By HM
Film Review
01-Nov-2000

"The Universal Sherlock Holmes movies that starred Basil Rathbone in the 1940s remain popular to this day, so to be able to listen to a new recording of one of the series' best scores is something of a thrill. It kicks off with the memorable and much re-used Main Title, written to accompany Holmes and Watson walking down a darkly lit street as the credits roll. We're then straight into the action with Limehouse, which perfectly captures the film's fog-swathed atmosphere, as does the following track, the moody Christopher Docks. With Holmes on the case it's not long before things hot up, which they do in the urgent No Time to Lose. Composed by Frank Skinner, the score is wholly evocative of its period and should delight fans. If that weren't enough, the album also contains Hans J Salter's complete score for The Ghost of Frankenstein and selections from Son of Dracula, Black Friday and Man Made Monster, plus Jimmy McHugh's rousing Universal signature theme. Nothing less than superb."

By Roger Hall
The Music Buffs

"This CD belongs in any vintage film music lover's collection."

By Mark Koldys
American Record Guide
01-Aug-2000

"...aside from Waxman's Bride of Frankenstein, [this is] possibly the most creative and accomplished score ever composed for a 'horror' movie.

"The reconstructions by John Morgan are flawless; ...sound quality has all the impact the situation demands...all other aspects of the production are up to the high standards Marco Polo has set for this series."