From a film released in late 1943, the words reflect an expectant euphoria, now that the tide of the terrible war against Hitler was turning in the Allies’ favor. The surrender of Germany and Japan would bring, yes, a realized euphoria—but only in the streets, and only for a brief time. Holmes’ words would soon ring hollow and the world would be back where it was before the war, where it is now. Is there still not famine, destitution, genocide?
Yes, even Sherlock Holmes could be wrong.