Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

Year: 1942

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Director: Roy William Neill

ThrillerMysteryCrimeThrillers and murder mysteriesIntriguing and suspenseful murder mysteries

A fast‑paced World War II adventure sees Sherlock Holmes daringly rescue a Swiss inventor who has created a revolutionary bomb‑sight, whisking him from Gestapo hands to England. Once there, Holmes discovers the inventor has fallen into the scheming grasp of his arch‑nemesis, Professor Moriarty, forcing a deadly game of wits.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The events unfold in the early years of World War II, a period of German air raids and sabotage on the British home front. British intelligence and police coordinate efforts against Nazi saboteurs, with propaganda broadcasts like The Voice of Terror playing into the plot. The era highlights wartime technology, espionage, and the urgency of intercepting enemy plans. The story culminates in a coastal confrontation that mirrors Britain's wartime defense mindset.

Location

London (Limehouse, Christopher Docks), Kent, South Coast England

Set during World War II in Britain, the story moves from London's East End docks to a Kent country estate and the south coast. The Limehouse area is depicted as a busy port with warehouses, ships, and covert activity. The action shifts between urban wartime London and rural coastal locations as the plot escalates toward a German invasion plan. The setting emphasizes civilian struggle and the home front during the war.

🌆 London 🗺️ Limehouse and Christopher Docks 🏖️ South Coast 🗺️ Kent

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:37

Main Characters – Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942)

Meet the key characters of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone)

The renowned detective is pulled into British Intelligence's inner circle to unravel the Nazi plot. He uses sharp deduction and scientific insight to identify the impostor behind The Voice of Terror and leads the eventual coastal interception. Holmes's methodical approach threads through London, the docks, and the coast as he outmaneuvers both criminals and red herrings.

🧠 Detective 🧩 Mastermind

Dr. John Watson (Nigel Bruce)

Holmes's loyal companion and medical advisor, Watson accompanies the investigations and provides practical support. He helps piece together clues from the Limehouse precinct to the coastal chase. Watson's steady presence balances Holmes's deductive intensity, aiding in the confrontation with the spies.

🩺 Doctor 🧭 Loyal

Kitty

Gavin's wife who pretends to be a thief to infiltrate Meade's circle and gather intelligence. Her courage helps uncover Meade's plan and bring crucial information to Holmes and the council. Kitty's arc culminates in a dramatic, costly sacrifice as she dies defending the effort against the spy operation.

🫂 Ally 💔 Sacrifice

Sir Evan Barham

Presumed to be a respected member of the council, he is revealed as the mastermind behind The Voice of Terror. The twist shows that the real Barham died years earlier in a German camp and was replaced by a double after plastic surgery and careful study of his mannerisms. The revelation exposes a long-running deception that orchestrated the spy network.

👔 Impostor 🧭 Aristocrat

Meade

Leader of the Nazi spies operating in Britain, Meade directs the sabotage plan and coordinates with the impostor to execute their campaign. He remains a menacing figure who attempts to escape after the coastal confrontation. His capture ultimately contributes to dismantling the spy ring.

🕵️ Spy 🗺️ Saboteur

Gavin

An operative whose death signals the moment of truth for the investigation. Before dying, he whispers a clue that points Holmes toward the identity and plans of the spy network. His sacrifice helps set the course for the final confrontation.

🕵️ Agent 🕯️ Catalyst

Mrs. Hudson

The steadfast landlady of 221B, she remains a quiet pillar of support in the background. Her presence underscores the domestic front of wartime London that persists despite the espionage and danger surrounding the case.

🏡 Landlady 🧭 Supportive

Inspector Lestrade

A Scotland Yard inspector who collaborates with Holmes on the case. His involvement adds an official layer to the investigation, helping coordinate arrests and evidence gathering.

👮 Lawman 🧭 Collaborator

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:37

Major Themes – Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942)

Explore the central themes of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Imposture

The central mystery hinges on deceit: The Voice of Terror is an impostor, created through long-term disguise and manipulation. Holmes uncovers how a high-status figure could be replaced by someone who bears a near-perfect resemblance, aided by subtle clues like a scar. The film explores the fragility of identity when appearances can be manufactured. The twist demonstrates how deception can be embedded in trusted institutions.

🔬 Forensics

A key plot device is scientific analysis of sound. Holmes uses an oscilloscope to distinguish between live and prerecorded voices in radio broadcasts. This forensic insight reveals that The Voice of Terror was recorded in the UK and broadcast from Germany. The technology drives the investigation forward and proves crucial to quashing the Nazi plot.

🛡️ War & Resistance

The narrative foregrounds civilian and official collaboration against invasion. The British home front mobilizes through intelligence, police, and East End communities who aid in the crackdown on spies. The pursuit from London to the coast underlines the broader wartime defense mindset. Courage, coordination, and quick action define the resistance against the saboteurs.

🕊️ Sacrifice

Kitty's actions and her ultimate death underscore the costs of espionage warfare. The sacrifice galvanizes the council and the locals to persevere, ensuring that her death is not in vain. The story frames personal loss within the collective effort to protect the nation. This theme threads emotional weight into the wartime resolve.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:37

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Summary

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Timeline

Track the full timeline of Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Timeline

More About Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon