Film Weekly wrote: "Smoothly produced but lacking in real thrills or suspense. The more entertaining moments in a rather dull film arise from Arthur Wontner's habit, in the character of Holmes, of pulling Dr. Watson's leg
. ... Wontner is, however a good Sherlock Holmes, even if he does not fit in with everybody's conception of the character. Ian Fleming admirably conveys the amiable stupidity of Dr. Watson, and Francis L. Sullivan is a fairly convincing villain."''''
Kine Weekly wrote: "Arthur Wontner is Holmes personified, and the quality of the entertainment lies principally in his intriguing performance. The directorial work is efficient, a good atmosphere prevails, and the team work of the supporting players is commendable."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Tempo very slow, but notable for Arthur Wontner's striking portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, which is an outstanding aspect of the picture."
Variety wrote: "Starting off promisingly with a raid on a Chinese den in Limehouse, the picture reverts after this first sequence to a pace too slow to make for interest. It is not helped any by a poor adaptation which fails to add mental suggestion to the occasional spectacle of people shooting off guns. Real suspense is almost wholly lacking and the story is not made sufficiently graphic to hold the interest."
The New York Times reviewer wrote that, though it is "slightly changed as to action and entirely as to title, provides both excitement and laughter" and "brings back a number of screen actors who by this time seem to be perfectly at home in their parts." == See also ==