Scanialara You won't be disappointed!

Raetsonwe Redundant and unnecessary.

Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

TigerShark 90 This third Sherlock Holmes film from Granada is not as good as "The Sign of Four" or "The Hound of the Baskervilles". However, it is a very enjoyable and well-made production nevertheless. It is an overextended version of what was originally only a short story but making it into a feature-length film only improves it rather ruining it. This Peter Hammond directed- Jeremy Paul scripted adaptation is one of the darkest entries in the Granada series.It's plot is compelling and dramatic. It does not have much mystery, as we know who the perpetrator clearly is but the drama comes from Holmes's effort to bring down Charles Augustus Milverton from his ruthless blackmailing. Like so many Holmes stories, it exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian society where these so-called "Noblemen" carry their own flaws and dirty secrets. This film is dark and mournful but it has a good share of humor and humanity as well. The most amusing scenes are between Holmes (in disguise) and Agatha (Milverton's housemaid) suggesting a possible romance. I think she loved Holmes but I don't think Holmes cared for her. As Holmes himself is rather asexual, the only true love for him is his work.The acting by its cast is solid. Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke continue to be perfect as the classic duo of Holmes and Watson. Serena Gordon and Sophie Thompson are good as well. However, it is Robert Hardy performance as Charles Augustus Milverton that steals the show. C.A.M. manages to be a villain far more chilling and despicable than Professor Moriarty. Holmes always had admiration for his former arch-nemesis yet with Milverton he brings out nothing but pure disdain.Riveting from start to finish with superb cinematography, costumes, music, and attention to periodic detail. If "The Master Blackmailer" isn't one of the best Sherlock Holmes films ever made, it is certainly among the better ones.

TheLittleSongbird As a big fan of Jeremy Brett's Holmes, I really liked this Sherlock Holmes adaptation. I have liked a lot of the feature length adaptations, this, Hound of the Baskervilles and my personal favourite Sign of Four being the best in my opinion.I agree it is slow at times, but I still liked it because it was well acted, had an interesting story and had excellent period detail. The story it is based on isn't a favourite admittedly, but it was a good enough read, however I do think I prefer this adaptation. As you would expect the period detail, sets, photography, costumes and scenery are exceptional and the music is haunting and beautiful. The story is an interesting and involving one with a touch of regret and melancholy about it, the script is well written and sophisticated, the direction is good and the acting is very good.Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke are brilliant as Holmes and Watson, no surprise they always are, Serena Gordon is a beautiful, alluring and sympathetic Eva, Sophie Thompson is lovely as Agatha and Robert Hardy is truly excellent as the villain of the piece, and a notorious villain he is too. Overall, excellent in almost every aspect, definitely recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox

ma-cortes This long episode packs a lot of astounding of surprises, thriller, mystery and concerns a battle of wits between Sherlock against Charles Augustus Milverton , a master blackmailer . This is an excellent as well as overlong runtime of Jeremy Brett-Holmes series. In the film appears usual Holmes's cannon as Inspector Lestrade and Mrs Hudson, though no Moriarty, however there is a greatest villain , Charles Augustus.It's a genuine ripping yarn with intrigue , thrills, and suspense, including an exciting final twist . This is a particular Sherlock movie but we find to Holmes falling in love with a servant , kissing , crying and even robbing . This time along with the episode ¨Scandal in Boheme¨ with Irene Adler, result to be the only ones which Holmes is enamored . Top-notch Brett performance, he alongside Peter Cushing are the best Sherlock TV , while in the cinema is forever Basil Rathbone . Brett performs as a resolutive , headstrong , impetuous sleuth . Here Doctor Watson isn't a comical , botcher, and clumsy pal personified by Nigel Bruce , but is an astute and cunning partner well incarnated by Edward Hardwicke, a perfect counterpoint to Brett. Casting is frankly magnificent , special mention to Robert Hardy as crafty nasty . Hardy, today famous for his role as Cornelius Fudge in Harry Potter , is a veteran actor with forty years of career and several successes such as , ¨The 10th kingdom¨ and ¨Winston Churchill¨. Furthermore , there appear secondary actors with terrific performances : Nickolas Grace, Sophie Gordon, Serena Gordon , among others. The movie gets a colorful atmosphere , the London streets and 221 Baker Street's house are well designed . The motion picture was well directed by Peter Hammond, director of various episodes. It's a must see for the Arthur Conan Doyle novels fans.

bteigen The Master Blackmailer, based off of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short story, "the Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton," is the first feature length Sherlock Holmes story with Jeremy Brett that I have seen. The story is interesting and dark. The film has a somewhat dreary, sad feel to it, but it is quite entertaining (with some especially funny scenes).*Spoilers* Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson attempt to uncover the identity of an illusive blackmailer who has been ruining some of the most prominent families of England by publishing private letters that will, in one way or another, destroy their lives. They eventually find out that he is Charles Augustus Milverton, an "art dealer," after the few tragic consequences for victims that could not pay up. Our heroes must next help Lady Eva Blackwell, who must pay a sum that is beyond her means or else her upcoming marriage will most definitely be called off. The scene in which Holmes and Watson burglarize Milverton's house are intense. Although the film has an essentially happy ending, the tone is sad and regretful.Outstanding performances by Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke (as usual), and Robert Hardy as the notorious villain (most audiences probably recognize him today as Cornelius Fudge in Harry Potter), Serena Gordon as Lady Eva Blackwell, Norma West as Lady Swinstead and Sophie Thomson as Agatha (the scenes involving her and Holmes are a riot). I give it a ***1/2 out *****. My only complaint is that there wasn't enough Inspector Lestrade. (I wish they would have added in the scene at the end of the short story where he gives the description of the two burglars, one of which matches Watson.)