The Seven-Per-Cent Solution

The Seven-Per-Cent Solution is a 1976 Oscar-nominated British-American mystery film directed by Herbert Ross and written by Nicholas Meyer. It is based on Meyer's 1974 novel of the same name and stars Nicol Williamson, Robert Duvall, Alan Arkin, and Laurence Olivier. Plot Dr. John H. Watson (Robert Duvall) becomes convinced that his friend Sherlock Holmes (Nicol Williamson) is delusional—particularly in his belief that Professor James Moriarty (Laurence Olivier) is a criminal mastermind—as a result of his addiction to cocaine. Moriarty visits Watson to complain about being harassed by Holmes. Watson enlists the aid of Sherlock's brother, Mycroft (Charles Gray), to trick Holmes into traveling to Vienna, where he will be treated by Sigmund Freud (Alan Arkin). During the course of his treatment, Holmes investigates a kidnapping case with international implications and Freud uncovers a dark personal secret suppressed in Holmes's subconscious. Cast Nicol Williamson as Sherlock Holmes Robert Duvall as Dr. Watson Alan Arkin as Dr. Sigmund Freud Georgia Brown as Frau Freud Laurence Olivier as Professor Moriarty Charles Gray as Mycroft Holmes (a role he reprised in the Jeremy Brett TV series) Samantha Eggar as Mary Watson Vanessa Redgrave as Lola Devereaux Joel Grey as Lowenstein Jeremy Kemp as Baron Karl von Leinsdorf (he later played Dr. Grimesby Roylott in the Jeremy Brett TV series) Jill Townsend as Mrs. Holmes (Townsend was Williamson's real-life wife) Anna Quayle as Freda John Bird as Berger Alison Leggatt as Mrs. Hudson