Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

This portrayal of Sherlock Holmes by George C. Scott is simply astounding. A brilliant, mentally ill, former judge, Justin Playfair (Scott), believes that he is the great detective Sherlock Holmes. He spends his waking hours trying to locate his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. His greedy brother spends his waking hours trying to have Justin committed to an asylum and obtain control of Justin’s fortune.

In the process of having Justin’s mental state evaluated, Dr. Mildred Watson (Joanne Woodward) is brought into the mix. When Justin learns her name, he is overjoyed. He has always worked alone.... but now he has Dr. Watson to assist him, which, in his mind, is the way it should be. Dr. Watson is not too thrilled with her new role, but it affords her an opportunity to observe her new patient.

Justin has a magnificent laboratory..... bunsen burners, beakers, bottles of assorted chemicals, everything that Sherlock Holmes would need to evaluate clues. He is a keen observer, and no detail escapes his piercing eye. He can rattle off facts about a person he has just met, while the person being analyzed stands open-mouthed in astonishment.

Clues..... they are the centerpiece of his investigations. “Half the trick of finding clues is knowing that they’re there,” declares Justin. His clues lead him throughout New York City, with Dr. Watson running after him, trying to keep up.

Justin’s brother is being blackmailed, but is short of cash. The blackmailer decides that if Justin is murdered, the money will be available sooner than it would be if Justin is declared incompetent. So Justin is being threatened not only by the evil Professor Moriarty, but by the evil blackmailer. The police are also after Justin because of an unfortunate incident at the telephone company while he and Dr. Watson were following clues.

Charming and hilarious scenes abound in this entertaining movie... Justin’s assessment of Mr. Small in the hall of the mental institution... the customary group of patrons in the balcony of the movie theater... the visit to the long-defunct academy... Dr. Watson’s ill-fated attempt to cook dinner... the supermarket riot... and, you will never look at a trash basket the same way again.

I think this is George C. Scott’s finest performance. He makes you believe... no, you are positive that he is, indeed, Sherlock Holmes. Joanne Woodward does a stellar job of portraying Dr. Watson. She is both bemused by and protective of Justin Playfair, who apparently is the only interesting person in her dreary professional life. In time, she starts to believe that Justin is correct, that there really is a Professor Moriarty, and he is arriving by horseback through the tunnel.....


The title of this 1971 movie, They Might Be Giants, refers to the story of Don Quixote, who was looking for giants to overcome in his epic battle of good versus evil.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older