After nearly a century, a 1916 silent film version of Sherlock Holmes has been discovered in France. Variety reports that the nitrate dupe negative was discovered in the vaults of the Cinematheque Francaise a few weeks ago and is currently in the process of being digitally restored.

The film starred William Gillette, who was well known for portraying the famous detective on stage. However, this was the only time that he ever appeared as Holmes on film, and is the only surviving footage of him in the role. It was Gillette who originated much of what audiences immediately recognize Holmes for these days, including the deerstalker hat and the curved pipe. Perhaps most notable, Gillette also coined the phrase, “Oh, this is elementary, my dear fellow,” which was then reused in later Sherlock Holmes films as “Elementary, my dear Watson.”

The restored Sherlock Holmes will make its United States debut at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival in May 2015.