David Burke: A Sherlockian Conversation 

Are you kidding me?!! You finally scored an interview with Mr. Burke??!! Wow, way to go!!! Congrats!

This is outstanding.. He's always a bit reluctant to do interviews, so this is a great surprise and a big coup. Such a shame Ted Hardwick passed away as they would be amazing to chat together. Well done. Colin Jeavons next, he's not getting any younger..

David Burke WAS Dr. Watson. He's a very gifted actor in all the parts he's played. Legendary, actually.

Jeremy Brett & David Burke were THE Holmes & Watson. Never forget the contribution they made to the canon & what they meant to me back in 1984/1985 when Granada broadcast the series in a 7/6 episode split; when it was fresh & a reboot for the Holmesian universe after it had fallen into parody. The series was sublime then and is sublime now. I only have thanks & love for what they did & the people who put that series together nearly 40 years ago. David Burke, you will always & forever be MY Dr. Watson. Jeremy Brett will always be MY Sherlock Holmes. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is one of my desert island TV series & I carry it with me always.

All my Christmas's come at once, bless you David.

OMG!Amazing and lovely Mr. David Burke and sweet and lovely lady Anna Calder-Marshall!I wish you could invite Mr. David Huggins too,Jeremy Brett's son...It would be a miracle!Should I believe in miracles?PS:David Burke was born in 1934 and this is episode 34...

Gosh, what an absolutely lovely man! How wonderful that you were finally able to get to speak to him.

That was so lovely, what sweet man with a great life and insight from his work in this legendary series. He is after all one of its founding building blocks and it’s his skill and charisma as a really loveable and capable Watson that’s a great part of the reason why Granada series has remained such a truly special adaptation for Sherlockians.

Did you ever try to interview his son, David Huggins or one of Joan Wilson's children, Caleb or Rebecca? Jeremy was in contact with them at least for 10 years or maybe more, and I would imagine that they could add something about his life at that time.

What a pleasure to have been able to listen in on David's recollections, along with those of Anna. I still see him as he was in those first episodes, though, so it's a little sad to hear in his voice the toll that advancing age has taken on him. You guys should be very proud for the immeasurable contribution you've made to the legacy of the Granada "Holmes" series.

I have to admit that I got a little teary-eyed listening to this episode. There are a lot of podcasts out there these days, but I don't know of any podcast that is produced with as much passion and professionalism as "The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast". I can't thank you enough for all the wonderful hours.

Talking of Jeremy and flowers - when I arrived in LA to join my husband, Mike, who was filming in the States, we received a dozen red roses and red balloons welcoming me to Hollywood. Such a surprise. Oh! and a bottle of champagne. Such a LOVELY man

I think we’ve all had our fingers crossed for quite a while for this to happen! Thanks so much to David and yourselves 😁

Congratulations to you all! David, you're amazing. Wonderful to hear your beautiful voice again. You won't remember me but you may remember Mike Popley, one of the DoP's at Granada who worked alongside you. I have such fond memories of working with you and Jeremy. God bless you and Anna

Big surprise, congratulations, thank you soooo much, you are great :))))

This is a great day! I get done with class in college today and passed both my physics tests with top marks then I get home to find this on my RU-vid recommend page! Just awesome! You should reach out to Colin Jeavons next! He is a very kind man, I'm sure he would grant you an interview!

This interview literally brought me to tears . . . hankie required! I had wondered if the difficulty in getting an interview was related to age-related mental decline, so it was marvelous to hear that Mr. Burke is still quite sharp. It was wonderful to hear his reminiscences. Mr. Burke's description of his acting technique is extraordinary! What an amazing actor and person. I really appreciated his wonderful description of Jeremy Brett's spirit: "He believed in celebrating life more than anyone I've ever known." I had very little exposure to previous portrayals of Watson as the bumbling buffoon, so I was surprised to hear Mr. Burke describe him as ordinary. In my eyes, Dr. John Watson is extraordinary in so many ways . . . he has the heart of a lion, and he is the most loyal and stalwart friend/ally/companion that any genius detective could hope for. He's also a best-selling author, skilled physician and crack shot. His ability to stimulate Homes' genius is a form of genius in itself, operating on a more intuitive, subconscious level. Thank you so, so much to all involved in bringing us this interview; it's a wonderful gift. And it was a super treat to hear the voice of Anna Calder-Marshall. Her portrayal of the Northcote sisters is the most demanding of any femal role in the Granada series, and she carries it of splendidly. I look forward to hearing the interview with her soon. And how amazing are you, Luke and Gus, for bringing this to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I was so shocked to get this notification - I really thought it would never happen! What an incredible contribution you've made to the history of the show. I'm sure all us fans can't thank you enough! ❤️

The Solitary Cyclist was very well done - who doesn't love the fisticuffs? - but my absolute favorite ep is ""The Blue Carbuncle." Not just my favorite of the series, among my favorite television episodes ever.

What a joy to listen to this podcast. The Blue Carbuncle is a Christmas essential in our family.

Well done fellas.

Oh yeah!

What a fantastic interview. My favourite Watson of all time. I never thought you would be able to pull it off. I apologise for doubting you. Loved it.

Fantastic stuff❤️

Great to hear David's stories! I'm still loving David's Watson, watched him just yesterday on my treasured dvds.

David Burke!!!!!! Bravoooooo!!! You guys are amazing!!

What a treat. Bravo!

With this interview. You have done something amazing for everyone and not just for the fans of incarnation of Sherlock Holmes, but for the actors themselves Jeremy Brett and David Burke. In the years to come people who seek out the history of the show there will see the loveand dedication both of you have and this gift you have given to everyone. To hear from Mr Burke himself telling his stories is even more important than ever nowadays, we know that Sherlock will live forever but now so will Mr David Burke

This is wonderful. David Burke worked so well alongside Brett...I'm sure that's why the show established itself so quickly.

I know how long you've tried to make this happen. Great job!

Oh wow!! I can't imagine how difficult it must have been keeping this totally hushed knowing you're about to drop a massive bomb on us! Burke bombs are welcome anywhere, anytime

Holy Grail interview!

This has actually made my day!❤

Congratulations! ❤ So happy for you! Thank you for bringing this about, can’t wait to listen!

Amazing episode! Christmas came early this year ! Congrats you guys! You found the holy grail!

Both David and Anna... Wow!

Absolutely incredible and what a treat! Was just wondering about you all yesterday, and then BOOM! -- I see a thumbnail this morning with Mr. Burke. You all must have been thrilled; not only an interview with Mr. Burke and his lovely wife, but from the comfort of their home in England, as well! So impressed with your securing of this interview and the Burkes' warmth and hospitality! Will be looking forward to hearing the rest of this interview and the reminiscences of Mr. Burke and Anna Calder-Marshall.

You’ve been saying since what, episode one, how incredible it would be to hear from Mr Burke? Congratulations on the interview- I cannot wait to listen to this episode.

Brilliant, insightful and heartwarming interview. 👍🏻 Mr. Burke and Ms.Calder-Marshall are two of my favourite casting choices for my period drama TV Series. Although extremely difficult, I truly hope to have the honour and pleasure to collaborate with them someday soon. In the meantime, it was a joy to hear them both, and David to recall about his experience playing the outstanding role of Mr. Watson and his collaboration with the amazing Jeremy Brett. Sweet in the end when he said that he dreaded this interview. Don't worry, David, you were exceptional as always. My compliments to all. 👏🏻🙌🏻

What a thrill!! For the past 2 years, I have scoured the internet looking for Mr. Burke's appearances captured on media. Finally found a couple Midsomer Murders, and was delighted. But wondered if possibly you two would eventually score an interview. God bless - you managed the seemingly impossible! Thank you ever so for the delightful gift of words! Wonderful also that his wife joined in. Nice surprise to awaken to this morning. Thanks again, gentlemen.

What an absolute pleasure that was to hear David reminisce. I wish he was in better health but I'm so happy he was so conversational. I can't believe, after all of this time, it was Jeremy who sort of put David off the role of Watson for the rest of the series. I enjoyed Edward Hardwicke as Watson, but adored David Burke's Watson as the man who broke the mold to become the quintessential Dr. John Watson. Thank you for pursuing this amazing interview!

Oh. WOW. My jaw dropped when I saw this thumbnail pop up! I know meeting David Burke has been a goal of yours for a long time and I'm so happy for both of you (and for us listeners) that you not only had a wonderful conversation with him but got to meet him and his wife in person. I very much look forward to hearing your conversation with her. I imagine it must have been tempting to encourage David to look for those old diaries he kept. What a treasure those would be to read! Thank you so very much for this absolute jewel of an addition to the podcast!

Your podcast and RU-vid offerings are the single best things going on in the world of Brett's Sherlock Holmes right now, and are greatly appreciated!

This is like gold dust. I ummed and arred about sending him an autograph request but I feel I wouldn't get a reply. I think I'll settle for this.

Wow. Just wow for getting this interview. Amazing

Wow, Doyle's daughter was available for comment at the time???

What a blessing to stumble across this conversation today!! David Burke sounds like a lovely gentleman and it's touching that he lost sleep over doing this interview. For me, there's something therapeutic about watching these classic Sherlock Holmes episodes, especially the early ones. The acting is excellent from the main characters to the scullery maids and of course Jeremy Brett's Holmes along with David Burke's Watson are a superb pairing. Love it when Watson says to Holmes in 'The Solitary Cyclist' after being criticized by him, "Did I really do remarkably badly?" with Holmes curt response, "Yes". Simple, yet their expressions and attitudes are priceless. From the very beginning, the characters were cemented into legend. Thank you so much for this wonderful interview.

He is old now .. ❤

I pressed the like button as soon as your podcast popped up. Now I need 2nd 3rd and on and on like buttons to register huge heartfelt appreciation of your wonderful interview and occasion with such a wonderful man. Well-done to all concerned. Quite unexpectedly emotional.

Thank you so much for this. I am glad that you were able to convey to the modest Mr Burke that what was yet another job for him, was an enthralling joy for the viewer and how grateful we are to him, Jeremy and Ted.

Magnificent. 🙏

Thats a real treasure, thanks a lot, so happy I found this brillant interview, great joy to listen to David and Anna such a lovely family. All of them ;-) speaking as a huge Tom fan 😊

The way I SCREAMED when I saw this in my notifications 🎉❤

That was truly exceptional, what a wealth of theatrical historythis family must have . Please can we hear a similar interview focussing on Anna next, they're a real joy to listen to. I do hope that one of them, maybe all of them , will write a book soon before all this wonderful history is lost

Excellent and insightful interview! It was lovely and so heartfelt! A real tear came to my eye at the end.

Thank you So much for this interview! - I have often felt that David Burke’s dr. Wasson actually was largely responsible for the great success of the Grenada series He provided a perfect counterbalance to Jeremy Brett Holmes! I was so saddened saddened when David Burke left the series😩

I am absolutely stunned that someone has done this. Thank you so much.

Amazing and wonderful! Thank you all so much.

What a lovely interview!

Lovely

Just listened to this last week and it made me emotional. Thank you so much for the interview. So glad him and his wife are happy and well.

Fellas, you are creating a magnificent legacy for current and future fans to enjoy of the greatest portrayal of Sherlock Holmes ever created - we thank you. Also, what a shame that Jeremy did not communicate with David again about his change of heart before David turned down the second series - oh what could have been! For me, David Burke is the most endearing and the greatest fun Dr. Watson ever portrayed - my favourite, as is Jeremy.

Wow. Well done, boys. What an unexpected pleasure....so satisfying and important and the same time. Just outstanding. With a tear in my eye, I think both of you, and David and Anna as well.

Wonderful stuff! I am still watching/rewatching these today. I have always thought the character of Dr. Watson was EXTREMELY difficult to pull-off without being a buffoon. Needless to say, Mr. Burke was fantastic as Dr. Watson.

Great interview!

Great!!!!

marvellous, thanks

God bless this man ! A great Watson and a genuinely sweet man

A lovely interview, what lovely people. Their son Tom is also a brilliant actor and just as gracious and charming as his parents. All three very very talented but all are unassuming and private 🌟🌟🌟

What a fantastic interview - thanks so much for putting in the hard work to make it happen!

What a treasure! Many thanks for finding him and sharing this wonderful interview with the great actor.

Very nice. Great interview. Thanks for sharing.

David is from my home town of Liverpool and it’s lovely to hear his soft scouse accent come through when he talks :-)

What a wonderful interview! It sounds like you guys had a lovely day with David and Anna 💚 I thought it was so cute when David was talking about the postage stamp and he said, “that's me.” 😊

Just listened to this for the first time. What a wonderfully honest interview with a man who obviously saw it as just another part! You must have had a great day with them both. Thanks for producing this - what a joy to listen to him!

Oh my, i stared and stared unable to beleive it. Awesome!!! You guys are amazing! This is a gem episode! The first Burke's Watson episode i watched was the amazing Dancing Men. I watched the series nearly backward and was made aware of Burke's performance by comments on RU-vid.

Thank you very good interview ! Each time I enjoy to watch the series ! and my favourite is with him as Watson, he brings much more to the character. I regretted it was not him for the 2nd series.

Thank you so much for that podcast! Very interesting and funny. I love that story about Jeremy singing on the table for David's wife. So typical for him. And I wish, someone will print fragments of Mr. Burke's diary. It would be great.

Truly appreciated so much for this very special interview conversation with Mr David Burke in his portrayal of (Mr Watson) from the series of 'The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes'...truly enjoyable indeed! GOD BLESS!🙏

What a delightful interview. Really enjoyed it and appreciate you sharing it with us.

Congratulations on a wonderful interview with splendid additions from Anna. My only question is why did Jeremy say they should say no to a second series? Was it his illness? Why be so capricious?

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for this interview! - I have logged felt-

Muito obrigada pela entrevista com Sr. David Burke e a sua esposa! Maravilhosas lembranças e um registro fantástico! Jeremy Brett e o elenco da fabulosa série Granada e todos que ali trabalharam: inesquecível! 🇬🇧🌿🇬🇧🌿🇬🇧🌿🇬🇧🌿🇬🇧🌿🌹

Wonderful! What lovely surprise to discover this interrview. Thank you so much. When I was at drama school I was an extra in one episode, only because I loved Jeremy Brett so much. I shamelessly listened as Brett told anecdotes to amuse guest star Micael Culver as we all waited. David Burke's beautiful portrayal is my favourite Watson. The Granada series was wonderful. There were tours available of the gorgeous sets but I never had the time to visit. Alas.

Great stuff

Woah. You did it.

DB's Watson was in a way "adult supervision" for the "personality-disorder" JB Sherlock.

I loved David Burke as Watson. I missed his portrayl of Watson. However i also liked Edward Hardwicke

❤

He speaks like he's dictating a short autobiography!

It is worth noting that Jeremy Brett did state for the record - in an interview conducted at the time he and Hardwicke were performing 'The Secret of Sherlock Holmes' on stage, that Edward was "the greatest Watson there has ever been". Burke will, of course, be privy to this. And as David states here that his stint as Watson was only another part in a life-long series of roles he played, and that he never socialised with Brett after leaving the series, I'm quite convinced that Jeremy's opinion must have hurt Burke's feelings. I'm not convinced that David's dismissing of his time as Watson was not influenced by what Jeremy said.

Personally, I preferred David Burke's interpretation of Watson to that of Edward Hardwicke. Hardwicke was good but could be a little wooden, overly chivalrous and occasionally sententious. I found Burke to be humourous, kindly towards Holmes (when he didn't deserve it) and showed that Watson could be deeply hurt by some of Holmes bad behaviour. There were times when Burke's Watson became quite angry with some of Holmes' behaviour, he wasn't afraid to show it and indeed to regularly hold Holmes to account. So I think Burke's interpretation of the role had a depth and humanity that others lacked.