Episode 1 from the TV series of Sherlock Holmes adaptations produced by British television company Granada Television, between 1984 and 1994, starring Jeremy Brett in the main role, and David Burke as Doctor Watson.
Others played Sherlock Holmes, Jeremy Brett turned into Sherlock Holmes. He recorded all of them even when gravely ill and died shortly after completion. RIP Jeremy. Unique, unequaled...there will never be another.
@@asheer9114 That's very true. I can't imagine anyone else as Sherlock Holmes, nor can I imagine anyone else as Poirot. Jeremy Brett and David Suchet actually became the two greatest fictional detectives in literature.
...apparently there were several original Sherlock stories he never portrayed...including the Detectives very first appearance in print, 1887's "a Study in Scarlet" ....that somehow makes it even sadder...
I read in an interview with Jeremy Brett, that he would keep a copy of the story they were filming at hand to make sure the script stayed true to Sir A.C.D's writing. Brett will always be THE BEST portrayer of Holmes imo.
...apparently there were several original Sherlock stories he never portrayed...including the Detectives very first appearance in print, 1887's "a Study in Scarlet" ....that somehow makes it even sadder...
Watching Basil Rathbone portraying Holmes in old reruns in my teens I did not think anyone else could rival his performance until I found Jeremy Brett! I excitedly told my brother about him and this series as we were both such Sherlock Holmes fans. RIP Jeremy Brett job very well done and thank you.
If you will remember, there were various departures from the Cannon in the Story, The Charles Agustus Milverton Adventure, adding and deleting other salient elements, The Bust of the goddess Athena had nothing to do with the Original story and the final dialog between Holmes and Lestrade was deleted where Holmes uncharacteristically refuses to help Inspector Lestrade.
@@carminemurray6624 There certainly were departures from the strict story here and there, but they are by and large very accurate. More important, I think, is that Mr. Brett understood and embodied Holmes so well. Perhaps he kept the stories on hand to ensure his responses/emotes were on point.
Brett was born for this role. He allows his Holmes to have just the right subtlety and barely contained nuance and then bottles it up again as fast as it poured out. Brilliant portrayal. If only during his time the myriad of behind the scenes and interview type productions had been the norm. I'd love to know how he crafted his character.
...apparently there were several original Sherlock stories he never portrayed...including the Detectives very first appearance in print, 1887's "a Study in Scarlet" ....that somehow makes it even sadder...
@@donaldbraugh2314 ...🔍Elementary !.. my Friend...perfectly Elementary!..I merely consulted the Standard Global Gazetteer (wikipedia)...under the article and headings "A Study in Scarlet": Adaptions: Television: ... I quote verbatim:... "...A Study in Scarlet is one of the stories missing from the adaptations made starring Jeremy Brett between 1984 and 1994...." again deduction by mere observation...and hard cold fact...
<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3024">50:24</a> "Is it not a pity she was not on my level?" "From what I have seen of the lady, Yes indeed she's on a very different level to your majesty." Always loved that quip.
the outstanding thing about Brett is that he didnt turn into the perfect Holmes in the duration of the series. He was perfectly there, THE Sherlock Holmes from the very first scene
Absolutely. His precise and rapier-like reply to Watson's rebuking his 'habit' came from the very core of Holmes. He was there, right there from the very start. Brilliant. That little speech gives me shivers. So fine.
nobody was even close to Brett as Sherlock Holmes. He was born to do this role and he died doing it. I recently bought all the Blu-ray's copy of the entire series by Brett. He was so animated as Holmes. They way he used his hands to convey emotions or his eyes instead of words. He was simply amazing.
It's been raining all weekend. Foggy too. A real pea-souper. Home sick and nothing better for the soul than Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes. Simply wonderful.
It certainly started off that way, but as the series got into the later seasons, both the overall writing as well as Brett's acting became increasingly strange, drifting far away from Doyle's portrayal. Sad to say, toward the end there were several episodes that were unintentionally comical they were so bad.
Best Sherlock Holmes ever... and best Irene Adler. "What a queen she would have made? Is it not a pity she was not on my level?" "From what I have seen of the lady, yes indeed she IS on a very different level to your majesty." Glorious!
@stephen noonan no he left because he didn't want type cast and recommended hardwick himself to take over from him now Burke's son is quite well known he plays a detective with one leg on British TV its good to and they both appeared in interviews together when it last came out
Gail Hunnicutt is so much more than a lovely ornament. The settling into subtle disappointment when she looks after Brett's parish priest is worth the price of admission.
Dang, Brett was gorgeous in this episode, and yet such a perfect match to Doyle's character. A genius playing a genius, written by a genius. Just brilliant.
@@cocochocs3126 Jeremy Brett was actually quite handsome when younger. Have you ever seen him in other movies, ect? His chronic ill health...both physical and mental, as well as the process of aging, changed him over time, just as it does everyone.
Everybody is talking about Jeremy Brett's unequaled skill at the portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and rightly so; but I have to draw attention to the fact that David Burke is an even more impressive actor and, with his impeccable late Victorian mannerisms and minute depiction of a man in his standing, he is every bit Dr. Watson!
I agree, and I think it is a shame that he left the production. I understand it was very amicable, but I wish circumstances had been different, all the same.
And I adore that he isn't portrayed as a bumbling idiot. He demonstrates Homes at more than full volume. he is in awe of him but demands respect by him as well
@Vox Quod I agree, those who prefer Brett I feel merely relate to his homosexuality more than anything, they're so desperate for Holmes and Watson to be an 'item', it's the same with Raffles
@@callithowiseeit5806 and Vox Quod You guys are so obsessed (and a bit envious?). You've probably never read Doyle's stories, because your comments are grotesque. Get a life. We, women, do prefer Brett...
I had the privilege of reading all sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories regarding Sherlock Holmes and I can say with confidence that this TV show is without any doubt until this moment the most reliable project regarding the actual novels that started back in 1887 with "A study in scarlet". Fantastic work from Granada and Jeremy Brett is the most brilliant Sherlock Homes representation.
Humberto, have you seen any of the original images of Holmes from the Strand Magazine? Jeremy Brett is the spitting image of the character, as well as a near perfect match psychologically. Just an incredible piece of casting, topped with a surpassing performance and understanding of the character in his time.
Hi. No, never seen those images. The ones that I had actually seen are the illustrations from the novels in Victorian time. And ofcourse the extremely accurate description that Sir Arthur made of Holmes in the books gave me a fair depiction. I dont think that physically Jemery Brett is the closest figure, an actor from the 60´s - Peter Cushing - has closest features to the character in the book. However the way the character behaves, movements, agility, way of thinking Brett really nail it perfectly. I think it is fair to say for anyone that has actually read the books that this impression is perfection itself. Guy Ricthies movies starring Robert Downely Jr as Holmes, by the other hand, are laughable to say the least.
I'm 55 and I have been watching these "Granada" versions of Holmes since my early 20's. While I certainly enjoy the old B&W Basil Rathbone movies take on Holmes I must say Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes. He played that character like NO other before or since. R.I.P Mr. Brett you put a smile on many faces ~
Amazing! Childhood memories suddenly awoken by finding this episode and this playlist. Dark winter Sunday afternoons with the whole family watching this series on the couch in silence on the few channels we had. Mother ironing clothes, father half asleep and me and my brother barely understanding the smooth talking englishmen on the TV. All four of us completely drawn in by Mr. Bretts charisma and amazing performance. Thank you for uploading all of these to YT in "crisp" 720p. Nothing, but pure joy rewatching this all these years later. One day I'll bump into you Ser Severus on the street, and I'll drag you to the nearest pub to buy you a pint.
I loved the scene when the german nobleman visits for the first time. His interactions with both of them, Holmes' excellent german, every detail. How much respect he gets from Watson, how little from Holmes, and how faithful to the book all is.
With a velvet voice. And cheekbones to cut glass... The only sherlock Holmes... And to pass of broken heart.. Fabulous legacy to leave Sherlock Holmes In such Excellent hands....fluid grace but intensely Male...
Whenever I read any of Conan Doyle’s works now, in my mind’s eye, I cannot but imagine Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes. What draws me again and again to watch the Granada series is how much love and regard everyone in the production from John Hawkesworth to Brett to Burke and Hardwicke had for the characters and stories.
I saw this when it was first shown on TV, with Diana RIggs as the host of the show. This was in the late 1980s. I’m so glad that I’ve found all these episodes again. I’m watching them in chronological order. The ill health and death of Jeremy Brett was a loss to us all. He is sorely missed.
While Benedict Cumberbach's character is a different thing altogether, Robert Dowerny Jr was just Tony Stark in an old suit. Jeremy Brett is the complete definition of the character portrayed in the books, not just visually, but also in terms of minute gestures like the way he sits, joins the tip of his fingers while thinking, the jolt with which he walked, everything in complete agreement with the character. None could justify Sherlock Holmes like Jeremy and none might ever will.
I have just enjoyed the whole saga as read by Stephen Fry, and I find myself in this odd bubble of savory and sweet language nipping at each others heals. And so, it pains me - however much I agree with your sentiment - to read the phrase ".. might ever will". *sees himself out*
Really, I'd say without Baldric's 'cunning plan' one has to suffer along and make-do. Not everyone is 'as cunning as a fox who's just been made a Don Of Cunning at Oxford."
@@obi-wankenobi1233 With the abundance of facial hair that mask does very little. I'm going to have to rewatch Blackadder as it's been years & my memory is not great these days. This is the 3rd reference i've come across in the past week or so & my mind was a complete blank. The universe is obviously trying to tell me my mind needs refreshing. It will be an enjoyable way to get through the end of winter.
Jeremy Brett is fantastic as Sherlock, but as important - David Burke makes an excellent Dr Watson as well! Sometimes Watson is portrayed as the slightly funny/stupid sidekick. Obviously he was never that in the novels. And then there is Gayle Hunnicutt, ahh, perfection again.
Quite possibly, the most impressive Sherlock episode. Ticks all the boxes from casting to settings. Performances, timing, camerawork, writing, dialogue delivery..and music. Top drawer stuff that is unmatched. I can never tire of seeing this several times. This set the bar impossibly high for the episodes that came after in seasons 1 and 2 and those were impeccably made too!
I also really like the portrayal of women in this one. Not just Irene Adler but also Mrs. Willard at at 46:10. She's smirking at the boys being outwitted.
This is the pilot episode of the series and probably one of Jeremy Brett's most brilliant performances as the great Sherlock Holmes... Genius writer... Genius actor!
Yes I was thought Benedict Cumberbatch is the best Sherlock Holmes ever but then I watch this he does wonder. Every expression of his is on another level . If anyone wants to learn acting watch him.
I understand the why you think that. He was Watson for all of the 'Adventures' episodes, however those were the first 2 series of the show. Hardwicke joined in season 3 when they changed the title to the Return of Sherlock Holmes.
Both of these Watsons are still lightyears ahead of all the other Watsons, particularly the "bumbling imbecile" variant. Watson isn't supposed to be an imbecile, ffs! One aspect almost every other adaptation out there misses altogether is Holmes' reliance on Watson's assistance in matters of social interaction. I remember a scene (can't remember the name of the episode right now), where Holmes is sitting at a kitchen table like a boss, Watson standing at his side. Holmes interrogates that elderly housemaid that's still under shock by the murder that had just occured in the mansion, and she's standing there, crying her heart out. Watson has to bow down to Holmes' ear and _tell him to ask her to sit down_.
Truly, Brett is superb in the role, but the true characterization of Holmes has to be the classic Basil Rathbone in the 40s I believe. Rathbone was impeccably accurate in that aloof, rather self-righteous manner in which he interpreted this beloved character. Nothing was more compelling than his take on Holmes in Hound of the Baskervilles.
This show is brilliant, incredible sets, costumes and the acting particularly by Jeremy Brett is utterly astounding, without question it is the pinnacle interpretation of Sherlock Holme, A.C. Doyle would have been proud.
Other actors played Sherlock Holmes and often did a good job. But Jeremy Brett was different, he went a step beyond. You see, Jeremy Brett WAS Sherlock Homes !! He was THAT good at it. The current Holmes, a Mr. Cumberbach, is chortling, a mere caricature of the character, by the intent of his producers and directors of course. A joke, A THESPIAN MOUNTEBANK.
I think that Jeremy Brett rocks.. I love this series and it takes me back to an era when Britain was great and ruled the waves and also waved the rules. Conan Doyle's is a master of mystery and I love watching every one of these productions
...apparently there were several original Sherlock stories he never portrayed...including the Detectives very first appearance in print, 1887's "a Study in Scarlet" ....that somehow that quite sad...
I want to say something about the opening and closing titles of this, which I have always admired. The music is superb and entirely appropriate and the way the moving pictures at the beginning freeze into sepia photographs is really clever and atmospheric.
Legendary. I rarely say a word regarding acting skills.... Jeremy Brett has encapsulated Sherlock Holmes. Truly became Sherlock Holmes.... Respectfully no one else has done with this man has done for Sherlock.
Robert Downey jr. gives the whole Holmes character a new meaning - forget about all the failed attempts to make good stories into movies. Only Guy Ritchie managed to make it look good!
Just as Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan convinced you they were James Bond in the first moment you saw them, so did Jeremy Brett effortlessly and instantly establish his identity as Holmes here. Born to play the part. There were superb portrayals before him....Cushing, Rathbone...but no-one will ever surpass our esteemed late friend Mr Brett.
Jerermy Brett is the best. While living in USA (i live in India now), i collected all the DVDs of Sherlock Holmes with Brett in it. Quite a collection it is!
I didn't even know how many times I replayed it, and I really love Sherlock Holmes who write by Conan Doyle. Meanwhile, Jeremy Brett he is awesome, he was absolutely demonstrated about Sherlock. He is always the perfect gentleman:)
But he does exist. He was born of the pen of Arthur Conan Doyle and nurtured in the imaginations of millions of fans. He is what you perceive him to be, and I agree with you that he is just as Jeremy Brett portrays him. His is my favourite modern portrayal.
Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes is simply the best IMHO. I watched the series when it was first televised so many years ago, and was saddened at his early death. A tour de force actor of the old school. Thank you, Jeremy.
While in High School in the late 1980s, I watched this religiously when it was broadcast on PBS Mystery. Jeremy Brett will always be my Sherlock. He perfectly portrayed the eccentric detective to the point that I could never consider any other in the role.
I watched it on PBS too, I loved the opening animation with Edward Gorey's art, and of course Vincent Price in that fantastically decorated room with his monologue leading into the story.
Jeremy Brett as Holmes is pure tour do force. He displays both subtlety and irony in delicious portions. Clearly, the best portrayal of Holmes, by any actor. By extension, this series of Sherlock Holmes tales is the finest I've seen. Leave it to the Brits, to produce the definitive British melodrama.
Had sir Arthur Conan Doyle been alive, I am sure he would agree that Jeremy Brett was his Sherlock Holmes, and made many more stories to suit Jeremy Brett and of course Watson and indeed all the other actors who starred. It is with great sadness that we have lost Jeremy Brett and many of the other actors, and will be greatly missed. Thanks for uploading for all to enjoy.
Although my late wife and I had different tastes in television, this Sherlock Holmes series was one which we both enjoyed viewing together. And we both thought Brett was even better than Rathbone as Sherlock. Thanks for putting it on RU-vid! Pleasant, but bittersweet memories.
Agreed! Basil Rathbone was too human to be Holmes. Sir Arthur's Holmes was cold, devoid of any emotion, passionate about his work - as demonstrated by his quick movements when on a trail, etc. Basil was a handsome man no doubt, but Jeremy leaves him standing at the post, as Holmes! I can say that Basil would be second best and Cumberbatch the 3rd best. As for Robert Downey, he should have stuck to Ironman - he's the WORST Holmes!!
@@SurendranNambiath isn't that Downey was a bad Holmes its that guy Ritchie made Holmes and Watson action heroes rather than reading people he read fight situations lol
Jeremy Brett was the best Sherlock Holmes I've ever seen. Just like Peter Falk was destined to become colombo, Jeremy Brett was born to play Sherlock Holmes
I think what originally sold me on this series was the fact it was actually set in Victorian England as the true character was also, then this pair as the leads and the supporting cast. Justice was served.
Brett perfectly captured the manic nature of Sherlock Holmes as described in the original Doyle stories. A Scandal in Bohemia was the first short story featuring Holmes (Holmes made his debut in A Study in Scarlet which was novel length). In the story we find that Holmes was capable of romantic feelings toward the opposite sex but only for Irene Adler who, much like Holmes, was very progressive and ignored the arbitrary mores, social conventions, and laws of the time.
Watching Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes never fails to make me smile and brighten my day. Such a timeless and unsurpassed performance. Everything about his performance was pure art, from the way he talked to the subtle movements and details.
Jeremy Brett was an exceptional actor who was the quintessential Sherlock Holmes. He moved with the grace of a dancer, yet completely masculine - his performance was mesmerizing. He exuded a sensuality that was absolutely captivating - I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be in his presence. We lost a Golden Child when we lost Jeremy Brett far too soon.
It's the year 2020, even though I was born after this drama was broadcasted and just recently found out about it, I can't stop watching and already became a fan. How magnificent was Jeremy Brett!! Such a talented actor can't be dead..he is present with his art and uniqueness.
<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="600">10:00</a> I love the fact Holmes is supposedly such a genius that he already deduced he was seeing someone in high esteem, yet neglected to clean up his room until the very last minute. :) Smug doofus.
My favorite episode above all! "The Woman" who outwitted and defeated the great Sherlock Holmes. Taught him not to sneer at the emotional illogic of all woman kind.
This is the first time I ever really sat and watched anything Sherlock Holmes related. I was very interested into getting into Sherlock Holmes and I am so glad I started with Jeremy Brett's version of him, I can't really see anyone else playing the part, he's superb♥️
i do agree that cumberbatch wasn't exactly the mirror of Conan's Sherlock, but then again i think it was supposed to be that way, with a little bit more emotion and insensitiveness...... same for Watson. Freeman's version of Watson was a tad bit more smart and had more sass than Conan's Watson. But either way, i love both versions of Sherlock :) though i agree that if Sherlock had ever existed, he would be like how Jeremy Brett portrayed him.
Indesr Pringles , Benedict Cumberbatch is a post-modern Holmes... You can't really compare him to Jeremy Brett. He's a character of the internet age and he does an extraordinary job but just like basil Rathbone was unique and Jeremy Brett for his time I think Benedict Cumberbatch is the Holmes that represents best this particular moment.
The Englishman His pretentiousness is part of the fun. He makes fun of himself for being pretentious. That's why it's postmodern. I understand why you feel the way you do but I don't think you really get him. He's a fine actor. But you are entitled to your opinion although I would leave out the trash talk.
I can hardly believe that it is 35 years since I, as a 16 year old, watched this episode when it was first shown. I had read all the stories in the previous few years and had managed to find an early edition of the Adventures with all the original Strand Magazine illustrations, and this just brought them to life. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a programme more before or since. Although they departed a bit from the stories in later series, the first two series in particular were just perfect.
An excellent portrait of a man so bedazzled by his own brilliant intellect that he has totally cut himself off from his emotions, of which he knows nothing.
I love the way, when the king is first unmasked, he gives Watson a quick gesture to sit down. That's Wolf Kahler, by the by. The German officer who got his face melted in the first Indiana Jones film. He turns up in Band of Brothers too.
I really like Jeremy Brett portraying Sherlock Holmes.... 👍👍His features are just like Sherlock Holmes himself in the movies. In my opinion, no one can act better than Jeremy Brett. 😊😊
It's highly telling that no one has ever tried to produce another series of completely faithful adaptations of the Sherlock Holmes stories; these are definitive.
Funnily enough the best episode of this series - The Last Vampire - had virtually nothing to do with the story it's based on. Everything that makes it good was dreamed up by the scriptwriter.
i have always being great fan of Benedict cumberbatch as sherlock but now after watching these classic episodes of Jeremy as Sherlock ,,i have turned his fan too!! brilliant portrayal of sherlock by both these actors belonging to a different eras!
![The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia [Jeremy Brett]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
