Book Description

Discover the magic and mystery of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic The Secret Garden with our new book and locket package. Lonely Mary Lennox finds adventure and friendship among the secrets of the old deserted garden on the Yorkshire moors. Now young readers will cherish their very own gold-tone necklace and pendant, shaped like the key that opens the enchanted garden for Mary. A paperback edition of this classic tale, beloved by readers for over 80 years, welcomes readers, new and old alike.

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Reviews (51)

A mixed bag
Don't get me wrong - this version of The Secret Garden isn't the Worst Movie of All Time - but it has serious problems having mostly to do with the ending.

I usually hate spoiler reviews that give away the ending of a movie, but I am going to do that here, for reasons I hope you'll understand, as the epilogue affects the whole spirit of the film.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)

Frances Hodgson Burnett, the author of the original classic novel, cut the story off before the three main characters grew up - a wise decision that let the readers make up their own minds about what happened next. Unlike other versions, this movie includes an epilogue that reveals what happened to them - always a dangerous decision when one doesn't have the last words from the author herself, but here disasterous.

Years later, we meet up with an engaged-to-be-married Mary and Colin. To deal with the somewhat reasonable notion that this might be a bit unlikely with Dickon around, our Yorkshire Angel has been killed off in World War Two. Anyone who knows the story and what Dickon represents understands how outrageous this is. Apparently Hodgson Burnett knew what she was doing the first time around.

Stick with either the 1993 or 1940 versions, preferably in that order, unless you're a Secret Garden fanatic who wants all three versions.

A True Classic
Little spoiled Mary Lennox is orphaned in India and sent to live with a distant relative. Alone and scared she has to learn the English way of life. Martha her maid teaches her how to dress herself, and gives her a jump rope opening up a whole new world to Mary. The gardens of the 100 room mansion. Here she meets the head gardener and learns of the Secret Garden. Mary also finds that there are many other secrets in this house, her hunchback caretaker that seems so sad, and the crying at night.

The setting of Yorkshire England and the rich cast of characters including the maid Martha, Dicken, Martha's brother, and many others make this a wonderful book for all ages. I have read the secret garden hundreds of times and each time I get something new out of the book. It's a true classic.

Disappointing Turn/Otherwise Good Production
Although Hallmark makes outstanding movies, and I know this movie won an award, I cannot embrace this version because of the liberties the producers took with the storyline. One of the most integral parts of the story, the fact that Colin & Mary are cousins, was changed so that they could have Colin propose to Mary at the end of the movie. I also didn't like what they did with the Dickon character in this "future" scene. I think most of us always imagined that Dickon & Mary would get together eventually based on the words that Burnett wrote. Dickon & Mary were kindred spirits, but Colin & Mary were like siblings in the real story. I gave this movie away at a yard sale because I was so unhappy with the way the story was handled.

The Secret Garden has always been one of my favourite stories and I have an extensive collection of movie presentations. My two favourite ones are the classic MGM version with Margaret O'Brien & Dean Stockwell, and the 1984 BBC production (the most true to the novel) with Sarah Hollis Andrews & David Patterson. The 1993 Warner Brothers production also takes liberties, but is preferable to this Hallmark version in my opinion. It's too bad the producers did decide to change this detail in the Hallmark version, making the purists like myself unhappy, because otherwise they did a good job of it.

A magnificent array of hope!
An excellent story made especially for those of you who dream. This version may differ a bit from the book, but it is still a must see. You will not be dissapointed!

A Wonderful Childhood Memory
This movie (granted, not on dvd) was not only the first Secret Garden movie I ever saw, but my first exposure to The Secret Garden, period. It wasn't until later that I read the book.

I don't know how fairly I can review this, because just thinking about I find myself thinking about a million other parts of my childhood. This movie was so important to me that it means childhood, and it takes a good movie to do that.

I love the cast. The actress who plays Mary is a bit stiff, but it fits well with her character. Derek Jacobi is wonderful, tragic, and when necessary, frightening as Archibald. The soundtrack is haunting, and I occasionally find myself humming it, even though I haven't seen the movie in at least a year and a half.

The movie follows the tone of the book, even with the occasional added scene. I don't know what devotees of the book would think of the frame with Mary as an adult, but since I knew the movie long before I ever read the book I love it. It doesn't take away from what the book has, and I think it contributes something to it. Plus it has Colin Firth in it, and who can argue with that? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Sherlock Holmes's older brother, Mycroft. One of the most delightful surprises in the Holmes canon of stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle, the introduction of Mycroft is wonderfully realized in this Granada Television adaptation of "The Greek Interpreter." Charles Gray stars as the larger-than-life yet shadowy Holmes sibling, who rarely leaves his beloved Diogenes Club and, in effect, runs the British government with his long memory for policies and details. The case he brings to Sherlock (Jeremy Brett) and Dr. Watson (David Burke) is unnerving in its suggestion of real brutality, and the subsequent investigation runs afoul of some truly nasty people. But before that happens, we're treated to the memorable moment when Sherlock and Mycroft essentially compete in their analysis of an old soldier seen from a window. Great stuff.

In "The Norwood Builder," a young solicitor, McFarlane (Matthew Solon), comes to Holmes begging for help just before being arrested by the sturdy if obtuse Inspector Lestrade (Colin Jeavins) of Scotland Yard. McFarlane is accused of killing a man who not only asked the attorney to draw up his will, but then left all of his possessions to McFarlane. The ingenious solution to the puzzle is only one of the exciting highlights in this episode, featuring the usual sterling work by stars Brett and Burke and a sound character interpretation by Jeavins. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

the Greek Interpreter/The Norwood Builder
What can I say that has not been said before about this great series. Brett is most definatly the quinticential Holmes and these two episodes are definatly "up there" with his oh! many fine performances. In "The Greek Interpreter" Holmes is in a race against time to save the life of a terrified Greek immigrant, forced against his will to consent the hand of his sister in marriage to a most vile suiter. With a small but none the less treasured performance by Charles Gray as Holmes's brother Mycroft, the Victorian sleuth must see if he can overcome a womans love for her lover over that of her brother.
In "The Norwood Builder". Why on earth would a wealthy builder bequest his entire estate to a total stranger, namely the very solicitor he employs to make his Will. But when the builder dies in suspicious curcumstances the solicitor is most certainly the likely suspect. Holmes is in his element as he pits his wits against the energetic "Lestrade" of Scotland Yard. Is the hapless lawyer the perpertrator, or himself a victim of a more materialistic plot linked to a long standing need for revenge.

More Quintessential Holmes
And now for the 4th DVD in the continuing MPI series of Granda/PBS Sherlock Holmes series, both introduce regular supporting actors in the series. In "The Greek Interpreter" a man becomes an unwilling pawn to kidnappers of a Greek couple from the old country. In this episode we meet Holmes' older brother Mycroft for the first time. Mycroft is played by Charles Gray who played the role in the feature film of the 70s, "The Seven Percent Solution" with Nicol Williamspn, Robert Duvall and Alan Arkin. In "The Norwood Builder" an old builder writes a new will leaving everything to a lawyer then promptly dies and the young solicitor gets accused of the crime. This episode introduces the one Scotland Yard Investigator that Holmes can't stand, Lestrade played by Colin Jeavons. Eventually he will earn Holmes' respect. Keep em coming MPI Video.

It's great!
Every once in a while, an actor comes along who not only plays the role of Sherlock Holmes, but actually redefines the role. In 1984, veteran actor Jeremy Brett (1933-95) actually did it yet again! This marvelous DVD contains two of the fifty-minute episodes of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes:

The Greek Interpreter - Series 2, episode 2 (September 1, 1984) - When Sherlock's smarter(!) brother Mycroft summons Holmes and Watson to the Diogenes Club to investigate a problem, they know it must be a deep one indeed! Mr. Melas, a Greek interpreter tells them of an adventure he had, when he was practically kidnapped, and forced to translate threats and demands to a fellow Greek. The man is obviously in great danger, and only Sherlock Holmes can save him. [I loved Mycroft's involvement in this story!]

The Norwood Builder - Series 2, episode 3 (September 8, 1984) - When a young solicitor arrives on Holmes' doorstep, barely in front of the police, and protesting his innocence of murder, Holmes agrees to save him from the noose. Why did this strange builder from Norwood suddenly approach a strange barrister, and offer to leave his fortune to him? There's more here than meets the eye!

This is a great DVD, one that I highly recommend to anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes, or even just likes a good mystery. It's great!

"Working the Room..."
While many famous actors have portrayed the detective quite well over the years, it cannot be denied that Jeremy Brett captured the very essence of the Sherlock Holmes character.

Christopher Lee, Christopher Plummer, Ian Richardson, and of course, Basil Rathbone all put their own spin on Holmes. For the most part, these interpretations are satisfactory and entertaining, but no one other then Brett had seriously attempted to portray the character as written by Doyle.

Here we have two of the very, very best of the Granada series (1984). Both "The Greek Interpreter" and "The Norwood Builder" have much to recommend them, including a fine performace by Charles Gray as Mycroft in the former, and an insufferable, never more smug Lestrade shown in the latter.

Incredible cinematography permeates "Interpreter," with excellent use of shadows aboard a blazing red, fire-lit train, in the Scotland Yard offices, and in the closed mansion that serves as a prison for a hapless Greek citizen.

"Builder" has other singular elements, such as the aforementioned smug Lestrade (Colin Jeavons putting his stamp on the character, just as David Burke and Edward Hardwicke did Watson, and Brett did Holmes). We also have a frustrated and depressed Holmes, desperate to solve a case where Lestrade seems to hold all the cards.

However, one element I would like to illuminate which bears out my sentiment of "true-to-Doyle" is how Brett "works the room."

In "The Resident Patient," (available in Volume 5 of this collection), Brett truly displays what it must have been like to actually see this amazing detective in his element, as he "works the room" in Blessington's home, decucing the facts that occured when that character met his death.

Never more brilliantly portrayed than in "The Resident Patient," we nonetheless have an excellent example of Brett using Holmes' methods here in "The Norwood Builder," while investigating the remnants of the fire, the upper floors of the house, and the surrounding grounds.

We see the intensity and frenetic energy of the famous consulting detective, crouching, scurrying, examining in minute detail the invisible evidence, hunting up the clues unobserved by others.

We also have samples of Holmes (and Mycroft) deducing the lives of people they observe both on the train and in Mycroft's club.

For those unfamilliar with the Granada series, this may not be the best place to start, because the cases are more obscure than the more famous "The Speckled Band" or "The Crooked Man." However, for those familiar with Brett & Co., this disc is indispensible.

Anothe classic and fitting tribute.
One must give Granada Television credit for taking the time and especially the care to bring these DVDs of Jeremy Brett's excellent portrayal of Sherlock Holmes to the market.

Given that this is, at best, a rather specialist market, it is a huge investment by the makers of good faith. To take the time and money to produce these with the bonus material is fantastic.

Brett always wished to achieve his personal goal of recording every one of the Holmes stories before he finished his acting career. Sadly he was unable to achieve his ambition but he got most of them. In his first season in the role, he certainly portrayed Sherlock with a seriousness that no other has brought to the part. His fastidious attention to detail and his legendary readings of the original stories and taking voluminous notes gave him a deep insight which he was to inject into the future seasons of the Great Detective.

These two stories are both superb, with excellent perfomances by all concerned. One of the little things that I liked so much about these series is the care which went into details such as keeping the apartment as little changed as possible throught the life of the shows, not changing it like M's office, for every show.

Hopefully, the DVD series will continue until all of the stories are available. This is British drama at it's best and Jeremy Brett is the cream of the crop. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"A Scandal in Bohemia"
The very first Sherlock Holmes short story (following the detective's introduction in the novels A Study in Scarlet and The Sign of the Four) was also the first Granada Television production in the long-running Holmes series featuring Jeremy Brett's definitive performance as the famous sleuth. No deerstalker cap, cape, curved meerschaum pipe, or Basil Rathbone mannerisms for this Holmes: Brett's portrayal went straight to the heart of the character Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created, with all the manic-depressive, coldly clinical, drug-dependent, and unnervingly focused brilliance intact. Just as on-the-money is David Burke's Dr. John Watson, who is hardly the loyal puppy of widespread assumption but rather a dedicated ally and determined chronicler of the publicity-wary Holmes. "A Scandal in Bohemia," ironically, is one of the few instances of Holmes being bested by an equally intelligent adversary--an actress by the name of Irene Adler (Gayle Hunnicutt), who has threatened to reveal damaging evidence of her own affair with the king of Bohemia (Wolf Kahler), a ridiculous pseudonym invented by Watson to protect the real royal personage in trouble. It's Holmes to the rescue, going undercover in disguise to take away the blackmailer's trump, though it's he whose head will ultimately be turned by the extraordinary Irene. The cast is wonderful (meet Rosalie Williams as Baker Street housekeeper Mrs. Hudson), and the drama is great fun. (For a contemporary movie reinvention of this story, check out the 1998 feature Zero Effect, starring Bill Pullman as a whacked-out variation on Holmes, Ben Stiller as his long-suffering Watson, and Kim Dickens as an updated Irene.) --Tom Keogh

"The Dancing Men"
What is the meaning of the stick figures that appear scrawled one day on the exterior wall of a Northfolk manor? Why do they so terribly upset the American wife (Betsy Brantley) of the gentleman (Tenniel Evans) who lives there? The case proves one of the most tantalizing for Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and his ally and chronicler, Dr. Watson (David Burke). Then it proves among the gravest of Holmes's career when murder enters the picture and the distraught woman is charged with the crime. This is one of those stories from the Holmes canon that practically invites an adaptation; Sherlockians will enjoy seeing the oddly disturbing "dancing men" on screen, while newcomers to Holmes will find the tale particularly compelling. As always, Brett remains the definitive Holmes. --Tom Keogh

"The Naval Treaty"
An old schoolmate of Dr. Watson's, Percy Phelps (David Gwillim), has asked the longtime friend of Sherlock Holmes to intercede on his behalf with the famous detective. Phelps, a member of the Foreign Office, has stolen a copy of a naval treaty with serious international consequences, but the document has been missing for two months. His nerves shattered from worry, Phelps is under the care of his fiancée (Alison Skilbeck), but so far the treaty has not surfaced. Holmes (Jeremy Brett), aided by Watson (David Burke), agrees to take the case, which is handsomely adapted in this episode from the Granada Television series. As usual, Brett is the most fascinating, most complex, and truest of the many Holmes portrayals in film and TV history, Burke is solid as the good doctor, and Rosalie Williams is delightful in her fleeting appearance as the Baker Street housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson. --Tom Keogh

"The Solitary Cyclist"
Sherlock Holmes (the incomparable Jeremy Brett) is unhappily interrupted during a major investigation by the appearance at Baker Street of a young, regal-looking woman named Violet Smith (Barbara Wilshere). Frightened for her safety, Smith tells the busy sleuth and his friend Dr. Watson (David Burke) of her recent life since being left penniless. Employed as a music teacher in the Charlington home of one Bob Carruthers (John Castle)--a man who, along with a quite dangerous and "hideous" fellow named Woodley (Michael Siberry)--knew her late father in South Africa, Smith has lately been harassed by Woodley and followed on bicycle by a mysterious, bearded fellow. Watson is dispatched to look into the matter, but the mystery only deepens and darkens even after the Master finally arrives. One of the strongest episodes in the long-running Holmes series from Granada Television, "The Solitary Cyclist" never lets up its taut suspense. Brett and Burke are magnificent, as always, but even the most loyal fans are taken aback by the rare sight of Holmes throwing punches, as he does in a boxing duel with the beastly Woodley. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Superb Sherlock Holmes Comes to DVD -- A Must Have
The (British) Granada Television Sherlock Holmes Series was superb, presenting the majority of the short stories, along with two of the novels (Hound of the Baskervilles and Sign of Four) in marvelous period adaptations of Conan Doyle. This DVD looks like a great introduction to the series, presenting the first four of the episodes which first aired in the early 80s. The look and feel of the productions were just marvelous, in that they really captured Baker Street at the end the 19th century.

The key to the series was, of course, the late Jeremy Brett who really defined a new style of Holmes -- brilliant of course, but very moody -- sometimes excitable, sometime melancholy -- always very theatrical. Although this may not be a Holmes to everyone's taste, it really is quite close the Holmes presented in the stories and novels. Jeremy Brett quite simply became Sherlock Holmes for this series, soaking up his Holmes lore, and really presenting a great characterization over a period of nearly 10 years. Other characters (including the two Doctor Watsons) were also well drawn throughout, though of course it is Brett's Holmes that dominates.

The TV series was quite faithful to the original, though it was quite often necessary to fill out the stories with subplots beyond what could be found in may of the short stories.

I hope that there are many more DVDs coming out from the series. At 4 episodes per DVD, this is a great bargain in that VHS tapes of individual episodes cost about $15.

This is a must have DVD if you have any interest in Sherlock Holmes!

Schlocked Sherlock
I can add little to Thomas Burka's excellent review. The "Sherlock Holmes" series with Jeremy Brett is the most faithful adaptation of Doyle's stories ever committed to film. During their initial run here in the States on A&E, each new story was an eagerly anticipated event for many of us. Dialogues were often taken word-for-word from the written stories. Attention to detail was painstaking: look closely at every little item in Sherlock's digs at 221b Baker Street. The furniture, the barometer, microscope, inkwell, oil lamps, mantel clock... all are Victorian antiques from the 1880s and 90s. The clothes, the street signs, the doorways, the Hansom cabs... perfect. And of course, the main reason we all tuned in so faithfully was to watch the greatest interpretator of the Master Detective ever: Jeremy Brett. In fact, ALL the characters were brought to life in a way never done before. So much for the praise of the ORIGINAL, televised stories. As Burka has amply noted, the quality of the transfer to DVD is nearly criminal, or at least a mystery. The visual image often looks like a badly-taped VHS copy. But it is the sound quality that is nearly unbearable, especially during the wonderful music that accompanies these stories. It staggers and wobbles like something on a cheap 3-inch reel-to-reel tape recorder from the 1960s. I sincerely hope that, as more of these incredible stories are made available on DVD, the producers of this enterprise will be more concerned with the quality of the final product.

good show
This disc contains the first four episodes of the Granada series. I found all the episodes on this disc to be very enjoyable. I agree completely that Jeremy Brett is great as Holmes. The quality of the disc isn't outstanding but it's not terrible either. There are some sound problems at the end of "The Naval Treaty" and in one scene in the middle of "The Solitary Cyclist". The picture doesn't look as good as you would expect to see on DVD but it doesn't look that bad either. I consider this disc to be well worth buying.

The Woman, the Gangster, Mr. Delicate and the Boxing Match.
This first collection has 4 of the best of the English Granada TV series. In these stories the friendship and good humor between Holmes and Watson is revealed in nice touches, as well as not shirking from Holmes prediliction for a certain 7% solution, to Watson's eternal dismay and disapproval.

In the 4 stories Holmes is bested by a Woman and takes his comeuppance graciously; he is too late solving the riddle of the Dancing Men to prevent tragedy; he resolves the dilemma of a delicate Victorian gentleman (and we see that treaties of great import were simply locked in desks with sleeping doormen the only security...a different time indeed!); and in the Solitary Cyclist, Holmes, comes to the aid of another damsel in distress, and we get to witness his boxing skills as he gives a sound thrashing to a thug. Most satisfying.

For my money, Jeremy Brett was the quinessential Holmes, capturing the nervous disposition and energy of the man, and the high-strung, imperious intelligence that is often offset with surprising kindness and tact and care for the vulnerable. He was ably matched by David Burke's bemused, capable and intelligent Watson.

The 5 Stars are for Sherlockians of course. The quality of all the Granada Holmes DVD's varies. Wish they were better, but if this is all you can get, they are still worth it.

Delightful
I have been a Basil Rathbone fan ever since I first saw his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes when I was a child, watching the movies when they were replayed on television with my grandmother. I always thought he was the authoritative Sherlock Holmes, and in the USA he very well may be. However, after reading the review of this series I decided to pick up a copy of this DVD and give Jeremy Brett's rendition a try. I must agree with everyone else - these dramatizations of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle texts are faithful, and Jeremy Brett's portrayal is fantastic. If you are a Rathbone fan, give these a fair try. They go in a completely different direction from the Rathbone films, and I think you will like them just as well, if not moreso. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In "The Crooked Man," Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) fetches Dr. John Watson (David Burke) on an urgent mission: Colonel James Barclay (Denys Hawthorne) has been found dead in his home, with his comatose wife (Lisa Daniely) beside him. While Holmes and Watson work to clear the widow's name of any suspicion, a weird, badly stooped man (Norman Jones) holds onto the secret of the Barclays' misfortune. This episode in the long-running Granada Television series is a fascinating puzzle all around, highlighted by a long flashback into a grim tale of treachery and revenge.

One of the strongest entries in the series, "The Speckled Band" finds distraught Helen Stoner (Rosalyn Landor) coming to Holmes and Watson in fear for her life since announcing her betrothal. The reason: Helen's sister Julia (Denise Armon) died mysteriously and in apparent terror in her bedroom on the night before her own wedding, and her final words were a strange reference to a "speckled band." This episode has it all: a damsel in distress, a considerable villain, lots of suspense, and a solution worth waiting for. Brett and Burke are at the top of their game as Doyle's dynamic duo; this story was, in fact, Doyle's personal favorite from the Holmes canon. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Jeremy Brett is the best Sherlock Holmes ever!
I am happy to see that they are beginning to release the Grenada Television productions of Sherlock Holmes, on DVD. These are by far the most entertaining productions of Conan Doyle's creation. Jeremy Brett is outstanding in the role of the master sleuth. The attention to detail of the sets and costumes is superb. It really gives the viewer an inside look at what Victorian England must have been like. All in all, it is a first-rate production. I hope that they plan on releasing ALL of the remaining episodes very soon.

Better quality than Volume One, but still problems...
Volume two contains THE CROOKED MAN and THE SPECKLED BAND, two of the very best adaptations in the series.

The quality of transfer from 16mm on this DVD is superior to the first volume (although still slightly grainy), but there are some problems.

THE CROOKED MAN does have some image stability problems, which causes the image to jump very slightly up and down at times (and actually roll on one of my DVD players). There is also a slight greenish tint to the fist few minutes of the episode. THE SPECKLED BAND also has some image stability problems, especially in chapter five (the train sequence) where the right side of the screen shifts slightly, causing the image to "float". There are also sound synchronicity issues in both episodes, very brief, but noticeable nonetheless. Both episodes do have lint (at the top of the frames), scratches and holes intermittently, which could have been cleaned up digitally. The sound is good throughout the DVD--none of the warbling that marred the first DVD in the series occurs here.

Jeremy Brett and David Burke are at their best in well-scripted adaptations of the original stories. The supporting players are wonderful as well.

There are also a photo gallery, biographies and filmographies, and a list of Sherlockian and Jeremy Brett Societies.

In all, a much better quality DVD than Volume One, and, despite the problems, I'd recommend this DVD, especially if your VHS tapes have started to degrade. One hopes that the quality will continue to improve, and I eagerly await the next volume.

Sherlock Holmes has returned!
Volume 2 of MPI's great series of mysteries from Granada TV/PBS is as enjoyable as its predecessor. In "The Crooked Man", a distinguished army colonel is found dead, and his unconscious wife is the primary suspect. His regiment is unaware of the colonel's treachery in his younger days and that a man he left for dead due to it is back for revenge. But is the man with the crooked back guilty? In "The Speckled Band" the stepdaughter of a renowned but cruel doctor is about to be married and escape her unhappy home fears for her life when history repeats itself and the events that lead to her sister's death occur again. Jeremy Brett and David Burke as Holmes and Watson are on the case!

A great record of a definitive performer
This, the second volume of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes the television series, is a welcome addition to the shelves of DVD sellers.

As the number of television shows increases at very high rates it is comforting to know that shows such as this as preserved for posterity on DVD.

AS the number of DVDs increases now that DVD player ownership has expanded to cover over 25% of US households and the number is poised to double by the end of the 2002 holiday season, the range of quality and reproduction of DVDs is also growing.

This does mean that less profitable ventures such as the Sherlock Holmes series seem doomed to limited treatments during transfer rather than get the full scale upgrading purists would prefer. For myself I would certainly prefer more but I am happy to be able to own these DVDs and watch them repeatedly.

Jeremy Brett, throught his years of portraying Holmes certainly carved out his reputation as being the ultimate Holmes. In these two early episodes one sees the stirrings of a determination by the actor to make the character his own.

There are so many aspects to these shows that it is difficult to know where to start. One of the reasons why the show developed it's avid following in my view is the attention paid to the original stories not only in the detail of portrayal but in observing the spirit of them. David Burke does excellent service in portraying Watson as an intelligent though somewhat limited colleague and pupil of the genius master and an individual in his own right who tries not to be overshadowed. This is a welcome rebuttal to the image of Watson as the buffoon who graced our screens for many years.

The two stories contained in this volume, Crooked Man and Speckled Band are both concerned with familial killings. In the first a husband's betrayal of his wife's true love many years ago results in his death and in the second a stepfather's greed for a legacy turns to murder. Both solid stories their depiction in 55 minute episodes highlights the superb editing skills used to bring them to the screen. Unlike many other period dramas the Homes series cuts across English class barrier lines while at the same time highlights the clear division between and within those classes.

All in all a little treasure which leads the viewer waiting on the edge of their seat for the next volume to arrive.

Brett = Holmes
Jeremy Brett is superb has Holmes. I think even Basil Rathbone would have to admit this (if he were still with us). The Crooked Man is a little slow with not must mystery but the acting is excellent. The Speckled Band is true to form. Not as many episodes as the first collection but oh well. ... Read more

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In "The Resident Patient," Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and Dr. Watson (David Burke) are approached by Dr. Percy Trevelyan (Nicholas Clay), who has been set up in an office by a man named Blessington (Patrick Newell) in exchange for free medical care. Despite several successful years of this arrangement, Blessington is found hanging in his room. This episode from the long-running Granada Television series has the incomparable Brett enact one of Holmes's most dramatic and complex deductions. A terrific show, from the earliest and perhaps best years of the series.

"The Red-Headed League" is based on a truly popular tale from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes canon. The story has a pawnbroker named Wilson (John Woodnutt) hearing from an assistant about a wealthy foundation, the Red-Headed League, dedicated to the "propagation and spread of... redheads as well as [to] their maintenance." Good fun all around, especially for Holmes fans who would enjoy seeing this unique story well adapted for the screen.

In 1893 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's weariness with his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes, led him to write "The Final Problem." The plan was to bring Holmes face to face with his most cunning and vile adversary, Professor Moriarty (Eric Porter), in a showdown that would bring a graceful and ennobling close to the Holmes saga. In time, Doyle allowed popular pressure to change his mind, and he brought back the sleuth, but this engrossing adaptation truly seems like Holmes's last bow and gives no hint of things to come. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Delayed Rough Justice, a Mystery & Moriarty & Moriarty!!!
This windup to the first series of Holmes & Watson on Granada TV brought it all to the ending Conan Doyle wanted, at Reichenbach Falls. Since this was the best pairing of Jeremy Brett's defining Holmes and David Burke's excellent Watson, it is almost a shame that, like Doyle, Granada continued with the additional, later, tales with an exhausted Brett, slowed and puffy from illness, and a very able actor (whose name escapes me) as Watson who is, nevertheless, less satisfying than Burke in the role. Ah well.

The Resident Patient has Holmes solving a strange murder that turns out to be a case of delayed justice of a sort, rough justice though it may be. It's okay.

Then we get to The Red Headed League, which is a mystery that at first Holmes' takes lightly but soon realizes has deeper implications. The most important aspect of the story is where it leads...to Professor Moriarty (deliciously played by Eric Porter who gets my vote as best Moriarty of all!).

This, of course, takes us to The Final Problem. Tired of Holmes, Conan Doyle wanted to end the stories by killing-him-off. However, he told this tale with just enough ambiguity to leave the door slightly ajar. By popular demand, he had to kick it open again and bring Holmes back. The tale of The Final Problem is told well here, faithful to the story, and with enough detail to make the final confrontation inevitable and believable.

One watches the two tales of Holmes versus Professor Moriarty and one is struck at how such a archetypal character was created with just a few deft strokes. Moriarty is only in the two tales and only briefly and yet the legacy of the character can be seen in the James Bond villains, Fritz Lang's Dr. Mabuse, the Deaf Man (with tongue firmly in cheek) of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct, and even Hannibal Lecter.

The Evil Mastermind will continue to be with us in book & film, and it was a real inspiration to pick Eric Porter for Moriarty. He has the slightly disheveled and disreputable look of a brilliant gentleman gone to seed.

The 5 stars are for Sherlockians, of course, and for Jeremy Brett's brilliant capture of Holmes high-strung, imperious, and restless intelligence. The quality of the DVD's is lacking but this is all there is and the stories are worth it.

Holmes vs. Moriarty in this classic set
Once again Jeremy Brett and David Burke bring their wonderful portrayals of the great Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to the DVD screen in volume 5 of this wonderful BBC "Mystery" TV series.
Consisting of 3 adventures, the latter 2 feature Holmes' classic confrontation with that "Napoleon of Crime", Professor Moriarty. Played chillingly by Eric Porter, Moriarty proves to a classic opponent to Brett's edgy Holmes. David Burke, who would leave the series after these episodes, provides Watson with warmth and wit. While the classic confrontation of "The Final Problem" episode would leave Holmes' fate in doubt, there is no doubt that this is TV at its finest. A must-have for Holmes fans and highly recommended.

hmmm
The shows were wonderful. Good suspense and I love Jeremy Brett--the best Sherlock out there. But in 'The Final Problem' they had a nude "art" scene with a woman. Come on, this is just not right, why would they ruin the movie with that?!
If they would have left out the "art" they movie would be a 5 star, and it would have been just fine.

Fell In Love With This Series On A&E
Have always enjoyed this series - great stuff.

Absolute Gem
The best Holmes and 3 shows. In the last three you get introduced to Moriarity and see Holmes death(maybe). It was decent quality for a almost twenty year old show. My only problem with the series is that there are only 2-3 episodeds per disc and the bonus section is pretty bare. I would like to see some improvement for the casebook of sherlock holmes but I still cannot wait. ... Read more

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One of the most popular of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, "The Blue Carbuncle" is given exciting treatment in this Granada Television adaptation, featuring Jeremy Brett and David Burke in definitive performances as the famous detective and his ally and chronicler, Dr. Watson. The story concerns the disappearance of a gem called the Blue Carbuncle, which is linked to a terrible history of murders, suicides, attacks, and robberies. The jewel's trail leads Holmes all over wintry London and to a decision that stuns Watson in its legal and ethical implications. Tightly woven and cleverly adapted from the page, "The Blue Carbuncle" is a worthy telling of a classic tale.

Just as Holmes is lamenting the state of his investigation practice, a letter arrives from a Violet Hunter (Natasha Richardson), who seeks advice on whether to accept a position as governess at the Copper Beeches, the home of a genuine oddball named Jephro Rucastle (Joss Ackland) and his equally strange family. This fine adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's clever mystery "The Copper Beeches" is absolutely engrossing, and as usual Brett's performance as the famed detective is flawless and true to Doyle's original vision. Burke does his typically stellar work as Watson, and the addition of one great veteran (Ackland) and one talented then-newcomer (Richardson) to the cast is a real treat. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Jeremy Brett, Natasha Richardson, and Joss Ackland...
Our Well Studied and Deliberately Executed Holmes:

In reviewing this DVD, I'm actually examining the actor's performance as the character in the entire series, rather than those encapsulated within the specific titles. I have seen these episodes, and could do a separate review of each, but I think in this case that would actually be inappropriate. I can say, however, that these episodes are very good, and represent this outstanding series very well. The DVD itself is also of very high quality, as far as sound and picture are concerned. Granada did a first rate job, that has translated itself very handily to the new format.

Jeremy Brett's Holmes is something other than the various Holmes' we've been exposed to in the past. I was raised on Rathbone. But when I saw Brett's performances when they first aired on PBS, I slowly forgot Rathbone's influences. Brett immerses himself in such a way that must make it very personal to him, then displays the character of Holmes in a forceful and deliberate manner - and in a depth we may not see again.

The key thing to understanding Holmes, I think, is that he is unique as a genius as any genius would be. Exercising his talents to there fullest doesn't give him super-status as an overall human being by erasing other flaws. Instead, his talent takes precedence, accentuating his human flaws by casting them into a state of neglect that highlights them. Brett understands this, clearly because he himself is either a bona fide genius, or he has somehow deciphered the code that generates a genius' idiosyncratic behaviors. I can't say which. I can say that I really believe his Holmes. Brett may as well BE Holmes.

My second favorite aspect of Brett's Holmes is the level of humor. Great care was taken here to make each little "quip" more situationally true to the character. His humor is really more an expression of how he so uniquely relates to those around him - and is frequently not acknowledged by the other characters - being that they are fairly unaware. We, as the audience are in-on-the-joke, which is nice, and it's usually a pretty funny one.

I guess I just want to say that I think a great deal of this series. Jeremy Brett is the best, and here, has given us so much! He actually died while still "in service" to the roll. Not to sound too stupid about this, but I think there was something very appropriate in that. It's like he waited until he had gained perfection before moving on.

Bravo!

Just one note about the Copper Beeches: Natasha Richardson! Yikes! What a performance. She plays off the embodiment of menace that Joss Ackland actually brilliantly portrays. The pair make this one of the finest and truly scary episodes. Definately my favorite episode.

Brett Rules!!
The sound on MPI's Sherlock Holmes DVDs has improved since volume one. Otherwise, they remain the same. The sharp picture highlights the weaknesses of the original 16mm photography, and the extras are laughable. But, here we get two of the best episodes in this phenomenal series, in a presentation that far outshines their previous life on VHS. Who could ask for anything more?

I've always loved 'The Copper Beeches.' Its gothic setting and the hammy performance of Joss Ackland as the mysterious employer help to overcome the weaknesses in Conan Doyle's plot, while 'The Blue Carbuncle' showcases the methods of Sherlock Holmes better than any other adventure.

The casting, as usual, couldn't be better. A young Natasha Richardson joins Ackland in 'The Copper Beeches,' and the masterful Jeremy Brett triumphs, yet again, as Sherlock Holmes.

We can only hope that MPI will release the entire series on DVD. I, for one, will buy it.

Wonderful!
Any of the discs in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series are worth buying just for Jeremy Brett's performance as Holmes. Even though there are other actors whom I adore in the role, I consider it to be impossible for anyone to play the character as good as Brett did. He simply WAS Sherlock Holmes.

Both of the episodes on this disc are very well done. "The Blue Carbuncle" is particularly good. The quality of the disc is not perfect but it is good. I would recommend this DVD.

Getting into the spirit of the role
These early shows from Jeremy Brett's career of portrayal of the famous detective are such a joy to behold.

One of the most endearing characteristics of these shows has been the attention which has been paid to keeping the story as close as possible to the original Conan Doyle story. To that extent, these particular productions are the ultimate in depiction of Sherlock Holmes and one cannot see how anyone would even attempt to remake them with another actor in the major role.

Brett always threw himself into Holmes, playing him with such zeal, style and panache. In these two stories he very much continues to play the character straight as it were acting out the story true to the word. True to his interpretation to the spirit would come later.

David Burke offers an intelligent interpretation of Watson, trying to throw off the categorisation of Watson as a well meaning buffoon which resulted from the Rathbone years.

As others have pointed out these are two great stories, the second notable for the actors involved. From my point of view the attention to detail is marvellous, in the settings and furnishings. Unlike Poirot however, these stories do not tire with the background. The Victorians were much more adventuresome in the extent of their cultural choices than the society portrayed in Agatha Christie's novels.

This is one set that belongs in a DVD library of good detective dramas together with that other beautifully produced series, 'Inspector Morse'.

Ten out of Five.

The Hat & the Redhead.
Jeremy Brett is the best Sherlock Holmes for my money. With his aquiline features, nervous ticks, abrupt action & words, with just the appropriate dose of arrogance, he's the Sherlock of the high-strung disposition I remember reading about. The British Granada TV series presented these stories with great fidelity to the material, good production values, and appearances by some of the best of British actors: some familiar, some just getting started.

The Blue Carbuncle is a tale of a stolen gem with a long history of violence behind it. The mystery is okay, but the highlight is Holmes challenging Watson & then analyzing a left-behind hat and deducing a dozen things about the owner from it, to Watson's chagrine.

The Copper Beeches cast is made up of Joss Auklund, familiar to many in the US, and introduces a very young Natasha Redgrave (to British TV audiences). The chief interest is in Holmes' at first dismissive attitude toward Redgrave, and then upon discovery that she is alone in the world, his care and concern for her (against his normal misogynist tendencies) and his growing regard for her intelligence & courage.

Ably backed by David Burke as an intelligent and capable Watson (no bumbling Nigel Bruce type), these adventures are all of fine quality, only varying due to the strengths or weaknesses of the stories told. ... Read more