I should begin this TV/Movies review by saying that you probably saw Jeremy Brett years before you thought you had seen him. If you remember the scene in My Fair Lady (1964) with Eliza’s young suitor dancing and singing down the street where she lived, then you know where you first saw Jeremy Brett.
It is for this reason, that when you see these Sherlock Holmes shows, you will clearly see what a lithe dancer Jeremy Brett was. He sometimes seems to simply pirouette through the air, leaping and bounding as gracefully as a dancer would.
But, Brett brought much more than just large movements to his Holmes’ character! Brett’s facial ticks, all-too-brief attempts at smiles, meditative poses (almost yoga-like trances), and pensive gazes into space ( just to name a few smaller physical movements) were all part of the Sherlock Holmes persona that we have grown to anticipate and love. Brett conveys emotions through his acting, and instead of having to verbalize his feelings, he simply shows us. How many times, during the many episodes, do we see Holmes sit in his chair, smoking his long pipe, flashing a (not even) momentary smile? He doesn’t have to say one word, we know exactly what he is thinking…
The sets and costumes of these delightful Sherlock Holmes productions are period-appropriate, and exactly what we have come to expect from the folks at the Granada production company.
There are several different sets that are now available for us to enjoy. Here is a list of the shows in order:
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1984 (13 episodes)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes, 1986 (11 episodes)
Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four, 1987
Sherlock Holmes: Hound of the Baskervilles, 1984 (I know that ’84 comes before ’86 & ’87, but the official site puts this show in this chronological spot… not where I initially thought it should go…)
The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, 1991 (6 episodes)
Sherlock Holmes: The Master Blackmailer, 1992 (a 2 Hour Movie)
Sherlock Holmes: the Last Vampyre, 1993 (a 2 Hour Movie)
Sherlock Holmes: The Eligible Bachelor, 1993 (a 2 Hour Movie)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, 1994 (6 episodes)
This is one television series that was almost seamlessly able to switch actors playing a leading character. Dr. Watson was played by David Burke until 1985, with Edward Hardwicke taking over from 1986 until the end of the series. I enjoyed both of the Watson portrayals… I have found that in several other Sherlock Holmes adaptions, Dr. Watson is portrayed as (almost) a bumbling idiot. I doubt that Holmes would have kept him around for longer than it took for him to dismiss him>>> with a wave of his hand! (No words needed if it is Jeremy Brett doing the dismissing!)
Although a small part, Rosalie Williams was perfect as Mrs. Hudson. She neither coddled Sherlock nor shied away when he would bellow out orders…. She held her own!
We should remember, while watching these wonderful productions, that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote these stories as newspaper installments. He was one of, if not the first, prolific mystery writer. (Edgar Allan Poe was more of an author of suspense.) Doyle had actually tired of the Holmes stories, and killed him off… only to find that he “had to bring him back to life” when the public “demanded” more Sherlock Holmes newspaper stories.
The one very bad thing about this series is this: Once you see these television productions, you will never be happy with another actor’s portrayal of the great Sherlock Holmes character!
If you would like to see more TV and Movies suggestions, click here.
*****I wrote this entry back in 2007. Since then, I have seen several different renditions of Sherlock Holmes, and I still think Jeremy Brett’s is the absolute best. April 2014
Mary Ann says
Oh, you are so right. I was in love with Jeremy Brett (God rest his soul)! I received an old Holmes with Basil Rathbone for my birthday. I was SO disappointed!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary Ann,
Well, at least the giver of your birthday gift knew how much you liked Sherlock Holmes…. just not the correct version!
I am trying to think back to the Basil Rathbone versions…. Wasn’t Nigel Bruce’s Dr. Watson a bumbler?
Pat says
Nigel Bruce’s Dr. Watson was a bumbler. I’ll never be able to watch those old versions after watching Jeremy Brett. Mr Brett had already passed away when I discovered this series. I wish A&E would put the series back on. This series will always have a large following, even the younger generation in my family love this Sherlock Holmes.
RA says
Hi Pat,
I agree with you about Jeramy Brett’s Sherlock Holmes being THE DEFINITIVE Holmes. After watching this Granada Series version of Holmes, I cannot get into any other Holmes.
The most hard-cored, will not even do things like check an old or new Sherlock. I will ‘check out’ something I have not seen before just because it’s Sherlock, but will change the channel in under 10 minutes if it loses interest.
I did not like the Holmes with Downey – just didn’t work for me. I hate the Hollywood attempt at Holmes – it’s horrible. The 21st century Holmes is good in cinematography, acting, and sets. The Brits. do the finest job in the world. But I think the 21st version is a huge mistake. It is not true to Doyle and is a bastardization of Doyle’s exactitude. I actually burn storm candles and a bit of scent when I watch Brett. If it took place in the late 1800s – then that’s how it should be – – – especially when dealing with a Cadillac sized brain like Doyle.
They are exact down to the type of syringe available at the time. I’ve not seen anyone use his body, gestures and hands – with such minimalism which speaks volumes. The quick grin must be seen more than once to understand that it was not a mistake. The way he stands is often awesome – one knee bent – looks like Paget’s drawings. The way he searches for something on the ground, then dives for it – you know?!
The interview with Adrien Conan Doyle (on Bonus Materials) reveals that even the books on set (some of which were never touched during the stories), were all got from the proper date! The apartment is well appointed and gives me a feeling of coziness, hence my candles and lights dimmed. It’s a whole experience which we must pass on – books and the Granada series DVDs. What a world class loss that he died when he did. Did you know he came to Hollywood to make his fortunes — he washed out! He was in My Fair Lady with a singing part. Nobody knows how he died. He smoked four packs a day and had hospital grade depression.
I don’t know if you have the box set. It used to be over $300.00! However I got it during a PBS pledge drive when it was hugely marked down. When I called my PBS station, they said that they were knocking another 20% off! So I got it for about $120.00.
“Mrs. Hudson, would you vanish? … thank you.”
Cheers
Danna - cozy mystery list says
RA, I totally agree with you about Jeremy Brett. I am surprised that the public has “gone for” the modernization of Doyle’s characters. When I read a Sherlock Holmes, I have Jeremy Brett firmly implanted in my imagination. I surely don’t see Holmes as someone who relies on the instruments we have today. Of course, since I’m not even willing to give shows like “Elementary” a chance, I don’t know if Sherlock gets information from computers (and other “modern” devices), or not.
Kay says
Those of us who are huge fans of Martin Clunes (of Doc Martin) fame know that his mother was a 1st cousin of Jeremy Britt and Martin was very well acquainted with Mr Britt and has wonderful things to say about him. Jeremy even offered to have MC’s ears pinned back but Martin declined – and we are so glad he did!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Isn’t this series terrific!?! We all love the shows also…
Jack says
Yesterday I watched an episode of “Sherlock Homes” (with Jeremy Brett of course), another of “Murder she wrote” and another of “Remington Steele”, what a wonderful night watching those episodes with my wife!!! She loves your site too 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Jack,
It has been so long since I watched a Remington Steele show>>> Thanks for reminding me about them.
Sounds like you watch the exact types of shows that we do!
Jack says
Yes, I like “Remington Steele”, “Murder, She Wrote”, “Moonlighting”, “Miss Marple”, “Monk”… I watched “Remington Steele” when I was 16 (now I am 38) and some months ago I bought the first season.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Oh my gosh! There’s another show I haven’t thought of in years… I used to love Moonlighting!
Jill says
I am one of those people for whom Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes. While I enjoyed the interpretations of such actors as Basil Rathbone and Nicol Williamson–Brett stands far above the rest in my heart. I also agree that the transition from David Burke to Edward Hardwicke in the Watson role was nearly seamless in this series. (Transitions in the Beringar character, in the Cadfael series, were much bumpier.) Both “Watson actors” were wise to avoid portraying the doctor as a bumbler. The dimension brought to that character by both actors, in this series, was essential to its success. Holmes can be seen as a cold, calculating and isolated figure–by virtue of his extraordinary and unique gifts. The affection felt for him by Watson, Mrs. Hudson and even Inspector Lestrade, however, inspires our own affection for Holmes. Brett also displayed just enough emotion–at key moments–to endear us to Holmes, without compromising the character, as written. It is so sad that such wonderful actors as Jeremy Brett and John Thaw (Inspector Morse) died prematurely. However, their talents and their contributions do and will continue to live on in the signature roles they played.
LiLi says
So happy to see many fans of Jeremy Brett around the world~~~I am a Chinese~
Do you feel suprising if i tell you thousands of JB’s fans are in China,they create websites for both SH and JB,make MVs,write articles to memory in their blogs,try to search all kinds of info. about the JB and SH,and on the birthday and death day of Jeremy，fans will make some small gifts for him,apply different ways,just to mourn.
shake hands~~
Kell says
Jeremy Brett is THE premiere Holmes (with Basil Rathbone running a close second. Very close. As in, make we watch marathon episodes of both, repeatedly.) And Edward Hardwicke is absolutely the best Watson ever.
Why I called up this old post — my personal opinion is that the current movie (12/09, Robert Downey, Jr. et al.) is IMHO likely to be a major disappointment to Holmes’ fans. This is kind of curious, because the film assumes you already know a great deal about Holmes going in — there’s almost no exposition or discussion of character. I had a similar reaction to Jurassic Park — all roller coaster, but not very much plot to speak of. And, while there is some small fun when clues are explained at the end, they weren’t presented in enough context for the audience to participate in figuring them out. (The Detection Club would not approve!) Definitely aimed at an immature audience, with childish hints at homosexuality, ad nauseum. Watson’s compassionate nature is almost nonexistent, because the producers kept shoving in our faces about how “tough” he was. (Watson’s masculinity was never in question, but in this film’s shallow, contemporary world view, in order to be a “real man,” you have to be able to engage in marathon violence without a qualm. There are also unnecessary kicks and beatings throughout, which are presented as sympathetic, and which the audience is supposed/ordered to enjoy. Yes, Holmes could box, but he also was not gratuitously cruel.) Many scenic CG shots are visually gorgeous, but there’s just too much pandering to the shallow, contemporary mind set for my taste. The best productions, I think, show you fully Holmes’ existential struggles — there’s just nothing that solid here. End of rant. Might be worth seeing in a theatre for fans who see everything Holmesian to compare with other versions, but, otherwise I’d give it a pass.
avii says
I GREW UP WITH THE GRANADA SERIES, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO SEE THE NEW MOVIE OUT AS WELL AS I KNOW NOTHING SURPASSES THE LEGENDARY BRETT! ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTORS OR OUR TIMES!
I OWN THE WHOLE SET OF ALL THE EPISODES AND THE FILMS TOO! IT WILL BE A LEGACY FOR MY CHILDREN AS IT WAS FOR ME!
Nina says
I have completely fallen in love with JB’s portrayal of Holmes I watched the series as a child but only recently came across re-runs on British TV. Jeremy Brett is hypnotizing as Sherlock and Burke and Hardwicke make excellent Watsons. I made my 10 year old son watch them and he is a big fan too now. He refuses to see the Sherlock film which received bad reviews in the UK. No one will be able to play Sherlock again as JB did. Guy Richie should have just left the story alone. RIP JB.
zara says
I love Sherlock Holmes and my darling Jeremy played him so wonderfully that it melted my heart. Everything that came out of the man’s mouth was complete gold and everything he did made my knees weak. I am born on 3rd Nov 1995 and darling Jeremy was born on 3rd Nov and died in 1995. r.i.p jeremy
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Wow, Zara! It’s weird how that worked out… What a coincidence regarding the dates!
Sander says
As a clinical psychologist, as a life-long fan of Sherlock Holmes, and simply as a human being, I continually find Jeremy Brett’s portrayal human to the core. He is profoundly private, yet wears his emotions (if you look carefully enough) on his sleeve. He is supremely logical and intellectually superior, yet driven by intense emotion. He is direct often to the point of rudeness, yet ultimately respectful of the uniqueness of each and every person around him. Brett was clearly a genius in breathing life into a literary and entertainment fictional icon. The only comparison I can make (from a very different art form) is the that of the “perfect” violinist, Jascha Heifetz. Brett’s Sherlock Holmes series will live forever.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I couldn’t have said it better, Sander!
Antonio says
Yes!! Jeremy Brett is the definitive Sherlock Holmes and Edward Hardwicke is a superb Dr. Watson. Great, great performance. Pure Art. My tribute to both.
People of other generations should be given the opportunity to watch this perfect work and what happens when the art of performing and representing reaches the status of sublime human creation.
(a fan from Portugal)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Olá, Antonio! Bem-vindo!
I agree with you about Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke (and David Burke)… Actually, everything about these Sherlock Holmes productions makes them absolutely timeless examples of true artistry.
Antonio says
Olá Danna, obrigado.
What a shame not have mentioned David Burke. My compliments to him. In fact Watson was played greatly by Burke and Hardwicke. They are somehow very similar with a strange and fortuitous resemblance.
I think that Brett was the first, and perhaps the last, to bring Sherlock Holmes from fictional into real human world. I remind also the important role of directors specially Michael Cox which recognized and invited Jeremy Brett to play as Sherlock Holmes.
I am very fond of another holmesian fellow called Harry Dickson, from Jean Ray writer. Sometimes I think what transformation could this “hero” be subjected if interpreted by Jeremy Brett.
Best Regards to all Jeremy Brett and David Burke / Edward Hardwicke fans.
Antonio
Kat says
Hey I love Jeremy Brett as Sherlock and love that you notice those little smiles, too. It is what made him like perfect. But what do you feel about Benedict Cumberbatch? Have you seen the new Sherlock series at all?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kat, I think I enjoy Jeremy Brett so much in the role of Sherlock Holmes, that no one can come close to his portrayal. I watched the first show in the Sherlock Holmes series you’re referring to, but I stopped there…
linda says
I would like to see the Sherlock Holmes movies but can’t stand the actor presently playing him. If a movie is made from a book, I don’t want to see it if the actor playing the sleuth’s part is someone I don’t like. This just spoils the books for me. Funny strange, I am just now reading “The Brother’s of BakerStreet ” by Michael Robertson. Love this kind of English mystery. This one is kind of funny ha ha in parts. This is a good book. First time author for me.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, that’s too bad about your aversion to the current actor. While I don’t watch the current Sherlock Holmes episodes, I have seen that actor in other things and think he is really good. I just don’t like the treatment the current Sherlock Holmes has been given. I tend to stick to the “original” setting, etc.
Holly says
I love love love Jeremy Brett as Holmes. He was absolutely wonderful and truly captured the spirit of the character. But, I have to tell you, I enjoyed Downey’s portrayal. Yes, it was different, but I think it focused on the frantic version of Holmes. You have to remember he was pugilist, master of disguise, like to outwit his opponents with his mind, but would use fisticuffs if it came to that. It’s a different take on the character. I love the stories, but you have to remember these were newspaper stories and there are a lot of inconsistencies to the character when you read it the conventional way. I loved the first movie, not so much the second one. While I liked the actor who portrayed Moriarty I didn’t like the actual story.
Also, what do you think of Steven Moffat’s take on a modern Holmes? I love Benedict Cumberbatch’s more modern take on Holmes? I actually loved the first season. Hated the Irene Adler story in the second season, it was really contrived, but I did like the modern take on the Hound of the Baskerville’s. Have not finished the last story so I can’t comment on that.
On a side note, any Doctor Who fan’s?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Holly, I’m sorry to say that I am sort of stuck on Jeremy Brett so much that others simply can’t hold a candle. My husband is watching the BBC version and seems to be enjoying it.
Holly says
Give the first season of Sherlock a try. I was very skeptical myself as I am a huge Brett fan. But, I was very pleasantly surprised. Cumberbach does a fantastic job as Holmes. Yes, it’s modern and yes it’s a little different, but I think he watched the Brett version a lot because there are times he seems to imbue Brett, while keeping the character his own.
Season 2 is inconsistent. I did not like the Irene Adler story, liked, but didn’t love Hound but I have to tell you their take on Reichenbach Falls is absolutely brilliant.
I know, I am the same, no one can truly hold a candle to Brett’s Holmes and I actually preferred Hardwicke as Watson, though the first actor was really good. Cumberbatch is definitely a very very close second. Will not watch Elementary.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Holly, I totally agree with you about Cumberbatch probably having watched Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. I actually watched the beginning of the first season, but I’m an old dog not wanting to learn new tricks. I think that the reason it was difficult for me to embrace the show is that I kept seeing Brett, while watching Cumberbatch, who incidentally, I have enjoyed seeing in other shows.
Anne says
I too think Jeremy Brett the best. Did you know that the BBC have just released a series of Sherlock Holmes that was shown in the 60’s? Can’t remember the title and don’t remember the series even though I’m old enough to! Anyway, it’s now on DVD.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, I don’t think I have ever seen the 1960s Sherlock Holmes series, and now that I’m totally spoiled by Jeremy Brett’s portrayal, I doubt I’ll try to track it down. We have all of the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes episodes, and whenever I need a Sherlock Holmes fix, those are the ones I go to!
Anne says
I watched a re-run of the Jeremy Brett series recently and what struck me was the wonderful “sound-scape” of one of the episodes. No background music but the sounds of jingling horses’ harnessess and other what would be commonplace sounds of the period. What integrity!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, this is yet another British television mystery series that I recommend every Cozy Mystery lover watch. As far as I’m concerned, Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes!
Anne says
Just watched the latest “Sherlock” with Benedict Cumberbatch – “The Abominable Bride.” The Jeremy Brett series is still my favourite but I’m getting into “Sherlock.” This latest one is set mostly in Victorian times. It’s very tongue-in-cheek, sometimes daft, but also at times very creepy and also some really funny gags. Accept it on it’s own terms and it’s very enjoyable.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, I’m so glad you wrote this comment. I haven’t been watching the new Sherlock Holmes shows but I just watched this show yesterday (after reading your comment) and you are not kidding! I loved their tongue-in-cheek treatment, and kept expecting someone to step out of the shower!
Al says
There are some interesting comparisons among actors here. I think that Rathbone was closer to the 1890s Holmes than any of the others and, in many ways was the best (Brett thought the same). Brett was the late 20th century version of Holmes, and brilliant.
As to “Sherlock” versus “Elementary”; both are interesting and worth watching. On the whole “Elementary” is better written and directed while “Sherlock” is better acted. “Sherlock” did have a brilliant re-interpretation of Watson in the first episode but really did not use it in the ones following.
Robin says
I began reading Sherlock Holmes when I was seven years old. Had to get special permission from my mother to the library to check them out. (It was a loooong time ago.) I gobbled up the stories and then the movies. While I agree that Jeremy Brett is the best, I also loved Basil Rathbone, too. I watch the other Sherlocks and enjoy them, for the most part. I think I am a fan of the character, and I’m willing to be entertained by several interpretations. If a book or dramatic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes comes out, I want to see what the producers did with it, even if it is silly, grossly out of character( like Robert Downey’s version), or downright disappointing.
JB IS SH says
If you are going to buy this boxed set, get the HD collection. NOT the Bluray discs. I foolishly bought them and the sound is horrible, they didn’t remix it but just raised the volume. The background noise overrides the dialogue on the Bluray. The visual is not much better either. Go with the HD DVD, this one is wonderful and crystal clear.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
JB, that’s a real shame to hear – thanks for the suggestion!