Based on Eve Titus’s children’s novel, Basil of Baker Street, Basil The Great Mouse Detective is a fun adventure about a mouse named Basil (Ingham) who is a legendary, Sherlock Holmes-style detective, complete with deerstalker hat and magnifying glass (the ‘real’ Sherlock does pop up, too, with Basil Rathbone’s voice, thanks to a recording taken from a recording of Rathbone’s voice).
With the aid of his assistant, Dr Dawson (Bettin), Basil investigates the kidnapping of a toymaker and discovers that his nemesis, the rat Professor Ratigan (the marvellous Vincent Price), is behind it and is planning something far more sinister.
A funny, entertaining introduction for younger viewers to sleuthing adventures, this is a fun twist on the Sherlock Holmes stories penned by Arthur Conan Doyle (‘It’s elementary, my dear Dawson,’ comments Basil) that will amuse grown-ups as much as the kids it is aimed at. A treat.
Is Basil The Great Mouse Detective suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
The final battle is quite intense for young viewers. Little ones may be scared by Rattigan and his henchmen.
If you like this, why not try: An American Tail, Ratatouille, Bolt, Young Sherlock Holmes, Cats & Dogs,