I didn’t know the backstory on how Granada acquired the rights, so thank you! While I appreciate all of the Sherlock portrayals, I am glad that Granada made the series with Jeremy Brett. The books came first for me. In the first story by Granada that I watched, the books came alive. Their series was the truest to the book’s stories. Jeremy Brett was exactly what I imagined as I read. I do know someone personally of great intellect, and Brett brought those characteristics in. The eyes twinkling with directness, intellect and intensity, impatience with those not as fast, and the mind that is never idle. In many retellings, Watson is portrayed as almost a buffoon. Not so in the stories; Watson was courageous, loyal, and had qualities that balanced Sherlock including occasionally challenging him. The friendship was deep and mutually respectful in the books and the Granada series. Additionally, changing the stories usually loses the subtleties and intent of Arthur Conan Doyle and what made them extraordinary (looking at you Robert Downey Jr.). I dare say that I will never see a portrayal that is better than Jeremy Brett and Edward Harwicke.
I think that the Jeremy Brett version was the best. But not just because of Bretts performance, but because of the entire crew from the two Watsons, Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft, Moriarty and just about every character in the series. The whole series was a well realized version of Doyles stories. I always had a soft spot for Basil Rathbone, I would have really liked to have seen more Doyle focused stories with him.
I feel part of the problem with playing such well known characters is that, for the actors, they have to find a way to make their performances unique to stand out from others who have also portrayed the role. The difference with Holmes is the way both he and Watson’s relationship was misrepresented on film over time. Too many productions were too keen to show how clever Holmes was by making everyone else dumb, which sadly included his best friend, Dr. John Watson. Jeremy Brett became THE Sherlock Holmes by first going back to basics. He read the written body of work, worked on presenting a more human interpretation of Holmes; allowing him to show fear, rumination, dedication, and relief. Holmes returned to being unique because his intelligence allowed him to see the world in a different way, rather than just because everyone else was dumb. Edward Hardwicke stood out in his performance by being understated. His Watson was brave, dedicated, committed to his friend, and never afraid to voice his thoughts. He was the steadfast character who was grounded, so that Brett in his performance could fly. I was initially doubtful when RDJ was announced as Holmes, but I kept an open mind and saw the films. Jude Law was fantastic as Watson and RDJ brought an eccentric brilliance and roguish charm to his Holmes. However, on looking closely, you notice that not only did Guy Ritchie seemingly lift a lot from the television series. You can see lines and even a couple of scenes taken from it and retroactively fitted into the films (i.e. the confrontation speech between Moriarty and Holmes in A Game of Shadows). I’m sure it was unintentional, that Ritchie just wanted to ensure the weight of that scene in his film; but somewhere instead of taking inspiration it appears almost straight copied. During the whole run up to drum up interest in the films, there seemed to be an audible silence around mentioning this. As if they were afraid to mention Brett for fear of somehow diminishing Downey. I can appreciate both performances, as I can that of Richardson. Each crafted their own Holmes who we, the audience, are intelligent enough to appreciate for their individual highs and lows. Like Doctor Who, everyone enjoys them, but we all have a favourite. For me, Brett is the definitive Holmes; Joan Hickson the definitive Miss Marple; and David Suchet the absolute article as Hercule Poirot. That shouldn’t stop others from trying. Just see how Heath Ledger redefined the Joker. Great video. Brilliant presentation.
I liked a lot of the portrayals of Holmes, but, to me, Jeremy Brett was Holmes. He made Holmes a human with doubt, fear, and longings that others didn't bring to the character. Also, I spent a few bucks on the series DVDs.
Ian Richardson was a very good Sherlock Holmes. “House of Cards” was a classic! I also remember him as Jawaharlal Nehru in “Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy.”
According to an interview with David Burke, Granada's 1st Watson, filming of the Granada series and Ian Richardson's series were done at the same time and at the same studio, and the two group would sometimes walk over to each sets to mingle about, except Jeremy Brett. When asked why, Jeremy never fraternise with the other 'Sherlock' actors, Jeremy said that he purposely not wanted to see Ian Richardson's take on Holmes in order it wouldn't influence his own performance, especially since Ian Richardson's version will come out first. Jeremy wanted to have a fresh take on Holmes that is totally faithful to the book, that he carries all the around and would refer everything from it, even from Sydney Paget's original illustrations, where he would try to actually mimic poses from the Illustrations.
Shared your channel to my parents my mum is and was obsessed with AGATHA CHRISTIE has all the books paperback and hard back, all we watched as kids was Marple and Hercule.
Ian Richardson is wierdly accurate and inaccurate to the role. He is the most smiling Sherlock Holmes I've seen. (Cumberbatch and RDJ abysmal portrayals are not counted). I don't imagine Holmes smiles as much BUT Richardson sold it on the adventurous side of Holmes. Doyles wrote Sherlock Holmes in the Adventurer-Suspence genre, the detective genre wasn't known yet. Richardson is Holmes when he is on the adventure. Swordfighting, disguises, and calm deductions in his pace. We are used to seeing Holmes sitting down or standing still. Or seeing highspeed Hollywood actors doing chase scenes to confuse the audience. Richardson is so far, the only one I see that truly nail Holmes when he is on the chase.
@@marina_via some maybe all are on Daily Motion website, I watched a couple there then purchased the box set, he turned down more episodes and Peter Cushing replaced him , and sadly most of his episodes are wiped from the BBC archives
A very interesting telling. I always liked Ian Richardson, aloof though his characters often are. How unfortunate that Richardson and Brett came about at the same time. Brett’s version is excellent, of course, but Richardson’s loss is palpable. Such a pity he didn’t get the chance earlier in his career. I must look out the two Richardson films, though I’m sure I’ve seen them and don’t recollect. Of course, Richardson’s turn in Tinker, Tailor… was excellent and unforgettable, too. Perhaps it wasn’t as big in the US as it was in the UK.
Although I enjoyed Murder Rooms, I preferred Ian Richardson as Sherlock Holmes over Jeremy Brett. I realize I'm probably in the minority. Thank you for your informative video.
For me Jeremy Brett was Holmes like David Suchet Poirot. I don’t know, but Brett plaid this arrogance of Holmes perfect and also the depression and drug abuse. It is an important thing in Sherlock’s character. But I love Richardson’s performance too. He was a great actor and he was more charming as Holmes. But that was not, what Holmes was. He was just a cold blooded genius, like Prof. Moriarty.
Murder Rooms is very good and much underrated. Its well worth a look if you haven't seen it. I always wished they had made more but I think Ian Richardson died not long afterwards.
Ian Richardson died in 2007, several years after 'Murder Rooms' was shown. The real reason why the show was cancelled has never really come out, but there have been hints that it was due to internal BBC politics.
@marina_via all the different Hound of the Baskervilles have slight alteractions to the story, and one of the things I like about Ian's Hound of the Baskervilles is ihat it's the only one with Laura Lyons husband Geoffrey Lyons played by the great Brian Blessed. His scene in the pub was great. 😊
There have essentially been two models for portraying Holmes, in teh various reimagining's. He is either portrayed as being infallible, or a model of studied fallibility. Richardson represents the infallible model, while many regard Brett as the greatest example of the fallible model. In that sense they took the role in two very different directions.
I have to say my preferred Holmes is Ronald Howard who brings a warm human touch to the character my favourite watson has to be Nigel Bruce it would have been wonderful to see them act together in a Holmes series.
Ian Richardson is definitely an underrated Holmes portrayal. I submit he is probably the most jovial and charismatic of the lot, but only because Tom Baker can come off as too enthusiastic with that big grin of his. Lol Is Holmes meant to be jovial or personable? Perhaps not. Arthur Wontner is very similar in how personable and kind hearted he is as an aging Holmes. And I don't find them an inaccurate take. But I does seem that the harder edged, less polite and even dismissive Holmes portrayal that Jeremy Brett took seems to be more fitting to the character's origin. Still, I would've loved more Ian.
I didn’t know the backstory on how Granada acquired the rights, so thank you! While I appreciate all of the Sherlock portrayals, I am glad that Granada made the series with Jeremy Brett. The books came first for me. In the first story by Granada that I watched, the books came alive. Their series was the truest to the book’s stories. Jeremy Brett was exactly what I imagined as I read. I do know someone personally of great intellect, and Brett brought those characteristics in. The eyes twinkling with directness, intellect and intensity, impatience with those not as fast, and the mind that is never idle. In many retellings, Watson is portrayed as almost a buffoon. Not so in the stories; Watson was courageous, loyal, and had qualities that balanced Sherlock including occasionally challenging him. The friendship was deep and mutually respectful in the books and the Granada series. Additionally, changing the stories usually loses the subtleties and intent of Arthur Conan Doyle and what made them extraordinary (looking at you Robert Downey Jr.). I dare say that I will never see a portrayal that is better than Jeremy Brett and Edward Harwicke.
yes more faithful the other was more dramatized and 2 different watsons in 2 films
I think that the Jeremy Brett version was the best. But not just because of Bretts performance, but because of the entire crew from the two Watsons, Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft, Moriarty and just about every character in the series. The whole series was a well realized version of Doyles stories. I always had a soft spot for Basil Rathbone, I would have really liked to have seen more Doyle focused stories with him.
I feel part of the problem with playing such well known characters is that, for the actors, they have to find a way to make their performances unique to stand out from others who have also portrayed the role. The difference with Holmes is the way both he and Watson’s relationship was misrepresented on film over time. Too many productions were too keen to show how clever Holmes was by making everyone else dumb, which sadly included his best friend, Dr. John Watson.
Jeremy Brett became THE Sherlock Holmes by first going back to basics. He read the written body of work, worked on presenting a more human interpretation of Holmes; allowing him to show fear, rumination, dedication, and relief. Holmes returned to being unique because his intelligence allowed him to see the world in a different way, rather than just because everyone else was dumb. Edward Hardwicke stood out in his performance by being understated. His Watson was brave, dedicated, committed to his friend, and never afraid to voice his thoughts. He was the steadfast character who was grounded, so that Brett in his performance could fly.
I was initially doubtful when RDJ was announced as Holmes, but I kept an open mind and saw the films. Jude Law was fantastic as Watson and RDJ brought an eccentric brilliance and roguish charm to his Holmes. However, on looking closely, you notice that not only did Guy Ritchie seemingly lift a lot from the television series. You can see lines and even a couple of scenes taken from it and retroactively fitted into the films (i.e. the confrontation speech between Moriarty and Holmes in A Game of Shadows). I’m sure it was unintentional, that Ritchie just wanted to ensure the weight of that scene in his film; but somewhere instead of taking inspiration it appears almost straight copied. During the whole run up to drum up interest in the films, there seemed to be an audible silence around mentioning this. As if they were afraid to mention Brett for fear of somehow diminishing Downey.
I can appreciate both performances, as I can that of Richardson. Each crafted their own Holmes who we, the audience, are intelligent enough to appreciate for their individual highs and lows. Like Doctor Who, everyone enjoys them, but we all have a favourite. For me, Brett is the definitive Holmes; Joan Hickson the definitive Miss Marple; and David Suchet the absolute article as Hercule Poirot. That shouldn’t stop others from trying. Just see how Heath Ledger redefined the Joker.
Great video. Brilliant presentation.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! And thank you!
When I read Sherlock Holmes, its Jeremy Brett's voice I hear.
I liked a lot of the portrayals of Holmes, but, to me, Jeremy Brett was Holmes. He made Holmes a human with doubt, fear, and longings that others didn't bring to the character. Also, I spent a few bucks on the series DVDs.
It was watching Jeremy Brett that started me reading the stories. He is the definitive Sherlock Holmes and everyone else is an also-ran.
Ian Richardson was a very good Sherlock Holmes. “House of Cards” was a classic! I also remember him as Jawaharlal Nehru in “Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy.”
According to an interview with David Burke, Granada's 1st Watson, filming of the Granada series and Ian Richardson's series were done at the same time and at the same studio, and the two group would sometimes walk over to each sets to mingle about, except Jeremy Brett.
When asked why, Jeremy never fraternise with the other 'Sherlock' actors, Jeremy said that he purposely not wanted to see Ian Richardson's take on Holmes in order it wouldn't influence his own performance, especially since Ian Richardson's version will come out first.
Jeremy wanted to have a fresh take on Holmes that is totally faithful to the book, that he carries all the around and would refer everything from it, even from Sydney Paget's original illustrations, where he would try to actually mimic poses from the Illustrations.
Jeremy elaborated on this case a little in his biography Bending the Willow, a very captivating read indeed!
Shared your channel to my parents my mum is and was obsessed with AGATHA CHRISTIE has all the books paperback and hard back, all we watched as kids was Marple and Hercule.
how lovely, thank you! Hope they find it interesting!
Ian Richardson is wierdly accurate and inaccurate to the role. He is the most smiling Sherlock Holmes I've seen. (Cumberbatch and RDJ abysmal portrayals are not counted). I don't imagine Holmes smiles as much BUT Richardson sold it on the adventurous side of Holmes.
Doyles wrote Sherlock Holmes in the Adventurer-Suspence genre, the detective genre wasn't known yet. Richardson is Holmes when he is on the adventure. Swordfighting, disguises, and calm deductions in his pace. We are used to seeing Holmes sitting down or standing still. Or seeing highspeed Hollywood actors doing chase scenes to confuse the audience. Richardson is so far, the only one I see that truly nail Holmes when he is on the chase.
I just bought the BBC series from 1965 with Douglas Wilmer as Holmes , it was brilliant, a bit stagey in parts but it was worth every penny.
how interesting!
@@marina_via some maybe all are on Daily Motion website, I watched a couple there then purchased the box set, he turned down more episodes and Peter Cushing replaced him , and sadly most of his episodes are wiped from the BBC archives
A very interesting telling. I always liked Ian Richardson, aloof though his characters often are. How unfortunate that Richardson and Brett came about at the same time. Brett’s version is excellent, of course, but Richardson’s loss is palpable. Such a pity he didn’t get the chance earlier in his career. I must look out the two Richardson films, though I’m sure I’ve seen them and don’t recollect. Of course, Richardson’s turn in Tinker, Tailor… was excellent and unforgettable, too. Perhaps it wasn’t as big in the US as it was in the UK.
What a wonderful comment, I do feel the same way!
I remember the HBO series of Sherlock Holmes and I also remember the Jeremy Brett versions, both of which were good on their own.
good for you!
Ian Richardson was the best Sherlock ever ❤
Although I enjoyed Murder Rooms, I preferred Ian Richardson as Sherlock Holmes over Jeremy Brett. I realize I'm probably in the minority. Thank you for your informative video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
For me Jeremy Brett was Holmes like David Suchet Poirot. I don’t know, but Brett plaid this arrogance of Holmes perfect and also the depression and drug abuse. It is an important thing in Sherlock’s character. But I love Richardson’s performance too. He was a great actor and he was more charming as Holmes. But that was not, what Holmes was. He was just a cold blooded genius, like Prof. Moriarty.
……Ian Richardson was a wonderful actor. I saw him on stage in, ‘The Hollow Crown’ along with Sir Derek Jacobi. Fantastic! Got both their autographs!
Murder Rooms is very good and much underrated. Its well worth a look if you haven't seen it. I always wished they had made more but I think Ian Richardson died not long afterwards.
Ian Richardson died in 2007, several years after 'Murder Rooms' was shown. The real reason why the show was cancelled has never really come out, but there have been hints that it was due to internal BBC politics.
Thank you so much for this video. I did wonder why Ian only made two.
So happy you enjoyed it!
@marina_via all the different Hound of the Baskervilles have slight alteractions to the story, and one of the things I like about Ian's Hound of the Baskervilles is ihat it's the only one with Laura Lyons husband Geoffrey Lyons played by the great Brian Blessed. His scene in the pub was great. 😊
@@moosematson3892 it's superb, agree!
Awesome video thanks
🫶
Rupert Everett only appeared in one and he was brilliant
There have essentially been two models for portraying Holmes, in teh various reimagining's. He is either portrayed as being infallible, or a model of studied fallibility. Richardson represents the infallible model, while many regard Brett as the greatest example of the fallible model. In that sense they took the role in two very different directions.
I have to say my preferred Holmes is Ronald Howard who brings a warm human touch to the character my favourite watson has to be Nigel Bruce it would have been wonderful to see them act together in a Holmes series.
Ian Richardson is definitely an underrated Holmes portrayal. I submit he is probably the most jovial and charismatic of the lot, but only because Tom Baker can come off as too enthusiastic with that big grin of his. Lol
Is Holmes meant to be jovial or personable? Perhaps not. Arthur Wontner is very similar in how personable and kind hearted he is as an aging Holmes. And I don't find them an inaccurate take. But I does seem that the harder edged, less polite and even dismissive Holmes portrayal that Jeremy Brett took seems to be more fitting to the character's origin.
Still, I would've loved more Ian.
Excellent
Thank you! Cheers!
Richardson was excellent. Unfortunately, neither of his Watsons was much good.
Jeremy Brett is the best Holmes, but I do love Ian Richardson
The grand daughter delayed jeremy brett for 2 years?? Im not impressed