"Sherlock Holmes"

Sherlock Holmes: Ronald Howard
Dr. Watson: Howard Marion-Crawford
Writer: Sheldon Reynolds
Years: 1954-1955

Summary:

"Sherlock Holmes", the series named after its lead character, was a half-hour long drama series that aired between the years 1954 and 1955. In total, 39 episodes were filmed, some of which borrowed heavily from Canon, while others were pure pastiches. Frequently lighter in content, the plot remains similar to the stories found in Canon, with Holmes and Watson working together to solve some of London's more baffling crimes.

Overall:

Because this series provides a lighter look into Holmes and Watson's relationship (both personal and profession), "Sherlock Holmes" proves to be quite entertaining. There is a wry sense of humour found within most of these episodes, giving the viewer the impression that they might just be watching a parody. While not exactly a classic, the series is worth watching, if not for the amusement of watching Lestrade bumbling his way through an investigation, then for the sheer ridiculousness of half of Holmes' cases. "Sherlock Holmes" is Sherlock Holmes done for entertainment value alone, so don't expect anything too profound. If, however, you have a few Sunday afternoons to spare, and need a distraction, "Sherlock Holmes" does make for enjoyable viewing.

Ronald Howard as Sherlock Holmes:

Ronald Howard's Sherlock Holmes is not the Holmes of Canon. That being said, he is, on occasion, quite amusing. There are, however, times when he is simply too over-the-top to take seriously (The Case of the Texas Cowgirl comes to mind). Howard's Holmes is a playful Holmes, a contented Holmes, and, oddly enough, a gleeful Holmes. He is the family Holmes, approved for all ages, which is very much what one would expect from a series made in the idyllic fifties. He is certainly worth viewing, and not just for his particular take on Holmes --Ronald Howard's Holmes is also exceedingly tactile, which happens to make Ronald Howard's Holmes incredibly slashy.

Howard Marion-Crawford as Dr. Watson:

Howard Marion-Crawford is actually a rather captivating Watson. I suspect this has something to do with his Watson being a competent Watson, something that, at this point in history, audiences had not seen. Marion-Crawford's Watson is an intelligent Watson, too; coming across as very much Holmes' equal (he even knows his way around a chemistry table). This makes for quite the interesting take on our beloved Doctor, Marion-Crawford's Watson a lot less awed by Holmes, and a lot more exasperated by Holmes, forcing Holmes to actually work for Watson's affections. This levelling of playing fields proves quite enjoyable as Holmes is no longer able to take Watson for granted (a deviation from Canon, yes, but one that I found I rather enjoyed). In short, Marion-Crawford's Watson is quite delightful.

Archie Duncan as Inspector Lestrade (and other, minor characters):

It is surprising how often Archie Duncan shows up in these episodes. In addition to playing Inspector Lestrade (who appears in nearly all of the episodes), Duncan also takes on the role of several minor, one-shot characters (all in various disguises, of course). This reusing of actors is actually pretty common in this series, but nowhere are we more pleased than with Duncan. While perhaps not entirely the Lestrade of Canon, Duncan still manages to make the character very realistic. He is commanding in a way one wouldn't expect, and yet, manages to bumble his way through several cases as well. While this can on occasion come across as inconsistent, the viewer will undoubtedly refrain from blaming Duncan; he is simply too loveable as a character (in whatever incarnation) to admonish.

Episodes:

1. The Case of the Cunningham Heritage
2. The Case of Lady Beryl
3. The Case of the Pennsylvania Gun
4. The Case of the Texas Cowgirl
5. The Case of the Belligerent Ghost
6. The Case of the Shy Ballerina
7. The Case of the Winthrop Legend
8. The Case of the Blind Man's Bluff
9. The Case of Harry Croker
10. The Mother Hubbard Case
11. The Case of the Red Headed League
12. The Case of the Shoeless Engineer
13. The Case of the Split Ticket
14. The Case of the French Interpreter
15. The Case of the Singing Violin
16. The Case of the Greystone Inscription
17. The Case of the Laughing Mummy
18. The Case of the Thistle Killer
19. The Case of the Vanished Detective
20. The Case of the Careless Suffragette
21. The Case of the Reluctant Carpenter
22. The Case of the Deadly Prophecy
23. The Christmas Pudding
24. The Night Train Riddle
25. The Case of the Violent Suitor
26. The Case of the Baker Street Nursemaids
27. The Case of the Perfect Husband
28. The Case of the Jolly Hangman
29. The Case of the Impostor Mystery
30. The Case of the Eiffel Tower
31. The Case of the Exhumed Client
32. The Case of the Impromptu Performance
33. The Case of the Baker Street Bachelors
34. The Case of the Royal Murder
35. The Case of the Haunted Gainsborough
36. The Case of the Neurotic Detective
37. The Case of the Unlucky Gambler
38. The Case of the Diamond Tooth
39. The Case of the Tyrant's Daughter

Conclusion:

Despite being limited by half an hour, each episode still manages to tell a relatively engaging story. There are, naturally, hits and misses, but overall this series is worth watching. It does not, perhaps, earn five pipes (or even four for that matter), but it is certainly worthy of a strong three. Quirky and amusing, "Sherlock Holmes" should make everyone's 'must-watch' list, if not for the comical 1950s take on Sherlock Holmes, then for the slash, which easily makes up for the series' many failings.