The definitive Sherlock Holmes
Discussion
I have been rewatching the Granada Television of Holmes with Jeremy Brett from the1980s. I am solidly convinced that Brett is the apex of Holmes as he was written to be by Sir Doyle.
The set Granada built for Victorian England is itself its own character. Brilliant. That is some of the most top notch television production there was IMO. The obvious dedication and attention to detail is admirable. I wonder if I am alone, off in a dusty corner enjoying this oft overlooked masterpiece.
The set Granada built for Victorian England is itself its own character. Brilliant. That is some of the most top notch television production there was IMO. The obvious dedication and attention to detail is admirable. I wonder if I am alone, off in a dusty corner enjoying this oft overlooked masterpiece.
montecristo said:
Agreed. Basil Rathbone is pretty good too.
Carleton Hobbs on the radio was excellent.
Maybe coincidentally, that period saw the best TV versions of the three main detectives - Jeremy Brett, David Suchet, Joan Hickson.
Agreed on that period. There was some dedication to craft going on then. I assume their budgets were healthy as well. Carleton Hobbs on the radio was excellent.
Maybe coincidentally, that period saw the best TV versions of the three main detectives - Jeremy Brett, David Suchet, Joan Hickson.
paulguitar said:
Completely agree, for me, Jeremey Brett effectively WAS Homes. I’d read most of the stories before the TV series started, and when I first saw Brett as Holmes, he was almost exactly what I had in my head already. Some of his little quirks and mannerisms were just amazingly done.
There was effectively a ‘who’s who’ of British character actors across the episodes too, some truly great actors appeared.
Absolutely. His quirks and twitches were acting precision. I really appreciated his efforts. You make a good point about guest appearances, there were some heavyweights. They would step in to portray a PM or Lordish roles. Charles Gray as Mycroft stood out for me. There was effectively a ‘who’s who’ of British character actors across the episodes too, some truly great actors appeared.
Countdown said:
Brett is also my favourite but I think he became a bit too “hammy” in the later series. I also dont think it helped when the “Watson” character became a bit dense.
I actually thought this series portrayed Watson as a competent sidekick as opossed to the buffoonery of the Rathbone era Watson. If anything, I feel that the second Granada Watson (Edward Hardwicke) was more studious than the first.
Countdown said:
Apologies - you're right, I think I got them mixed up. Yes, Hardwicke was definitely more believable as the ex-Afghan war veteran. I also agree that the "Rathbone" Watson was quite buffoonish but I quite liked him for some reason 
I enjoyed him as well as the comedy relief he was intended to be. (referring to the Rathbone Watson)Some forget or may not have even realized that David Burke was Watson in the first season, replaced by Hardwicke for the remaining run.
Ace-T said:
You are not alone Jimbeaux. Brett is the epitome of Holmes for me and both Watsons did very well I think.
I am a bit of a Holmes stories fan and have read them so many times I could almost recite them.
Brett brought Holmes out of my head and on to the screen exactly, nothing before or after has come close for me.
I do like watching the other versions though. The Guy Ritchie movies are just fun, the bromance between the two actors is clear and makes up for RDJs terrible accent. Jude Law is a great foil though. Controversially I prefer the Elementary interpretation over the BBC Cucumberpatch one. Though I point blank refuse to watch the recent debacle that was the John C Reilly/tall stupid guy whose name I cannot be arsed looking up.
Oh and we styled the 3rd reception room in our ridiculous Edwardian house to look a bit like Holmes study.
Yes, avoid the Will Ferrell comedy version at all costs. I am a bit of a Holmes stories fan and have read them so many times I could almost recite them.
Brett brought Holmes out of my head and on to the screen exactly, nothing before or after has come close for me.I do like watching the other versions though. The Guy Ritchie movies are just fun, the bromance between the two actors is clear and makes up for RDJs terrible accent. Jude Law is a great foil though. Controversially I prefer the Elementary interpretation over the BBC Cucumberpatch one. Though I point blank refuse to watch the recent debacle that was the John C Reilly/tall stupid guy whose name I cannot be arsed looking up.
Oh and we styled the 3rd reception room in our ridiculous Edwardian house to look a bit like Holmes study.
Edited by Ace-T on Wednesday 19th February 23:07
Nice room my friend! All you need is a Persian slipper stuffed with tobacco hanging from the fireplace.
Edited by Jimbeaux on Thursday 20th February 00:01
Ace-T said:
Thank you for the compliments, however you are unfortunately incorrect in your final assumption (wish you weren't 
).
We decorated it ourselves, got the fire place put in for a bargain price. Sourced the majority of the furniture and furnishings from Fleabay, Gumtree and the British Heart Foundation for pennies in some cases. The baby grand was ebay too. The book collection we have built up over the last 30 years and I grabbed the decanter table from next door as they were about to chuck it out.
Folks just dont want that style of stuff any more so it tends to sell for peanuts now. So we took advantage
Well what matters is that you have it. How little it cost does not detract from its value, taste, or what it is. Just means you got what you wanted and still have most of your money too. ).We decorated it ourselves, got the fire place put in for a bargain price. Sourced the majority of the furniture and furnishings from Fleabay, Gumtree and the British Heart Foundation for pennies in some cases. The baby grand was ebay too. The book collection we have built up over the last 30 years and I grabbed the decanter table from next door as they were about to chuck it out.
Folks just dont want that style of stuff any more so it tends to sell for peanuts now. So we took advantage
I find it sad that people there no longer want things reminiscent of one of England’s most celebrated periods. I hope that changes.
996Type said:
It’s sad that one of the issues that fuelled Brett’s decline was said to have been the descendants of Conan Doyle dismissing part of his his portrayal at the time as too highly strung and bad mannered. It is still one of my favourite programs and the idiosyncratic performance is what makes it in my eyes, whenever I read the books I also see Brett.
I did not realize the bit about Doyle’s family. Thanks for that. I agree 100% that his quirkiness helped make the part.
996Type said:
It’s sad that one of the issues that fuelled Brett’s decline was said to have been the descendants of Conan Doyle dismissing part of his his portrayal at the time as too highly strung and bad mannered. It is still one of my favourite programs and the idiosyncratic performance is what makes it in my eyes, whenever I read the books I also see Brett.
I did not realize the bit about Doyle’s family. Thanks for that. I agree 100% that his quirkiness helped make the part.
996Type said:
Thank you sir. Very kind of you to take the time. Gassing Station | TV, Film, Video Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff