The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It

Sep 18 1977 N/A 0h 56m
Comedy, Crime, Mystery

John Cleese is hilarious as the descendant of Sherlock Holmes in this modern detective drama of international power politics and intrigue. Unlike his illustrious grandfather however, he only succeeds in bungling every job he organizes. Also stars Arthur Lowe as the "bionic" grandson of Dr. Watson, Stratford Johns as the Commissioner of Police, and Connie Booth as Mrs. Hudson.

Plot

The grandchild of Professor James Moriarty had promised the world that it has only five days left to live. Moriarty is a master of disguise, a crack shot, and is very patient. Several government figures are shot to death, and it seems that it truly is the end of civilization as we know it- until the President learns that the grandson of Sherlock Holmes is living at 221B Baker Street, and send the Police Commisioner of Scotland Yard to employ him. Unfortunately, Arthur Sherlock Holmes is a quick-tempered, ranting, violent bungler, and his assistant, Dr. William Watson (grandson of Dr. John H. Watson) is one of the most moronic creatures ever to walk the earth, although he is invaluable because he has "bionic bits". Holmes has inherited a drug habit from his grandfather, one which his housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, is less than discreet about, and the sleek Moriarty is also one step ahead of him, eventually murdering the police commisioner. Finally, Holmes decides to hold a party, inviting the world's most distinguished detectives, hoping to flush Moriarty out of hiding. However, it does not go as planned.

Written by

Jack Hobbs, Joseph McGrath, John Cleese

Directed by

Joseph McGrath

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

Shearwater Films, LWT

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
754
Average Rating
6.2 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA