All aboard for murder, diamonds, and deductive brilliance. In Terror by Night (1946), Sherlock Holmes isn’t pacing in 221B Baker Street — he’s solving a mystery on a moving train. What starts as a routine job quickly spirals into a deadly game, with danger lurking in every carriage.
Part of the beloved Basil Rathbone series, this installment packs suspense, deception, and sharp wit into just 60 minutes — making it a fast-moving gem of classic mystery cinema.
Plot in a Nutshell
The famous Star of Rhodesia diamond is being transported by train from London to Edinburgh — and Holmes is hired to ensure its safe delivery. But when the jewel’s owner is found murdered mid-journey, Holmes and Watson realize they’re riding with a killer.
Clues emerge, suspects multiply, and the foggy windows of the train conceal more than just scenery. With the clock ticking and the train hurtling forward, Holmes must outwit a criminal who’s hiding in plain sight.
Meet the Cast
- Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes — cool, calculating, and unflappable
- Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson — loyal, lovable, and occasionally befuddled
- Alan Mowbray as Inspector Lestrade — tagging along and trying to keep up
- Renee Godfrey as Vivian Vedder — mysterious woman with secrets to spare
- Dennis Hoey as Inspector Lestrade — reprising his usual comic-serious role
The chemistry between Rathbone and Bruce is as sharp as ever — a masterclass in detective duo dynamics.
Why It Still Works
- 🚂 One Setting, High Stakes — The entire film takes place aboard a train, adding claustrophobia and urgency
- 💎 Classic Heist Setup — A priceless diamond, a train full of suspects, and no escape
- 🕵️♂️ Rathbone in Peak Form — The definitive Holmes for a generation
Fun Fact: The film was shot mostly on reused train car sets and filmed in just a few weeks — but you’d never know it from the tight direction and snappy pacing.
Watch Terror by Night on Oldies-TV
You can stream this gripping classic now in both formats:
- Original version — as aired in 1946, with vintage style intact
- Enhanced version — restored visuals and audio for a modern audience
Watch Terror by Night Now →
Explore More Sherlock Holmes Films →
Own It on DVD or Digital →
Final Clue
If you’re new to Sherlock Holmes or just in the mood for a punchy whodunit, Terror by Night delivers suspense without ever slowing down. It’s short, sharp, and endlessly rewatchable.
Hop aboard and see if you can solve the case before Holmes does — only on Oldies-TV.
