having taken the object of living out of his life.