Sherlock Holmes Straight Up or with a Chaser

[Robert J.]

I'm a Holmes fan, big time, and I like the classic Holmes (Jeremy Brett on PBS), modern (Benedict Cumberpatch in "A Study in Pink"), or in disguise (Gil Grissom, House).

Do you like your Holmes updated or do you want him in Victorian England? Why?

[Bill]

I don't mind Holmes, either way. As long as the book/ show is well-done, I'm not at all averse to an updated version of Holmes. I quite enjoyed the Benedict Cumberbatch tv series.

[Robert J.]

I thought it was a hoot that they had him texting.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

I actually find it fascinating how many different interpretations there have been of the classic character of Sherlock. I do have a soft spot in my heart for Jeremy Brett but I also love the modern updates and those in disguise too.

[Robert J.]

I think he's a archetype. He has the ability to peer below the surface and see what's really going on. You can use him anywhere, any time.

Have you read "Naked Is the Best Disguise?" It's a mind-blowing analysis of the Holmes stories.

[Jan C]

I'm with Bill. As long as it is well done, then I'm probably there.

[Robert J.]

I liked Downey's version, but my wife was put off because he didn't look enough like Basil Rathbone.

It's funny: aside from Laurie R. King's series, most writers seems to have a problem with Holmes and don't even like him. Philip Jose Farmer had an elderly Holmes working for Tarzan and had Holmes strip naked and paint his butt in black and yellow stripes. Uh, no. Just no.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

Well, there are limits. I'm not familiar with the Farmer book but really!

[Jill]

I just finished the Laurie King A Letter of Mary. I don't usually like continuation series of established characters but she seems to have captured the speech and intellectual pronouncements of Holmes. I never thought that I could accept him in a marriage but King has made it work.
Being a lover of old film, the vision of Basil Rathbone always jumps to mind when I read a Holmes book but must admit the Jeremy Brett did a wonderful job.

[Robert J.]

The Farmer book is "The Case of the Peerless Peer". Did not like.

I think King does a wonderful job - both respecting the original character and expanding it in ways that, to me, seem to be in character. Even the marriage.

[Jason]

No-o, Holmes has to be in Victorian London. There must be handsoms, and fog, and matters of State. He belongs to his period. Period.

[Martha]

My favorite is set in Victorian London, but I enjoy the others. I did especially like the newest version on PBS. I also enjoyed the movie with Downey, Jr. & Law & understand they are making another one with them. I haven't read any of the continuation series.

[Robert J.]

I love the Victorian setting, but when they were written, it was current day. That's why I'll forgive moving Holmes around.

[Robin]

I like both. But they have to consistent, especially if they are doing period stories. I want Holmes to stay within character no matter when he is.

[Laurin]

I think I like him best in his traditional setting. Especially the movies with Jude law and Robert Downey Jr.

[Georgia]

Love Sherlock and am looking forward to reading the
House of Silk. I should have suggested it for future
reading or thread line.The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel

[John]

In the few Sherlock Holmes books I read, he was the quintessential cerebral protagonist, yet the Downey movies have turned him into an action character. Understandable for the movies, but was Holmes all that much of an action guy in the books?

[Barbara]

I like Sherlock in the past, in the present, and - if someone wants to send him to the future - I'd probably like that too. He's a wonderful character, along with his sidekick Watson. :)

[Georgia]

Barbara wrote: "I like Sherlock in the past, in the present, and - if someone wants to send him to the future - I'd probably like that too. He's a wonderful character, along with his sidekick Watson. :)"

I totally agree with you. I just received The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novelfor
my birthday

[Mohammed]

Barbara wrote: "I like Sherlock in the past, in the present, and - if someone wants to send him to the future - I'd probably like that too. He's a wonderful character, along with his sidekick Watson. :)"

I feel the same and the only Holmes i dont support is when they make him action hero, dirty bum RDJ is playing.

The Sherlock tv series shows a modern setting or not doesnt matter. A faithul,respectful adapation is always fun to watch.

[Mohammed]

John wrote: "In the few Sherlock Holmes books I read, he was the quintessential cerebral protagonist, yet the Downey movies have turned him into an action character. Understandable for the movies, but was Holme..."

Holmes in the books took his gun with him when he needed, he could handle himself hand to hand because of his boxning. There is no need for action scenes and boxning in a series about smart detective.
He was always cerebral in the stories. He went after the bad guys just to catch them after he has outsmarted them.

RDJ film is a bad joke, a parody. All of the fans of the film i know are Downey fans. They would never bother to read or watch Holmes original version on tv with Brett or Sherlock new series.

[Chris]

Mohammed wrote: "All of the fans of the film i know are Downey fans. They would never bother to read or watch Holmes original version on tv with Brett or Sherlock new series. "

Uh, have to differ with you there. I have read all of Holmes multiple times, and own all the Jeremy Brett, Basil Rathbone, and Sherlock (only one season of course) editions. Jeremy Brett is my favorite, seeming to me truest to the original, but I found the Downey version enjoyable, even though I can take or leave him as an actor.

I think what makes the character stand out for me is that it lends itself to different interpretations emphasizing different aspects of the character. After all, even the Brett versions, which as I've said seem truest to the original to me, significantly downplay Holmes' opium usage.

[Georgia]

I'm with you Chris. Jeremy Brett is my fav. but I do
like any interpretation. It interests me what others can come up with whether movies, TV, or books. I'm
just settling into

[Mohammed]

Chris wrote: "Mohammed wrote: "All of the fans of the film i know are Downey fans. They would never bother to read or watch Holmes original version on tv with Brett or Sherlock new series. "

Uh, have to differ ..."

I can respect that even though i disagree and dislike RDJ version. Coming from RDJ fan in general.

Im not a purist i just want to see someone that looks like Holmes. Brett series downplayed the opium ? But atleast it was the same clever Holmes. Downey is playing action, hero who is a more like superhero. The boxning when he was calculating the moves was funny to me.

Guy Ritchie just made a film like all his gangster films and took Holmes name,setting.

Of course Holmes fans like it too. Didnt say every fan dislike it like me. Some will like anything named Holmes. Watson and Holmes gay love stories etc

[[deleted user]]

I agree with Mohammed about Sherlock Holmes RDJ is more of a super action hero than Sherlock. Jeremy Brett was Holmes, in my opinion. LUCY @ 12:15p.m.on 12-15-11