29. Pursuit to Algiers (1945)

This film has all of the five elements I've just decided there must be in a good Holmes film:

1. Canonical nods: Holmes fakes his death and is resurrected when it suits him. Watson regales a captivated audience with the story of the Giant Rat of Sumatra.

2. Insights into the Canon: Holmes states "The late Professor Moriarty was a virtuoso of the bassoon." providing much needed further details on the mysterious Napoleon of Crime.

3. Stalwart Watson: While Bruce's Watson often came across as a buffoon (and this film is a prime example), here we see him as the loyal companion to Holmes, willing to put his trust in his friend and follow any instructions.

4. Exploding Christmas crackers.

5. A touch of Johnlock: At about 59 minutes in (just after the festive dinner scene), we are treated to the dashing Basil Rathbone as good as sitting in Nigel Bruce's lap.

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