William Gillette as Sherlock Holmes - Part 2

William Gillette played Sherlock Holmes for more than 35 years at the beginning of the twentienth century to great acclaim, but no video of his performance remains. This is the sole remaining audio clip of Gillette playing Holmes matched up to photographs from his production. Part 2 of 2.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Sherlock
• Holmes
• William
• Gillette

[TheRommio]

was Sherlock Holmes a real person or not ? i dont know much about him

[jholstei]

@TheRommio

No, Holmes was not real (although there are groups who might claim otherwise.) He was the creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who wrote his adventures between 1887 and 1927. He was, however, based upon a real person; Dr. Joseph Bell.

[jholstei]

@Scottrchrdsn - I suppose it's possible. The rave reviews for Gillette are in reference to his stage portrayal, or in reference to his debut as the radio Sherlock Holmes in 1930. I've never read any reviews of his film work. Still, given his reputation I'd like to think he brought the same mastery to the screen that he exhibited on the stage.

[Scottrchrdsn]

@jholstei It can be reasonably supposed his recordings were not considered exceptional enough to preserve.

[74powers]

Wow this is truly a a great piece I have been a fan of all things Sherlock holmes for the past year I have listened to every radio broadcast available and was delighted to find this scrolling though you tube thanks so much for your posting

[jholstei]

Oh, I thought it was the radio broadcast as well when I first heard it! And ditto on the 1916 film. I wish we had any real footage of Gillette practicing his craft.

[crmfghtr]

Oh thanks for clarifying. I guess I should pay attention lol. In any case thanks for posting this very rare audio and great pictures. Wish they could find more or his 1916 film

[jholstei]

To clarify, this is NOT a radio broadcast, but a home recording made by a Harvard Professor. They only recorded these two scenes while Gillette was on tour in Boston. Gillette's only two appearances on radio as Holmes, the Speckled Band in 1930 and the Lux Radio Theater in 1936, are both considered lost.

[crmfghtr]

I thought only a snippet of this radio broadcast existed, on Amazon is only 1 minute 45 seconds, obviously more exists. I the entire broadcast out there somewhere?

[brainofomarion]

Great video! Thanks!