Detective Films That Celebrate Tradition

Description: This classic adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's tale brings to life the eerie moors of Devonshire, where Sherlock Holmes investigates a curse that has haunted the Baskerville family for generations. The film is steeped in British tradition, from the gothic atmosphere to the portrayal of the gentry.

Fact: This was the first Sherlock Holmes film to be shot in colour, and it was also the first time Peter Cushing played the iconic detective.

Description: A group of Hollywood insiders play a murder mystery game on a yacht, uncovering secrets and traditions of the film industry. It's a clever blend of Hollywood satire and detective work.

Fact: The film was co-written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, making it a unique collaboration between a Broadway legend and a film star.

Description: A police sergeant arrives on a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, only to uncover pagan rituals and traditions that clash with his Christian beliefs. This film is a cult classic for its exploration of folk horror.

Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but has since gained a massive cult following and is often cited as one of the best British horror films.

Description: Set in Kenya during the construction of a railway, this film explores the clash between Western engineering and African traditions when two man-eating lions terrorise the workers. It's a tale of survival and cultural understanding.

Fact: The film is based on real events, and the lions, known as the Tsavo maneaters, are now on display in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Description: This film follows the journey of a violin through different countries and eras, each segment revealing a mystery tied to cultural traditions and the instrument's history. It's a detective story that spans centuries.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, composed by John Corigliano.

Description: A ghostwriter uncovers political intrigue and personal secrets while working on the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. The film explores themes of power, tradition, and the hidden truths behind public figures.

Fact: The film was Roman Polanski's first English-language film in over 20 years and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: While not strictly about traditions, this film delves into the dark secrets of a Swedish family, exploring themes of heritage, legacy, and the impact of past traditions on the present.

Fact: The film's title sequence, featuring a unique cover of "Immigrant Song" by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, won an award at the Art Directors Guild.

Description: A group of friends hiking in Sweden encounter ancient rituals and must confront their own traditions and beliefs when they stumble upon a mysterious cult. It's a modern take on the clash between old customs and new worldviews.

Fact: The film was shot in Romania, standing in for Sweden, to capture the eerie, isolated atmosphere needed for the story.

Description: In this medieval whodunit, a Franciscan friar investigates a series of mysterious deaths in an Italian monastery. The film delves into the traditions of monastic life, the power of the Church, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Fact: Sean Connery's performance as the detective monk William of Baskerville earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor.

Description: This animated film tells the story of a young boy in a medieval Irish abbey who must finish the legendary Book of Kells. It's a detective story wrapped in the traditions of Celtic mythology and Christian monasticism.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, highlighting its unique blend of history and fantasy.