What, No Ones?

Here’s a little mystery for you. I just watched the first part of the iconic 1939 version of Hound of the Baskervilles starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. The opening establishing shot shows a street sign which says ‘Baker Street W,’ when it’s usually presented as W1. The camera then pans across and down to Sherlock’s door, beside which is ‘22B.’ It should be 221B.

Are we to believe that the props department of Universal Studios was deficient in representations of the number 1 in 1939? Or could it be that it was a cunning plan to keep the Germans from knowing where Sherlock lived, just in case they dropped a bomb on him or something? It all seems a bit silly to me, but maybe there’s a Perfectly Rational Explanation.

And while I’m writing, I have to say this. The series of Sherlock Holmes films made by Universal between 1939 and 1946 are widely revered. Some claim they are the best Sherlock films ever made. I disagree. They’re loaded with atmosphere and period charm. They’re comfortable, like an old sofa. But some of the scripts and acting performances are about as bad as you’re ever likely to see. I still like them, of course. Who wouldn’t?