In this series, Jeremy Brett took the pipe and dearstalker and made them his own. Though many actors had played Sherlock Holmes, Basil Rathbone was the definite Holmes when Brett took up the challenge. His success cannot be overstated. Brett's Holmes has far more range and nuance, adhering to the character that Doyle wrote. Indeed, Brett had the benefit of bringing the short stories to screen, rather than some adapted screenplay with only slight links to the source material. He is ably assisted in his portrayal by a first-rate Dr. Watson, played by David Burke. Rather than the amiable clueless oaf of the Nigel Bruce era, Burke is a competent ally and sounding board for Holmes. His role as a moderating influence, personal chronicler, and only friend are abundantly clear. The only failing, which is minor, is that both are too old for the roles. Holmes and Watson should be at least a decade younger.
The series begins with A Scandal in Bohemia, which is the only story to include Irene Addler, the usual love interest of Holmes. As the only woman to ever outmaneuver him, he holds her in high regard though not as an object for his affection. The series concludes with The Final Problem, where Holmes and Moriarty plunge to their presumed deaths at the base of Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. In between, there are many well-told tales from the pages of The Strand Magazine. Charles Gray reprises his role of Mycroft Holmes; he had played the role nearly 10 years earlier in The Seven-Per-Cent Solution.
Brett played the character for another decade, though Burke's run as Watson concludes with The Final Problem. I very much liked Burke in the role and wonder how I'll view his replacement.
Highly recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes. This is the closest depiction to the literary character.
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