Directed by
Barry Levinson
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Young Sherlock Holmes (1985). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Teenagers Sherlock Holmes and John Watson forge a strong friendship while attending the esteemed Brompton Academy in London. Watson soon meets Holmes’ mentor, Rupert T. Waxflatter, a retired schoolmaster and inventive spirit. Complicating their friendship is Waxflatter’s niece, Elizabeth, who captures Holmes’ affections, sparking rivalry with another student, Dudley (Earl Rhodes), despite her clear preference for Holmes.
Amidst their budding friendships and budding romances, a mysterious hooded figure employs a blowpipe to harm several individuals, leading to haunting deaths: Bentley Bobster leaps to his demise, and Reverend Duncan Nesbitt is crushed by a horse-drawn carriage. Suspicion arises in Holmes’ mind, but Inspector Lestrade from Scotland Yard dismisses his theories. In a cruel twist of fate, Dudley manipulates events resulting in Holmes’ unjust expulsion. In a final duel with his fencing instructor, Professor Rathe, Holmes is distracted by a glint from Rathe’s ring, leading to his defeat.
Tragedy strikes further when the hooded figure attacks Waxflatter, causing him to suffer from violent hallucinations before his demise. His last cryptic utterance, “Eh-tar,” echoes in Holmes’ mind as he teams up with Watson and Elizabeth to unravel the mystery behind these alarming events. Together, they piece together a series of clues, including a jingling sound associated with the killer and a piece of cloth found at the scene of Waxflatter’s murder, ultimately revealing the presence of Rame Tep, an ancient Egyptian cult dedicated to the worship of Osiris. This cult is notorious for employing blowpipes to administer hallucinogenic thorns, creating vivid nightmares for their victims.
Their inquiry leads them to a hidden warehouse of Froggit and Froggit, where they uncover a group recapping the rituals of the Rame Tep cult amid a wooden pyramid reconstruction. As Holmes interrupts a sacrificial ceremony, they encounter grave danger as the cultists retaliate, but with Holmes’ grit and the assistance of a graveyard caretaker, they manage to escape the terrifying hallucinations and their relentless pursuers.
Later, they find themselves at Waxflatter’s loft, where a shared photograph reveals the sinister connection among the three deceased victims and a fourth man, Chester Cragwitch. Just as they are on the verge of uncovering the truth, they are caught by Mrs. Dribb, threatening their very freedom. Nevertheless, a daring escape ensues as Elizabeth returns to salvage her uncle’s unfinished work, while Holmes and Watson seek out Cragwitch for further insights.
Cragwitch shares a fateful tale about discovering an underground pyramid during a hotel construction in Egypt, unleashing a fierce backlash from local inhabitants that led to horrifying consequences; one boy—Eh-Tar—vowed revenge after losing his family in the chaos. However, as Cragwitch falls victim to the same thorn that felled the others, he turns on Holmes but is subdued by LeStrade, who has come to regret dismissing Holmes’ earlier claims.
Upon returning to campus, Holmes has an epiphany—Rathe is actually Eh-Tar, but they arrive too late to thwart his and Mrs. Dribb’s abduction of Elizabeth. Utilizing Waxflatter’s ingenious flying contraption, they race against time to the warehouse, where a climactic confrontation ensues: Rathe attempts to complete his ritual sacrifice, only to face unexpected retaliation from Holmes. Fighting breaks out; in the chaos, Watson foils Rathe’s escape plan while Mrs. Dribb meets her demise.
As Holmes duels Rathe, a tragic moment unfolds when Elizabeth is fatally shot while trying to protect Holmes. In the aftermath, as Holmes grieves, he reflects on how the clues unraveled to expose Rathe and Mrs. Dribb as the revengeful siblings, with Watson humorously pointing out that Rathe’s name is a reverse anagram for Eh-Tar—an insight that eluded Holmes. As he departs, Watson, now older and reminiscing, wishes for more adventures alongside Holmes. In a final twist, Rathe, presumed dead, resurfaces under the guise of “Moriarty,” heralding a new chapter as Holmes’ greatest adversary.
Track the key events of Young Sherlock Holmes (1985) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Friendship Blossoms at Brompton Academy
Teenagers Sherlock Holmes and John Watson form a profound friendship while attending the prestigious Brompton Academy in London. Their camaraderie develops amidst the academic rigors and social dynamics of their school life.
Holmes Meets His Mentor
Watson soon becomes acquainted with Holmes' mentor, Rupert T. Waxflatter, a retired schoolmaster with a flair for invention. This meeting strengthens Holmes' inventive skills and deepens Watson's understanding of his friend's intellect.
Love and Rivalry Emerge
As their friendship deepens, Holmes finds himself captivated by Waxflatter's niece, Elizabeth. This attraction ignites a rivalry with Dudley, a fellow student, who is envious of Holmes' affections for her, despite her clear preference for Holmes.
Mysterious Attacks Begin
A shadowy figure begins targeting individuals with a blowpipe, resulting in a series of strange and haunting deaths at the academy. Bentley Bobster's fatal leap and Reverend Duncan Nesbitt's cruel demise fuel suspicions and fear among the students.
Inspector Dismisses Holmes' Concerns
Inspector Lestrade from Scotland Yard arrives but dismisses Holmes' theories about the mysterious figure's motives and actions. This dismissal only fuels Holmes' determination to investigate further and uncover the truth.
Holmes' Unjust Expulsion
In a cruel twist, Dudley manipulates circumstances that lead to Holmes' unjust expulsion from Brompton Academy. This turn of events deeply affects Holmes and challenges his resolve as he continues to seek answers.
Rivalry in Fencing Class
Holmes engages in a final duel with his fencing instructor, Professor Rathe, which proves disastrous. Distracted by a glint from Rathe's ring, Holmes suffers a defeat that highlights the stakes of their ongoing rivalry.
Waxflatter’s Attack and Final Words
The mysterious hooded figure attacks Waxflatter, causing him to experience terrifying hallucinations before his death. His last words, 'Eh-tar,' linger in Holmes' mind, prompting him to seek out the meaning behind these cryptic utterances.
Unraveling the Mystery
Teaming up with Watson and Elizabeth, Holmes starts piecing together clues that suggest a connection to an ancient Egyptian cult, Rame Tep. This cult employs blowpipes for malicious purposes, heightening the danger they face.
Confrontation with the Cult
The trio discovers a hidden warehouse where members of the Rame Tep cult are conducting rituals. As Holmes interrupts a sacrificial ceremony, they face immediate retaliation and must navigate through terrifying hallucinations to escape.
A Sinister Connection Revealed
At Waxflatter's loft, Holmes, Watson, and Elizabeth find a photograph linking the deceased victims, including a fourth man named Chester Cragwitch. Just as they begin to understand the connections, their investigation is abruptly interrupted.
Cragwitch's Revelations
Cragwitch recounts his tale about uncovering an underground pyramid in Egypt, which led to a violent uprising. This history reveals ties to reality, including the vengeful motives stemming from a boy named Eh-Tar.
Holmes' Epiphany
Upon returning to campus, Holmes realizes that Professor Rathe is actually Eh-Tar, the boy seeking revenge. They rush to confront him to prevent the abduction of Elizabeth and to reveal Rathe's true nature.
Climactic Showdown
In a thrilling climax, Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade race to rescue Elizabeth from Rathe. A fierce battle ensues where Holmes confronts Rathe directly, leading to dramatic twists as past tragedies resurface.
Tragic Loss and Reflection
During the final battle, Elizabeth is tragically shot while trying to aid Holmes, precipitating grief and regret. As the dust settles, Holmes reflects on the events, recognizing the tragic fate of those involved and the emergence of a new adversary, Moriarty.
Meet the characters that bring Young Sherlock Holmes (1985) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is an astute and inquisitive teenager with a keen sense for deduction and observation. His intellect often places him in dangerous situations, particularly when confronting adversaries and unraveling mysteries. Holmes is also portrayed as a passionate individual, especially in matters of the heart, complicating his friendships.
John Watson
John Watson is a loyal and brave companion to Sherlock Holmes, providing support during their thrilling adventures. He often serves as the moral compass, balancing Holmes' brilliance with practicality and emotional insight. Watson is also depicted as a caring individual, particularly in his relationships.
Rupert T. Waxflatter
Rupert T. Waxflatter is a retired schoolmaster and inventive spirit who mentors Holmes. His creativity and intelligence play a crucial role in guiding the young detectives through their challenges. Waxflatter's tragic fate highlights the darker aspects of the story and deepens Holmes' resolve.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is the niece of Waxflatter and the object of Holmes' affections. She embodies intelligence and bravery, often finding herself in precarious situations. Her character adds depth to the romantic subplot, illustrating the complexities of young love amidst danger.
Professor Rathe
Professor Rathe is an enigmatic fencing instructor with a hidden agenda, ultimately revealed to be the villain, Eh-Tar. His charm masks darker motivations and a thirst for revenge linked to a tragic loss. Rathe serves as a formidable foe for Holmes and Watson.
Uncover the settings of Young Sherlock Holmes (1985), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Victorian Era
Set in the Victorian Era, the film captures a time of great social change and innovation. This period is characterized by industrial advancements and educational reforms, which shape the world of young detectives Holmes and Watson. The backdrop of societal norms and the emergence of detective fiction heightens the intrigue and connections throughout the movie.
Location
Brompton Academy, London, Egypt
Brompton Academy is a prestigious institution in London, known for its rich history and esteemed alumni. The setting serves as the backdrop for the budding friendship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, as well as the atmospheric mysteries they encounter. Egypt plays a pivotal role in the plot, with its ancient treasures and cults, further enhancing the film's adventurous spirit.
Explore the core themes of Young Sherlock Holmes (1985). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Mystery
The film delves deeply into the theme of mystery as Holmes and Watson navigate through a series of perplexing events surrounding a dangerous cult. Their investigation entails examining cryptic clues and unraveling dark conspiracies, emphasizing the importance of observation and deduction. The allure of mystery drives the plot forward, keeping audiences engaged up until the final reveal.
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Friendship
At its core, the film explores the theme of friendship, particularly between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Their bond grows stronger as they confront challenges and share personal struggles, reflecting loyalty and the power of collaboration. The dynamics of friendship are tested through rivalry and romance, ultimately showcasing the value of trust and camaraderie.
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Revenge
The theme of revenge runs poignantly throughout the movie, manifesting through the actions of the antagonist, Professor Rathe. Driven by past grievances tied to a tragic family loss in Egypt, Rathe orchestrates chilling acts that endanger the lives of many. This theme raises questions about justice and the cyclical nature of vengeance.
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