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The Seven-Per-cent Solution

(1976)

A drug-adddled Sherlock Holmes manoeuvred onto Sigmund Freud’s couch by a concerned Dr. Watson. Much better in the first two-thirds, before it gives way to a so-so action finale.

The mystery itself ain't all that, so the entertainment comes from the interplay between Freud (Arkin, on his usual energetic form) and Holmes (Williamson, at his best in the throes of addiction). Duvall's accent, as has been much commented upon, is highly bizarre.

A shame the film wasn’t more successful, as I would have liked to see some Nicholas Meyer's other Holmes pastiches make their way to the screen.

***1/2

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