I have grown up much like others in my generation reading the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective, Sherlock Holmes and his inseparable companion Dr James Watson.The quality of mystery, intrigue, and drama in all the fifty-six short stories and 4 novels sets them part from any other detective series. The only other writer worthy of that distinction being the acclaimed Agatha Christie and her sweet and amazingly intelligent Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Other than the remarkable and tightly woven narratives, the secret behind their exceptional success is the instant chord that they strike with the reader. So much so that when Sir Arthur decided to kill Sherlock in The Final Problem, there was such public furor that he was compelled to bring him to life in The Return of Sherlock Holmes (also a part of this series).
Between the period 1878 to the present, when Sherlock made his first appearance and rose to become a household name, several adaptations have been attempted in the form of both plays and cinema. The Guinness World Records has consistently listed him as the "most portrayed movie character" with over 70 actors playing the part in over 200 films. Basil Rathbone starred as Sherlock Holmes, alongside Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, in fourteen films (two for 20th Century Fox and a dozen for Universal Pictures) from 1939-1946.
However, Jeremy Brett is generally considered the definitive Holmes of recent times, having played the role in four series of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, created by John Hawkesworth for Britain's Granada Television, from 1984 though to 1994, as well as depicting Holmes on stage. Dr. Watson was played by David Burke and Edward Hardwicke in the series. This original series is scantily available in India, although you can order it from Amazon for a price that is slightly high but well worth every penny. I have always been proud to own the collection and it remains one of my most prized possessions.
However, Jeremy Brett is generally considered the definitive Holmes of recent times, having played the role in four series of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, created by John Hawkesworth for Britain's Granada Television, from 1984 though to 1994, as well as depicting Holmes on stage. Dr. Watson was played by David Burke and Edward Hardwicke in the series. This original series is scantily available in India, although you can order it from Amazon for a price that is slightly high but well worth every penny. I have always been proud to own the collection and it remains one of my most prized possessions.
It is generally known that an adaptation of a famous writing does little justice to the written plot. Viewers tend to form an image of characters in their mind and when you actually see the characters and incidents on screen, there is a sense of missing link. Having said that, the portrayal of Sherlock by Jeremy is so nearly identical to the original that die-hard fans of the detective are left pleasantly surprised. He has brought out to perfection the different moods that Sir Aurthur’s sleuth was known for. The excitement and passion for detection, addiction to opium, moodiness, long bouts of silence, straight talk often translating as rudeness and loneliness are remarkably depicted. Although, Edward Hardwicke, hailed as the true Watson, was intrinsically more involved with the series due to David taking early leave from playing the character after the first few episodes, he too leaves a daunting impression with his unique addition of a comical dimension to the role. Some stories have been twisted from their original narratives to suit the compulsions of drama but it only adds more punch to the tales.
It comes as a set of 12 DVDs and shall easily leave you occupied for a great deal of time. I would strongly recommend it to even those who have never had a chance to read the stories. If you have a passion and liking for detection and suspense, this is where your money belongs.
