While it shares a title with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes novel, this 1933 pre-Code mystery is actually an original story penned by Robert Florey. It leans more toward the “old dark house” thriller style popular in the early 30s than the procedural logic of the books.
The Synopsis
The plot revolves around a mysterious underground criminal organisation known as the “Scarlet Ring.” The group is led by a shadowy figure who oversees a sinister “tontine” policy: a collective fund where the last surviving member inherits the entire fortune.
When members of the Ring begin dying under suspicious circumstances, the panicked survivors realise they are being picked off one by one. Enter Sherlock Holmes, who is hired to uncover the identity of the killer and the secrets of the Ring before the guest list at the next meeting hits zero. The investigation leads Holmes and Dr. Watson through a series of eerie London locales, secret passages, and high-stakes deceptions.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | Edwin L. Marin |
| Sherlock Holmes | Reginald Owen |
| Dr. Watson | Warburton Gamble |
| Mrs. Murphy | Anna May Wong |
| Eileen Forrester | June Clyde |
| Captain Pyke | Alan Dinehart |
Production Notes
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A Rare Feat: Lead actor Reginald Owen holds a unique place in Holmesian history; having played Dr. Watson in the 1932 film Sherlock Holmes (starring Clive Brook), he was promoted to play the Great Detective himself in this 1933 production.
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Atmosphere: Despite its modest budget, the film is noted for its moody cinematography and a standout performance by Anna May Wong, a cinematic icon of the era.
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Divergence: Fans of the book should be prepared—aside from the title and the lead characters, the movie bears almost no resemblance to the original 1887 novel.
