Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror [Sherlock Holmes vs. Lord Haw-Haw] [Sherlock Holmes #1] [Sherlock Holmes Saves London] [Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Fear]

Universal City: Universal Pictures, 1942. Archive of three scripts and one post-production script for the 1942 film. May 4 script missing one page, likely as used or issued.

First, an early Draft script, under the working title "Sherlock Holmes vs. Lord Haw-Haw," by screenwriter John Bright, noted as "Contract File Copy" on front wrapper. Carbon typescript, preceded by a four page ribbon copy typescript outline, dated 3/10/42. Annotation of inquiry into necessary story elements and plotline on title page, in manuscript pencil. Several annotations throughout, of Bright's name, page numbers, strikes, question mark, and dates (ranging from 3/10/42 to 3/27/42), in manuscript pencil and ink.

Second is a Draft script, under the working title "Sherlock Holmes #1," by screenwriter Lynn Riggs, dated April 2, 1942. Annotations in red and graphite manuscript pencil on front wrapper, some illegible, citing Arthur Conan Doyle and the story upon which script is based, and "Copy from which we mimeod yellow script 4/27/42." Carbon typescript on onionskin, with annotations in manuscript pencil and ink throughout, primarily amending page numbers, scene numbers, and character names, as well as striking the "#1" on title page title and adding "Saves London," amending title to "Sherlock Holmes Saves London," another early working title.

Third is a Draft script, under the working title "Sherlock Holmes' Series #1 'Sherlock Holmes Saves London'," credited as "A Free Adaptation" by Robert Andrews, and credits for screenwriters Lynn Riggs and John Bright, dated May 4, 1942. One annotation in manuscript pencil of the name "M. Nicht" on top right of page 107, likely a stenographer.

Lastly, the post-production Dialogue and Contitnuity script, here under the working title "Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Fear," dated July 28, 1942. Annotation on front wrapper, in manuscript pencil, striking "Fear" in title, adding "Terror," amending title to it's release title.

Based on the 1917 short story "His Last Bow. The War Service of Sherlock Holmes," by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and loosely, on the real-life exploits of Lord Haw-Haw, (several broadcasters, but most notably) William Joyce, a US born Briton who broadcast Nazi Propaganda from Germany to the UK during WWII. Joyce would be convicted of high treason in 1945 and hanged in 1946, the last person executed for treason in the UK.

The third Sherlock Holmes movie starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, and the first produced at Universal Studios. Preceded by "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (1939), directed by Alfred L. Werker, and followed by "Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon" (1942), directed by Roy William Neill.

Watson and Holmes, transplanted from their usual Victorian setting, and from the WWI setting of the original story, are now in England at the start of WWII investigating the mysterious broadcasts by "The Voice of Terror," apparently from Nazi Germany, warning of acts of terror moments before their occurrence.

3/10/42 script, "Sherlock Holmes vs. Lord Haw-Haw":
Gray titled wrappers, with credits for screenwriter John Bright. Title page present, with credits for screenwriter John Bright. 126 leaves, with last page of text numbered 121. Carbon typescript, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus with some chipping, creasing, and closed tears at extremities, primarily to front wrapper, bound with three gold brads.

April 2, 1942 script, "Sherlock Holmes #1":
Gray titled wrappers, dated April 2, 1942, with credits for screenwriter Lynn Riggs. Title page integral with first page, with credits for screenwriter Lynn Riggs. 127 leaves, with last page of text numbered 122a. Carbon typescript on onionskin. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus, with some creasing and small closed tears to extremities on front wrapper, bound with three gold brads.

May 4, 1942 script, "Sherlock Holmes' Series #1 'Sherlock Holmes Saves London'":
Gray titled wrappers, dated May 4, 1942, with credits for adaptation by Robert Andrews, author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and screenwriters Lynn Riggs and John Bright. Title page integral with first page. 115 leaves, with last page of text numbered 113. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with blue revision pages throughout, dated variously between 5/8/42 and 5/14/42. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good, with some chipping, creasing and closed tears to extremities, bound with three gold brads.

July 28, 1942 Dialogue and Contiuity post-production script:
Title self wrappers, noted as DIALOGUE CONTINUITY on the front wrapper, dated July 28, 1942. 117 leaves. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, bound at top with two gold brads.

[Book #149229]