The Man Who Was Sherlock Holmes

The movie takes place in Brussels, Belgium, during the World’s Fair. The Hotel Palace in Brussels serves as the main hub where the impostor detectives operate, and the fairground surroundings and a Brussels pawnshop become key locations as the mystery unfolds.

The movie is set during the World’s Fair era in Brussels, placing it in the early to mid-1930s context. The vintage atmosphere and setting reflect this period, though no specific year is explicitly stated.

The film explores how disguise can alter perception and open doors. Two dubious characters pose as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, using confidence and performance to navigate the world of crime and law. The theme examines how audacity and feigned expertise can influence truth and create both comic and investigative situations.

The plot centers on stolen Mauritius stamps, forged notes, and a secret counterfeiting workshop. Hidden compartments in luggage and a forged trail drive the investigation toward the gang’s hideout. The pursuit of money and deception exposes the criminals and their scheme.

A courtroom finale brings a twist when Arthur Conan Doyle reveals that Holmes and Watson are fictional characters. He grants the impostors permission to use the names, and the legal system restores order while celebrating truth over deceit.

Flynn impersonates Sherlock Holmes, using feigned deduction and quick-witted problem solving to steer investigations. He blends audacity with a knack for noticing details. McPherson plays Watson, providing steadiness and pragmatism that balances the chaos of their disguise while contributing practical insights to pursue the criminals.

Monsieur Lapin is the gang leader who orchestrates the theft and pursuit of the stolen valuables. He provides the central antagonistic force that the impostor detectives must outsmart and outmaneuver throughout the story.

Mary Berry and Jane Berry are the seamstress sisters traveling to claim their inheritance. They become central witnesses in the investigation and potential love interests for the detectives. Mary helps signal the police at the climax, making them important to the resolution.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle appears in the courtroom finale to reveal that Holmes and Watson are fictional characters. He humorously grants Flynn and McPherson permission to continue using the detective names, effectively authorizing their impersonation.

The film is a Crime Comedy that balances both genres. It features a criminal plot with captures and chases, but the comedic premise of two penniless men impersonating famous detectives keeps the tone light and whimsical throughout.

The Hotel Palace in Brussels serves as the main hub where money, plans, and disguises are exchanged. It is where the impostor Holmes and Watson operate, and where much of the criminal intrigue unfolds, making it central to the movie's setting.