Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon [Sherlock Holmes Fights Back] [Sherlock Holmes #2] (Archive of three original screenplays and one original post-production script for the 1942 film)

Universal City: Universal Pictures, 1942. Archive of three scripts and one post-production script for the 1942 film.

First is a First Draft script, under the working title "'Sherlock Holmes' (#2)," by screenwriters Edward T. Lowe and Scott Darling, dated March 24, 1942. Ribbon copy typescript on onionskin, with annotations in manuscript pencil on several pages, inquiries about plotline, question marks, as well as dates, and name of screenwriter Darling. Bound in, preceding script, are: A two-page, carbon typescript, breakdown of the story in 21 points, with annotation of "1st rough draft" and "One 3/24/42," in manuscript pencil, in upper right of first page. A ribbon copy typescript "continuity" breakdown of locations and sequences in ten points, dated 4/6/42. A ribbon copy typescript "comments on Sherlock Holmes #2," broken into nine points, dated 4-6-42, and a three-page ribbon copy typescript synopsis, dated 3/24/42.

Second is a Third Draft script, under the working title "'Sherlock Holmes' (#2)," crediting screenwriter Scott Darling on front wrapper, and Edward T. Love and Scott Darling on title page, dated April 22, 1942. Annotation in manuscript pencil of "mimeographed pink" on lower right of front wrapper. Ribbon copy typescript on onionskin, with several annotations in red or graphite manuscript pencil, question marks, an asterisk, underlines, and screenwriter S. Darling's name and date "4-27-42."

Third is a Draft script, under the working title "Sherlock Holmes Fights Back," with name of screenwriter Edmund L. Hartmann on front wrapper. Title page credits to "Additional Changes by Edmund L. Hartmann," and screenwriters Scott Darling and Edward T. Lowe, dated May 22, 1942. Carbon typescript, with mimeograph duplication revision pages. Bound in, preceding script, is a page describing concept for "The Miss Bently School for Girls," with photograph affixed, illustrating concept. Annotations in red and graphite manuscript pencil throughout, noting dialogue, locations, shots, characters, as well as strikes and dates.

Lastly, a Post-production Dialogue and Contitnuity script, dated August 6, 1942, with single annotation in manuscript ink on front wrapper.

Loosely based on the 1903 Sherlock Holmes short story "The Adventure of the Dancing Men," by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The fourth Sherlock Holmes movie starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, and the second produced at Universal Studios. Preceded by "Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror" (1942), directed by John Rawlins, and followed by "Sherlock Holmes in Washington" (1943), also directed by Roy William Neill (who would go on to direct all subsequent Holmes films at Universal).

Watson and Holmes, transplanted from their usual Victorian setting, now in England in the midst of WWII, have to protect Swiss scientist Dr. Franz Tobel and his invention, an advanced bomb site, from falling into the hands Nazi Germany, as well as Holmes' arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty (Lionel Atwill). The first Holmes film to feature Inspector Lestrade (Dennis Hoey) of Scotland Yard.

March 24, 1942 script, "'Sherlock Holmes' (#2)":
Gray titled wrappers, dated March 24, 1942, with credits for screenwriters Edward T. Lowe and Scott Darling. Title page integral with first page, dated 3/24/42, noted as 1st draft screenplay, with credits for screenwriters Lowe and Darling. 103 leaves, with last page of text numbered 96. Ribbon copy typescript on onionskin, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good with chipping and closed tears to extremities and one large 4.5 inch closed tear on bottom of front wrapper, bound with three gold brads.

April 22, 1942 script, "'Sherlock Holmes' (#2)":
Gray titled wrappers, noted as THIRD DRAFT on the front wrapper, dated April 22, 1942, with credits for screenwriter Scott Darling. Title page integral with first page, with credits for screenwriters Edward T. Lowe and Scott Darling. 110 leaves, with last page of text numbered 110. Ribbon copy typescript, rectos. Pages Near FIne, wrapper Very Good with closed tears and chipping at extremities, bound with three gold brads.

May 22, 1942 script, "Sherlock Holmes Fights Back":
Gray titled wrappers, with credits for screenwriter Edmund L. Hartmann. Title page present, dated May 22, 1942, with credits for Additional Chages by screenwriter Edmund L. Hartmann, screenwriters Scott Darling and Edwart T. Lowe and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 107 leaves, with last page of text numbered 100. Carbon typescript with mimeograph duplication revision pages, rectos only, with pink revision pages throughout, undated. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good with large closed tear to front wrapper and chipping and closed tears to extremities, bound with three gold brads.

script:
Titled self wrappers, noted as DIALOGUE CONTINUITY on the front wrapper,dated August 6, 1942, with credits for director Neill. 109 leaves. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, bound at top with two gold brads.