TO CATCH A KILLER. 'SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE SILK STOCKING'

Holmes (Rupert Everett) and Watson (Ian Hart) tread the mean streets of early 20th Century London in SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE SILK STOCKING. Images: BBC.

A sexually sadistic serial killer with a taste for strangling young female victims with expensive silk stockings is lurking within the fog stricken streets of well-to-do Belgravia society, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary crime fighting hero with the most incredible deductive prowess, Sherlock Holmes, is reunited with his old and ever loyal friend Doctor John Watson, penetrating the cloud of fear and it’s blood streaked cobbled streets to investigate and bring to justice the cruelly vicious and diabolically killer at large, in the BBC’s ambitious and lavish-looking original feature-length production from 2004: SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE SILK STOCKING.

Bearing a sullen and laconic face, brimming with broody intent, and groomed to the best GQ male model standards in his Victorian England garb, with not a deerstalker or pipe in sight, popular actor/writer Rupert Everett may at first have been considered an unusual and unexpected choice for the part (the actor himself had turned down the BBC’s previous offer in playing the immortal character during an ultimately unsuccessful re-telling of the classic Hound of the Baskervilles-the main role of Holmes then played by Australian actor Richard Roxburgh), and he’s certainly not quite the commanding and dominant figure we were used to seeing as personified by the beloved Jeremy Brett, but Everett’s sometimes coldly clinical but no less determined spirit soon proves a worthy addition to the roster of actors to have inhabited the role over the years, and makes his sadly one-off story portrayal uniquely his own. First seen as a miserable and lonely figure smoking opium in some squalid den of vice, in order to ease his boredom and lack of criminal enterprise to fight and satiate through his mental agility (a common problem for the character in his entire literary and filmic life), Holmes downright egocentric, elitist posture and nature, both in real life as an actor/person and heightened in this particular interpretation of the Baker Street legend, make him a natural inside the story’s overall setting: the London elite of the early twentieth century, with the detective’s intuition and mental prowess soon back in action against a truly despicable foe.

Trailer: Sherlock Holmes Silk Stocking.mp4 - YouTube

Ian Hart as the sterling, slightly sneery and troubled brow Watson retains the dignity and bravery that Edward Hardwicke brought to the role for so many years on ITV, and works well opposite Everett’s Holmes. Here, Watson is an older, slightly wiser character, about to become happily married to the love of his life, American psychologist Mrs. Vandeleur, played by Helen McCrory, who equally impresses Holmes with her abilities and talented professional interests in the kind of sexual deviancy that the killer has been showing towards his victims.

Rupert Everett brings a darker and even more isolationist bearing to Holmes.

Alan Cubitt’s script develops the kind of dark side of London and building sexual overtones beyond anything Conan Doyle did in the books, but also generally keeps to the creator’s writing spirit, whilst director Simon Cellan Jones brings flair and atmosphere, and selects a strong supporting cast including film star-to-be Michael Fassbender and MIDSOMER MURDER”s Neil Dudgeon as Homes faithful id not always fully competent policing comrade, Lestrade.

There are attempts to freshen up and re-imagine certain aspects of the Sherlock Holmes legend, too- his aforementioned use of drugs is once more importantly shown- most of which work in the story’s favour. Holmes even seems to play the violin a little better these days!

More enjoyed at the time internationally than in the home grown UK, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE SILK STOCKING, indeed a UK/US co-production, may not be a major footnote in the TV career of the super sleuth, but its certainly an enjoyable and interesting one well worth catching if you’ve never seen it before...

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE SILK STOCKING is available on BBC DVD. It can also be seen on the UK"s VIRGIN MEDIA ON-DEMAND service.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE, FOR SHERLOCK HOLMES IT'S 'ELEMENTARY'!

Deductive duo Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu are on the case as the modern Holmes and Watson in ELEMENTARY. Image: CBS.

With no sign of a deer stalker or pipe to muse with, ELEMENTARY, Jonny Lee Miller's US take on the modern Sherlock Holmes, as previously given a fresh new spin of creative success in the UK courtesy of Benedict Cumberbatch's five parts brilliant, five parts nauseating portrayal of the Baker Street sleuth re-imagining, finally makes its anticipated debut on the UK's SKY LIVING HD from tonight.

As regular readers of the KOOL TV site will know, I'm strictly a classic Holmes kinda guy, but SHERLOCK was enjoyable enough, and ELEMENTARY, developed by Hollywood producing talent Rob Doherty (whose work includes STAR TREK; VOYAGER, as well as the quirky MEDIUM and TRU CALLING), looks similarly pleasing fare, albeit possessing the same kind of flashy, rapid and wonky storytelling visuals capable of sending viewers to the brink of insanity, a la many over the top CSI episodes! Away from Martin Freeman's meek but interesting performance as Watson, I think that the lovely Lucy Liu, playing Dr. Joan Watson, will prove to be the shows key asset, propping up Miller's relatively youthful performance, and providing a more spunky and seasoned incarnation of the Doctor (bearing tatoos no less!) than we've seen before. Intriguingly, Watson mark femme has an interesting character development to her bow, being a brilliant surgeon in exile after a previous patient death, and now acting as Holme's carer/companion as he's let loose within the streets of Manhattan to help the NYPD solve their most baffling cases. It's an intriguing change to the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's companion figure that will surely give this US version a noteworthy creative boost. I also look forward to seeing who will be the show's eventual Moriarty figure...

Trailer: Elementary Trailer Season 1 - YouTube

Early world on the opening episodes (involving a series of home invasion murders, a child abduction and the death of a Wall Street executive) confirm the aforementioned hectic pace, and a lively chemistry to the new TV pairing- big stared Miller giving a performance more lively and comparable to Downey Jr. than Cumberbatch- almost akin to the halcyon days of the bizarre investigated by Mulder and Scully from THE X-FILES, if not quite as compelling. Back here in Blighty, SHERLOCK's svengali Steven Moffatt, at work on what will be a long gestating third series of his own for the private investigator, need not have any worries that this long distance show will damage his own brand of "unique" storytelling, the overall Holmes franchise (oh, how I hate that word!) or the reputation of the Conan Doyle estate. Though whether ELEMENTARY will continue its adventures beyond it's premiere year on CBS is not yet known.

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS' TRIPLE PLAY SET

Victorious Victorians! Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law return as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS. Images: WARNER BROTHERS.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS

Out now on Triple Play Blu-ray, DVD and Ultra Violet Digital Copy

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace and Jared Harris

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Released by WARNER BROTHERS DVD  

Reviewed by Scott Weller

A battle of wits, of move and counter move, and a true game of shadows emerges for our long enduring hero of deduction and super-intelligence, Sherlock Holmes, originally created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and now breathed life into in his big-screen persona by the always amiable, played just this right side of all-knowing energetic charisma by the enthusiastic and crowd pleasing Robert Downey Jr., who takes the original version of the character and gives it a kind of shake-up experimentation that has proven to be cinematic gold, ably assisted by tweed suited Brit thesp Jude Law as Holmes best and really only loyal friend, the equally unique and stalwart Doctor John Watson, resisting the on-the-brink-of-insanity/genius of his comrade and often bringing him back to a much needed state of humanity after nefarious predilections for danger and excitement have passed. The character of Watson has now never been more important to Homes and viewers, and light years removed from the way that the role was perceived in a once traditional period as a lovable oaf/bumbling fool in earlier B/W incarnations.

Holmes and Watson are on the trail of a master criminal...

He previously had to contend with supernatural high jinx, with Mark Jones mysterious, seemingly death resistant gentleman of evil-like a Dracula without fangs- but now Holmes goes one step further in his criminal takedown: in pursuit of the true mastermind-“the Napoleon of Crime”- ultimately behind the first films insidious plot: a certain cane wielding gentleman named Moriarty…

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNxhpNpnAkk

Together against a formidable set of circumstances that will challenge and force them into the greatest of dangers, Holmes and Watson are caught in the deadliest of traps that will take them from their London comfort zone through to the cannon blasted trees of Germany and into Switzerland, for a dangerous new spin of the now infamous end to the literary Sherlock Holmes at the perilous precipice of the Reichenbach Falls. But can anyone really keep a good detective dead for too long? Certainly, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle couldn’t in the 1800’s: unable to escape the publics insatiable demand for the character and his adventures, and nether can the modern day film studios, whose box office receipts help keep them alive and well! God Bless You, Sherlock Holmes!

Trouble at a peace conference for Holmes and Madame Simza (Noomi Rapace)

Alongside our heroes, to both help and hinder, is a finely chosen international cast of the most hip ‘modern’ acting talent. Reaping the rewards of her critical and audience success as the gutsy and determined punk heroine, Lisbeth Salander, of Stieg Larsson’s gripping MILLENNIUM trilogy film adaptations, Swedish actress Noomi Rapace brings an intriguing air of mystery and quirky kookiness, along with a healthy dose of European attitude, in her supporting turn as the Gypsy Madame Simza, whom we first see as a fortuneteller in the seediest depths of London’s decadent Diogenes Club, though sadly she doesn’t have as much to do as I would have liked by film’s end, the part seemingly evaporating as it nears critical mass.

Completing the world of glamorous ladies present in the sequel, there’s also a brief cameo from Rachel McAdams as “the woman,” Irene Adler, whose intelligence and fortitude make her an individual of her gender beyond and belying of her times, after an equally enjoyable first appearance in the original 2009 movie, and who enjoys character dancing rings around the playful and admiring Sherlock, and a person almost his equal. But will her fortitude and strong will be enough to resist even Moriarty’s dangerous enterprises?

Captured by the "Napoleon of Crime", Moriarty (Jared Harris)

They say a hero is only as good as the opponent who challenges him and Jared Harris, as the films all-important villain, the equally iconic, darker flip side antagonist to Holmes: the black hearted opportunist of similarly keen intellectual prowess criminal mastermind, James Moriarty, is deliciously controlled, and quietly sadistic, giving the film’s heart a deliciously evil performance, making an impressive first appearance in Adler’s favourite safe house restaurant. Already adept at playing complex nasty’s, as seen with his work in the cult hit TV series FRINGE, Harris gives the material a bit of quality edge alongside the required cold-hearted villainy necessary to keep the film on course for a very satisfying conclusion and confrontation between two intellectual opposites, each desperately trying to outthink one another to their destruction.

Sherlock's just hanging around!

Better than anyone ever really expected it to be, the previous first film- SHERLOCK HOLMES-proved a resounding and delightful success with worldwide audiences, largely due to the performance of Robert Downey Jr., one lucky man who seems to be riding the highs of the Hollywood tropics right now, what with his additional and equally well-deserved success as millionaire industrialist/playboy Tony Stark and his metallic alter-ego of suited superhero Iron Man. A GAME OF SHADOWS continues that happy streak as the actor mixes the drama (Holmes skillful deduction and pitch perfect antagonism towards super-baddies) and the laughs (his newly initiated camouflage abilities and some hideous disguises) with skill. Though, Robert, a note for the next sequel: please don’t ever drag up again-it was waayyy too horrible!

Seemingly at times a suffering partner in crime, Law’s Watson is reluctant to join his friend in his cases due to his impeding nuptials with wife to be, Mary (Kelly Reilly) but soon gets down and dirty with his sleuthing adventurer partner and into the swing of things, as they try their darnedest to prevent the oncoming storm of a World War, whilst Mary herself loses her honeymoon and gets inadvertently involved in the oncoming danger, too, having now accepted the duo’s long-term “bromance” and giving up trying to rein her husband in, or telling Sherlock off for using her husband the way he does.

A real cannonball run for our heroes!

The kind of film that THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMAN could, and should, have been, Michele Mulroney and Kieran Mulroney’s script amps up all the traditional and beloved Conan Doyle trademarks, characters, supporting friends, foes and classic moments for modern audiences to enjoy, and thankfully doesn’t take itself too seriously, either, but to its credit it also retains the necessary dangers and excitement to keep us wanting to find out what happens next between Holmes and Moriarty. In general, the plot is not quite so supernatural this time, with its stylish feet more welcomely grounded, possessing a kind of plausible unreality/reality to it all, perhaps a bit more cerebral, too, if you can call it that amongst all the pyrotechnics, bullet bangs and fist play that occurs every five minutes or so. Overall, it’s a spirited and splendid romp and an all too rare superior sequel, of which director Guy Ritchie gets great results from his aforementioned on-screen Downey/Law partnership, and keeps the visual flourishes afresh and intriguing, with the slow motion and high speed-up sequences of action and forensic flashbacks from the previous all-successful first Holmes movie, that had been so lively and enjoyable, reused to great effect, alongside action sequences and effects both exciting and cool whilst maintaining a consistent high standard.

Aiding Ritchie’s gaslight, garters and gunplay world is some lovely cinematography from Philippe Rousselot evocatively bringing out the Victorian era’s imperfect balance of decadence and poverty, moving into a new era of technology, scientific innovation and dark weaponry, through a nostalgic and relatively believable lens, keeping the tradition of the visual kind that previous Holmes movies liked to create and rely on, if here a little more stylized. Reliable composer Hans Zimmer also returns to his memorable themes of the last film using the unique instruments that keep to the period, alongside a few new additions, that tonally keeps the eardrums happy alongside the eye candy.

London's finest: Holmes and Watson.

On the extras side, the Blu-ray release has enough interactivity to keep the entertainment going long after watching the movie, most notably with the superb Robert Downey Jr. hosted behind the scenes interactive look/commentary for the film. The actors knowledge, charm and humour shine throughout in his role here as visual guardian of the movie, talking informatively and happily about all the kind of behind the scenes anecdotes and information you want to hear, alongside well integrated behind the scenes clips, cast and crew interviews, storyboards and photos as the film plays. It’s another triumph for the film and WARNER HOME VIDEO’s behind the scenes team and perfect complements the on-screen work of 221B Baker Street’s accomplished and indelible hero resident!

Delivering a deftly coordinated punch to the solar plexus of the entertainment bone, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS is another intriguing variation of the detective legend and a great treat for movie audiences of all ages, which looks absolutely stunning in Blu-ray. It had some knocks from critics with its original theatrical release, but I say balderdash to all that and think it's definitely worth adding to your collection this summer. (And why not read and enjoy the original and wonderful Arthur Conan Doyle stories that inspired it at the same time!)

KOOL TV RATINGS

MOVIE: 8.5 out of 10

BLU-RAY EXTRAS: 8.5 out of 10

Get SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sherlock-Holmes-Shadows-Blu-ray-Digital/dp/B004OC006Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340985123&sr=8-1

"THE GAME'S AFOOT!": "THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES"

The world of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and Dr. Watson (David Burke), as seen in the classic 1984 series: THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES. Images: ITV.

As Robert Downey Jr's playing of Sherlock Holmes returns to movie cinemas with a once more cheerful, brazenly amok quality around Baker Street: guns blazing, punches throwing and fighting crime with the kind of steam punk quirky technology that wouldn't be out of place on CSI, and whilst British thesp' (or "luvvie") Benedict Cumberbatch returns to the BBC in January 2012 to play a more cerebral and instinctive modern-day version of the character for Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss's "re-imagining" of the character (a series and lead performance from Cumberbatch apparently much loved by Steven Spielberg- though I think a lot of the compliment is fond lip service to his friend Moffat, who worked with the director on the script for TINTIN), let's not forget at this time of year the greatest and most respectful interpretation yet of the original classic character, so enduringly created by the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and played with relish, charm and gusto by Jeremy Brett for over ten years from 1984: THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, a series beautifully crafted by the dedicated writers and producers of GRANADA TV in the the UK, working closely at the time with the Conan Doyle estate.

A superb and iconic performance from Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes.

An actor known and popular to audiences in both the UK and the US, Brett's enthusiasm for the series and the iconic role could be seen right from the start, and he'd soon prove the perfect choice to play the intriguing and definitely energy consuming part. Alongside him would be another talented character actor, David Burke, who would give the previous bumbling character of Dr. John Watson, often seen in prior films and TV as a bumbling comedy character, a well deserved overhaul, layering the part with credibility in his companion role alongside Holmes and making him both amiable and experienced, as well as possessing a fine and warm sense of humour and a lively enthusiasm for the criminal investigations alongside Holmes, which that the sleuth would be both enjoying and annoyed by in equal measure. Like their book counter-parts, they would be a fine pairing.

Here's KOOL TV's look back at the most popular episodes from those first two seasons...

Holmes with one of his greatest intellectual adversaries, Irene Adler (Gayle Hunnicutt) in A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA.

A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA: (Opening episode) Holmes is contacted by a masked man of nobility to save a Royal House from ruin at the hands of an elegant and talented woman, Irene Adler (a memorable performance from Gayle Hunnicutt). Soon enough, Holmes realises just what a formidable and adaptive opponent he has come up against. 


SCANDAL is a sterling first episode that beautifully sets the tone for the series and introduces one of Holmes greatest intellectual and most mysterious of adversaries, whom he would later refer to as "The Woman".

Next in danger? Holmes and Watson confer with Helen Stoner (Rosalind Ayres) in The Speckled Band.

THE SPECKLED BAND: Holmes and Watson travel to an off-beat country estate to investigate the bizarre incident of a young girl who died from within a locked and seemingly impregnable room. From his determinations, the Baker Street detective soon finds himself up against the sadistic and brutal wiles of Dr Grimsby Roylott (an overpowering and impressive performance from Jeremy Kemp), in one of Conan Doyle's best and most memorable tales, brought to life with eerie atmosphere and dread by director John Bruce.

Violet Smith (Barbara Wilshere) is not yet aware of The Solitary Cyclist. 

THE SOLITARY CYCLIST: Holmes and Watson are called in to investigate the distress of a young cyclist who is being stalked by a mysterious figure on a local road. What follows from the investigation is a creepy and disturbing revelation as to the identity of the "stalker" as well as his menacing plans for the girl.


THE DANCING MEN: The young wife of a Norwich squire is plagued with strange drawings of dancing men. As the illustration markers intensify, driving the girl almost to the brink of emotional damage, Holmes discovers that they are a secret code that must be cracked with all speed if he is to prevent a specially orchestrated murder.

A business relationship turns to terror for Dr. Trevelyan (Nicholas Clay) and Blessington (Patrick Newell) in The Resident Patient.

THE RESIDENT PATIENT: A bright and successful medical student, working under the auspices and enterprise of Mister Blessington (Patrick Newell), soon discovers that his employer is acting both irrationally and showing mysterious concerns and dread by the visitors coming and going from his surgery. As Holmes is brought in to investigate, a tangled web of danger and murder is soon imparted...

A strange case leads to the gravest of dangers for Holmes and Watson in The Red-Headed League.

THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: Holmes look into a pawnbroker conned into working for a shady business enterprise: The Red-Headed League, turns from a somewhat genial and quirky investigation into a dramatic and dangerous battle of wits against his looming adversary-his opposite in the world of criminal enterprise- Professor Moriarty (as played with brooding menace and pure evil by the superb Eric Porter). A great script from series format developer John Hawkesworth, alongside capable direction from John Bruce, add to the episodes impeccable cast performances.

Holmes and Watson travel to Switzerland in The Final Problem.

THE FINAL PROBLEM: Having survived several assassination attempts in London and Paris, Holmes, joined by Watson, flees to the beautiful mountain scenery of Switzerland as he sets in motion a plan to defeat Moriarty once and for all. But the master of crime has escaped Holmes ingenuity and followed him to his secret hideaway, where the ultimate destiny of a final hand to hand conflict awaits for the pair at the legendary Reichenbach Falls.

The Final End? Sherlock Holmes fights Professor Moriarty (Eric Porter) at the Reichenbach Falls.

THE FINAL PROBLEM, with its almost surreal final sequence showing Holmes and Moriarty hurtling to their deaths over the falls, would bring the second series of THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES to a stunning and satisfying end. Just as Conan Doyle had originally planned this adventure to be the finale tale for Holmes serialised career back in 1893, it was also a period of uncertainty for GRANADA, too, as to whether there would be any more filmed SHERLOCK HOLMES series made, due to the shows high production costs of the time. Fortunately, in both universes, the popular and persuasive power of the readers/audiences ultimately changed Holmes final fate, and a return to crime-fighting for the adventurer was soon on the horizon...

All episodes of the Jeremy Brett SHERLOCK HOLMES series are available on DVD from ITV STUDIOS.

RETURNING SERIES: "SHERLOCK" AND "MAD DOGS"

Baker Street irregular: Benedict Cumberbatch in SHERLOCK. Image: BBC.

As one chapter of Sherlock Holmes TV history closes (with the sad passing of both classic adaptation stars Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke), a new one continues for the modern day re-imagining of the popular hero and his sidekick in crime-fighting, Doctor John Watson, from writer/producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss for the BBC: SHERLOCK. Filming is now underway on season two, and, as previously hinted at by Moffat, it looks like the three tales it comprises will indeed be loosely based on some of the best Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adventures (two of these new episodes will be titled A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA and THE HOUNDS OF BASKERVILLE). 


Check out the latest press release here: http://blogs.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/05/16/sherlock-series-two-details-announced/

Comrades in trouble. The drama continues for the MAD DOGS. Image: SKY ONE.

Additionally, another popular series from the beginning of this year, the Spain based hit crime drama/black comedy MAD DOGS will be back for a new second season run of four episodes shooting this summer (with a potential third season optioned, too). I personally don't know if a continuance of the enjoyable and well-made series is really necessary-it all seemed pretty much self-contained, but SKY and the dramas makers/stars promise an exciting continuation which I truly hope will live up to our weighty expectations. 


Here's the SKY press release:Mad Dogs Series 2 Confirmed For Early 2012 - Sky1 HD


The first seasons of SHERLOCK and MAD DOGS are now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

GOODBYE, EDWARD HARDWICKE...

As the steadfast adventurer and likable hero Doctor John Watson: Edward Hardwicke in SHERLOCK HOLMES. Image: ITV/GRANADA.

The sad news has come in that the respected film, TV and stage actor Edward Hardwicke, son of the equally famous late actor Sir Cedric Hardwicke, has passed away at the age of 78. A man who brought great decency and humanity to the roles he played, I'll always remember him in his role of British Escape Officer Pat Grant (based on the real life hero Pat Reid) in the first series of the classic BBC series COLDITZ (currently in repeats on the UK's YESTERDAY channel) and for his definitive, in my mind, portrayal of the ever loyal Doctor John Watson in the lavish and superb GRANADA TV adaptations of the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle SHERLOCK HOMES stories of the eighties and nineties, where Hardwicke acted alongside the equally definitive Jeremy Brett as the Baker Street sleuth. Watching their performances together on screen over numerous seasons and feature length tales they made it all look so effortless in roles which they had surely been born to inhabit. Making the part his own, Hardwicke injected Watson with a fine sense of good heartedness, intelligence, chivalry and bravery, plus a touch of mercurial humour. His portrayal of the enduring sidekick wasn't done in the vein of past film and TV interpretations, either- he may not have been as super intelligent as Holmes but Hardwicke's Watson was no buffoon, either (as past Watson's had been). Clearly knowing right from wrong, the character developed further than ever before by the series writers and the actor, and was now open and adaptive as a skilled doctor, with a prior career in the army and knowledge of firearms and fighting that clearly made him a good man to have alongside you in a fight...

A great clip from the classic episode: THE DYING DETECTIVE...YouTube - The Dying Detective - Sherlock Holmes Jeremy Brett Part 4 of 5

We also mustn't overlook any of the other fine work by Edward Hardwicke in his career, and recommend his performances in films like RICHARD III (opposite Sir Ian McKellan), the two ELIZABETH movies with Cate Blanchett and SHADOWLANDS with Anthony Hopkins, as well as other TV popular series including SOME MOTHERS DO 'AVE  'EM, THE SWEENEY, POIROT and, most recently, SHAMELESS.

Mister Hardwicke will be much missed by TV audiences around the world, and KOOL TV would like to pass on our condolences to his family and dearest friends.