Sherlock Holmes in New York

Sherlock Holmes in New York

Year: 1976

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Boris Sagal

TV MovieThriller

A loving tribute to Conan Holmes, this richly produced adventure sends the legendary detective to New York after he learns that his old arch‑enemy Moriarty has abducted the son of Holmes’s longtime confidante, actress Irene Adler. Holmes must race through the city’s underworld to rescue the child and outwit his nemesis.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th Century

The story unfolds in an era of rapid urban growth and emerging modern policing in New York. The period is defined by ornate theatres, grand financial institutions, and growing public intrigue around criminal masterminds. The setting emphasizes old-world detective work meeting the city’s expanding industrial energy.

Location

New York City

New York City provides the bustling backdrop for Holmes's investigation. The city’s grand banks, theatres, and crowded streets create a dense, high-stakes atmosphere. Key scenes unfold in opulent interiors and shadow-filled spaces that drive the mystery forward.

🏙️ Urban 🕵️ Mystery 🗽 Historical

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:51

Main Characters – Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976)

Meet the key characters of Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976), 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 (Roger Moore)

The great detective whose razor-sharp deduction unravels Moriarty's scheme. He initially refuses the case to protect the kidnapped boy, then shifts to pursue the truth by linking the vault ruse to the real theft. His method combines patience, observation, and bold leaps of insight.

🧭 Detective 🧠 Logical 🧩 Puzzle-Solver

Professor James Moriarty (John Huston)

A mastermind behind a dangerous blend of kidnapping and gold theft, using psychological games to manipulate Holmes. His plans hinge on complexity and misdirection, leaving investigators to chase shadows while he perfects the real crime. He escapes in the final confrontation, leaving the threat unresolved.

🎭 Villain 🧩 Strategist

Dr. John Watson (Patrick Macnee)

Holmes's loyal companion who supports the investigation and helps divert Moriarty's watchers. He collaborates with Adler in a ruse that draws attention away from Holmes's real focus. His steadiness contrasts with Holmes's intensity, keeping the partnership grounded.

🤝 Ally 🗺️ Partner

Irene Adler (Charlotte Rampling)

A former ally who has become a renowned music-hall singer. She reveals Moriarty's threat against her son Scott and plays a crucial role in distracting Moriarty's surveillance. Her relationship with Holmes adds emotional depth and hints at a protective, almost familial bond.

🎶 Entertainer 🧭 Catalyst

Inspector Lafferty (David Huddleston)

A New York Police Inspector involved in the bank theft case, representing law-enforcement's perspective amid Holmes's unorthodox methods. He provides official oversight and connects the detective work to the broader criminal investigation.

🕵️‍♂️ Authority 🧭 Investigator

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:51

Major Themes – Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976)

Explore the central themes of Sherlock Holmes in New York (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Intellect

Holmes's deductive mind drives the investigation, turning subtle clues into a larger conspiracy. The plot hinges on logic, timing, and the ability to see what others overlook. The story shows how reason can outsmart deception, even when a child's safety is at stake.

🗝️ Deception

Moriarty's plan relies on misdirection, disguises, and layered schemes, including a counterfeit vault that hides the real theft. The note and staged crime create tension and force Holmes to adapt quickly. The deception tests Holmes's resolve and ingenuity at every turn.

👪 Family

The plot centers on the tension between protection and danger when Adler’s son Scott becomes a pawn. Adler's vulnerabilities add moral complexity to Holmes's mission. The ending hints at a possible fatherly connection, suggesting that family can be found in unlikely places in a perilous city.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:51

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Unlock the Full Story of Sherlock Holmes in New York

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Sherlock Holmes in New York Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sherlock Holmes in New York, 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 in New York Summary

Sherlock Holmes in New York Timeline

Track the full timeline of Sherlock Holmes in New York 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 in New York Timeline

More About Sherlock Holmes in New York

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