The Woman in Green

Plot

When several young women are found murdered in London with their right forefinger severed, Scotland Yard believes they're hunting a deranged killer. However, Sherlock Holmes deduces that the murders are part of an elaborate blackmail scheme orchestrated by his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty, who uses hypnosis to control his accomplices. Holmes discovers that Moriarty is targeting wealthy women to extract money through blackmail, using the severed fingers as proof of his deadly threats. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson through a maze of deception involving a hypnotist, a corrupt police official, and Moriarty's sister, who poses as a victim. In a climactic confrontation, Holmes must outwit Moriarty's psychological warfare and prevent further murders while exposing the criminal mastermind's diabolical plot.

Historical Background

Released in August 1944, 'The Woman in Green' was produced during the height of World War II. The film's contemporary setting reflected Universal's strategy to make the Holmes stories more relevant to wartime audiences. The themes of criminal masterminds and psychological warfare resonated with audiences familiar with Nazi propaganda and espionage. The film was part of Hollywood's contribution to morale-boosting entertainment during the war years. The Sherlock Holmes character, with his emphasis on logic, justice, and order, provided a comforting counterpoint to the chaos of war. The film's release coincided with significant Allied advances in Europe, including the liberation of Paris, which may have contributed to its optimistic tone despite its dark subject matter.

Making Of

The production faced several challenges during wartime, including budget constraints and material shortages. The film was shot quickly on Universal's backlot, reusing sets from other productions to save money. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce had developed such chemistry by this point that many of their scenes were improvised. Henry Daniell's portrayal of Moriarty was so menacing that the cast found him intimidating off-camera. The hypnosis sequences required special camera techniques and lighting effects to create the trance-like states. Director Roy William Neill was known for his efficient shooting style, often completing scenes in one or two takes to meet Universal's tight production schedules.

Visual Style

The film employed classic film noir lighting techniques, with dramatic shadows and high-contrast photography that enhanced the mystery atmosphere. Cinematographer Virgil Miller used low-key lighting to create tension in the murder sequences and hypnosis scenes. The camera work emphasized the psychological nature of the story through close-ups during the hypnotic sequences. The film's visual style reflected the influence of German Expressionism on American film noir, with angular compositions and dramatic use of darkness. The Universal backlot sets were enhanced through creative lighting to create a convincing London atmosphere.

Innovations

The film featured innovative special effects for the hypnosis sequences, using double exposure and matte shots to create trance-like visuals. The severed finger effects were accomplished through clever camera angles and prosthetic work that was convincing for its time. The sound design for the hypnosis scenes used experimental techniques to create disorienting audio effects. The film's efficient production schedule demonstrated Universal's mastery of the B-movie formula, delivering high-quality entertainment on limited budgets and tight schedules. The lighting techniques used to create the film noir atmosphere influenced subsequent mystery and horror productions.

Music

The musical score was composed by Hans J. Salter, a prolific Universal composer who worked on many of the Holmes films. The music featured recurring motifs for Holmes, Moriarty, and the mysterious 'woman in green.' The score used orchestral arrangements that emphasized tension and mystery, with particular emphasis on strings and woodwinds during the psychological sequences. The hypnosis scenes featured experimental electronic sounds created through studio techniques, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. The soundtrack was typical of Universal's approach to mystery films in the 1940s, balancing atmospheric music with moments of dramatic intensity.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where the first murdered woman is discovered with her severed finger, establishing the film's shocking premise
• The hypnosis scene where Moriarty demonstrates his power over his victims through psychological manipulation
• The final confrontation between Holmes and Moriarty on the rooftop, featuring their classic battle of wits
• The scene where Holmes deduces the connection between the murders and blackmail scheme through his characteristic logical reasoning
• The tense sequence where Watson is nearly hypnotized by Moriarty, showing the psychological danger facing the heroes

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's atmospheric tension and Henry Daniell's menacing performance as Moriarty. The New York Times noted that 'Rathbone and Bruce continue their excellent portrayals' and called the film 'a thoroughly entertaining mystery.' Modern critics regard it as one of the stronger entries in the Universal Holmes series, with particular appreciation for its psychological elements and Daniell's performance. Film historians consider it a representative example of wartime Hollywood's approach to classic literary adaptations, balancing familiar elements with contemporary relevance.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by wartime audiences who appreciated its blend of familiar characters with contemporary settings. Theater owners reported good attendance, particularly from audiences seeking escapist entertainment during the war years. The film's relatively short runtime (68 minutes) made it popular for double bills. The Rathbone-Bruce Holmes films had developed a loyal following by 1944, and this entry satisfied fans' expectations while introducing the compelling Moriarty character. The film's success helped ensure the continuation of the series for several more years.

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