Without a Clue (1988)

[Edgy MD]

Respectable Victorian doctor takes an interest in detection, engages a reprobate out-of-work actor to serve as a front for his literary accounts of his crime-solving escapades.

Hyjinx unfold underneath the fog and coalfire smoke of cobblestone London.

[whippoorwill]

Sounds like something I’d like

[Edgy MD]

It was the only film I reviewed for my college paper, and I kind of adored it. Apart from a few uncomfortable bits of winking British bawdy humor, and taking it's time to get to the titular moment where fake Holmes is forced to work alone, it's filled with good stuff, including muscular supporting roles by the likes of Jeffrey Jones, Lysette Anthony, and (in a single scene) Peter Cook, it's still really fun.

Occasionally stagey and slapsticky, but it works. One of the better and more original takes on Holmes that you'll find.

[whippoorwill]

I love Sherlock Holmes!

[Edgy MD]

There's a reasonably decent version available to stream for free on YouTube.

[smg58]

I remember liking it, but it's been a while.