When my husband and I started watching this British, early 1970s mystery series, we didn’t know that each episode is actually based on a real written mystery. (Be sure to watch the opening credits so that you know who the author and main sleuth are.) The mysteries were written at the same time Sir Conan Doyle was spinning his mysteries – featuring Sherlock Holmes. Thus, the name: The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes. (I should add that Sir Hugh Greene published The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, which includes 13 of these cases.)
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes does not attempt to “sanitize” Victorian London. There are rats in the prison, pick-pockets on the streets, and murder in even the aristocratic parlors. As with Sir Conan Doyle’s mysteries, the private investigators had to step in to solve some of the crimes of the days.
There are thirteen episodes in the first ITV season and thirteen in the second season. If you are a fan of British television you will no doubt recognize many familiar faces. (Three who I can remember right off the top of my head are Derek Jacobi, Donald Pleasence and a very young Jeremy Irons.)
When I write reviews of older shows/movies I enjoy, I feel like I have to “forewarn” people not to expect the slick, glossy Hollywood productions with green-screen special effects, or the CSI-type of beyond-incredible forensic clues. Do not expect one of these private investigators to be able to pick up a single 1/2″ strand of navy blue wool and be able to identify which home in all of London has an afghan in the master bedroom that matches this. These mystery-solvers use their brain power (as Sherlock Holmes did) in order to identify the who, what, where, and why.
If you’re in the mood for a good British 1970s mystery series that pays attention to detail and has nice sets and wardrobe, not to mention good acting, you might enjoy The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes.
P.S. It is available on Netflix.
Laura says
I couldn’t find this on Netflix streaming – is it a disc collection?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, I just looked it up on Netflix, it looks like it’s a 4-disc series.
Kath says
This sounds wonderful. I was all excited and ran to my netflix to find it and can’t find it listed.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kath, I’m sorry, but apparently it’s on their disc program.
Kath says
Ahh Ok, I only have their streaming service, not the DVD service anymore. Thanks though!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kath, I guess a lot of people have gone that route. Both my daughter and my son use Netflix for streaming only, not DVD rentals. We’ve been members of Netflix since 2000 >>> way before their streaming, so I tend to forget you can opt for only their streaming program.
Amy says
It is a disc series on netflix. Try keyword “Rivals”
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Amy, thank you…
Miriam says
Us either.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Miriam, I guess I shouldn’t have added that it is available on Netflix. I’m so used to Netflix being disc only that I don’t remember their streaming…
Ricky says
Tried to find it on Youtube but it has been removed due to copyright issues. There are, many good British mysteries on YouTube free, however.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ricky, thanks for the YouTube info. I watch old, black and white television shows on YouTube quite a lot.
Sylvia says
I remember watching this with my mother (in the 70’s…gah!) and absolutely loving it! I haven’t thought about it in years. I just reserved it at my library. Thank you so much for reminding us about this terrific series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sylvia, I hope other people who aren’t able to get it on Netflix in disc format read your comment and try their libraries. Thank you!
SusanAnne says
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes are on Amazon to buy or rent.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
SusanAnne, thank you.
Donna Mc says
This sounds very interesting, I will look for it on Amazon. We recently cut the cable (to save money) and I’m devastated because I can’t find a place to watch current episodes of Death in Paradise! That has become my favorite cozy-esque TV show. Unfortunately when we switched to antenna we lost our PBS stations. Maybe watching Rivals online will tide me over until DiP is released.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna Mc, the Rivals is from way back in the 1970s, so it’s not going to rival Death in Paradise…
Donna Mc says
No problem, I like some older shows, classic movies, even a few silent films now and then are good to watch. Rivals sounds interesting.