This third volume in Granada's Sherlock Holmes series with Jeremy Brett, maintains a lot of the quality of the previous volumes though one can tell that it is starting to fray somewhat. Still, if you are a fan of the original Holmes stories or Brett as Holmes there is enjoyment to be found in it.
Jeremy Brett is back again as Sherlock Holmes. This time he looks heavier with features that are thickening due to the congestive heart medicines that he took. Although, Brett no longer has the lean look he had before, he still has the same grace and energy that he usually brings in his performance as Holmes. Edward Hardwicke makes an ideal Watson as he has quickly become comfortable in the role.
However, the makers began to have a difficult time picking any remaining Holmes stories that were worth adapting (it also decided to expand short stories into two-hour feature films). The tales are quieter, less energetic this time but are as still involving as ever. "Sloscombe Old Place" and "The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax" are surprisingly good. "The Illustrious Client" for me is the most entertaining with a villain sicker than Professor Moriarty. " The Problem of Thor Bridge" is also a gem as it is a mystery with truly superb solution at the end.
The photography and locations are beautiful, the music is excellent, and the sets, props, and costumes are handsome as well. Even though, the producers were working on a tighter budget and did not have the luxuries they had during the early days. Yet with this volume it gives you a sense that the times are changing as the series is starting to move from the Victorian Era to perhaps the Edwardian Era.
"The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes" is a step down from the first two volumes yet it is not half bad. Despite missing the more the colorful Holmes elements, the episodes are engrossing with fine acting and evocative atmosphere which is what you would expect from Sherlock Holmes adaptations of this type. While not brilliant, this turned out to be the last good Holmes volume from Granada.
Jeremy Brett is back again as Sherlock Holmes. This time he looks heavier with features that are thickening due to the congestive heart medicines that he took. Although, Brett no longer has the lean look he had before, he still has the same grace and energy that he usually brings in his performance as Holmes. Edward Hardwicke makes an ideal Watson as he has quickly become comfortable in the role.
However, the makers began to have a difficult time picking any remaining Holmes stories that were worth adapting (it also decided to expand short stories into two-hour feature films). The tales are quieter, less energetic this time but are as still involving as ever. "Sloscombe Old Place" and "The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax" are surprisingly good. "The Illustrious Client" for me is the most entertaining with a villain sicker than Professor Moriarty. " The Problem of Thor Bridge" is also a gem as it is a mystery with truly superb solution at the end.
The photography and locations are beautiful, the music is excellent, and the sets, props, and costumes are handsome as well. Even though, the producers were working on a tighter budget and did not have the luxuries they had during the early days. Yet with this volume it gives you a sense that the times are changing as the series is starting to move from the Victorian Era to perhaps the Edwardian Era.
"The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes" is a step down from the first two volumes yet it is not half bad. Despite missing the more the colorful Holmes elements, the episodes are engrossing with fine acting and evocative atmosphere which is what you would expect from Sherlock Holmes adaptations of this type. While not brilliant, this turned out to be the last good Holmes volume from Granada.