The Dying Detective - Sherlock Holmes Jeremy Brett Part 5 of 5

A refreshingly riveting episode.

We are taken to the opium houses in Olde London, and Culverton Smith is as despicable as any villain in the series.

After a few somewhat bland episodes in the season preceding this, 'Sherlock Holmes (1984)' comes roaring back to life in a big way. The classic story of Holmes trying to prove Culverton Smith murdered his cousin is given a super makeover. I feel that producers of any form of literary work in recent years, (as opposed to 100 years earlier), have a distinct advantage. As our values about censorship and taboo subjects have relaxed and broadened, a story can be more colorfully presented, and more detail can be explored. Issues like sex and drugs in particular, are much less limited by social etiquette. This installment is a good example of that.

Jeremy Brett is at his energetic best here, boisterously arguing with Watson, Smith, and Mrs. Hudson, among others, and seemingly enjoying the role with renewed vigor. This side of Holmes was not as evident in the original story, which deals more with Watson's concern for his friend's sickly condition. Here, more time is given to the background of the victim and his wife, which nicely develops into Holmes vs. Smith. A very welcome return to form.

StarsColin Jeavons as Inspector Lestrade

Guest Cast:

Roy Hudd as John Gedgrave
John Labanowski as Inspector Morton
Rowland Davies as Colonel Carnac
Caroline John as Mrs Carnac
Shaughan Seymour as Penrose Fisher
Keiran Flynn as Benson
Malcolm Hebden as Staples
Mary Ten Pow as Chinese Woman
Rachel Rice as Marina Savage
Jonathan Hyde as Culverton Smith
Trevor Bowen as Charles Daman
Hugh Bonneville as Victor Savage
Susannah Harker as Adelaide Savage
Colin Stevens as Police Sergeant

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[MrDrewKosser]

Brett was the greatest Holmes ever... I doubt we'll ever see anyone come near him... bravo Brett.

[ScarletWilder]

The spirit of Brett will reign forever in his electrifying portrayal of Sherlock Holmes :)

[Animalcrossing95]

5:05 - oh, Jeremy, you really know how to make a girl cry inside..:'(

Wonderful acting! I don't know how Jeremy did it.

[JHandcock1111]

We refused to watch it when we read they were going to make him gay. Same with the most recent english series and the most recent american series. Holmes is not gay, Holmes is not psychopathic, Holmes was only in touch with his brother (not the rest of his family, and his father was dead anyways) and Mycroft would never interfer with Holmes addiction, and Watson - Never Female!!

[JHandcock1111]

Anyone know the pattern for Holmes blanket?

[christopherecatalano]

The dark piano and the amazingly spooky lighting on his face in that instant: Gold! And I love the almost 1930's Hollywood way he says: "By turning up the gas..." Brilliant, brilliant acting, tension and ambience in that scene... I can watch that over and over like a great piece of art...

[PsychofanGal]

"Quick, if you love me!" Oh, the way he sounds as he begs Watson is so great. Brett is so wonderfully melodramatic.

[Sillygoose14111]

Oh Jeremy Brett. :) Just. Awesome.

[uncled40]

Downey, great as Chaplin, wrong as Holmes. About a foot too short. Face doesn't look right. Film was a pile of Baskerville Hound Poo.

[uncled40]

Downey isn't fit to lick Jeremy's boots.

[parris252]

robert downey is looking like a good runner up

[parris252]

"three days without food and water is one thing, but to be without tobacco i have found is most irksome"......that last moment after the feigned sickness before the police arrive was a masterpiece.....in a moment the weakened sick dying detective and the next the hawk sinking his talons into it's prey....awesome.