Fellow Brettons you are not alone
Granada’s Sherlock Holmes series was a global success. I remember catching an episode in the US, hosted by Diana Rigg, when I holidayed there in 1995 (it was ‘The Creeping Man’, if you’re interested). I shared a flat with a Frenchman as a student who was a big fan. Another friend recalls it being huge in Japan. Yet, the Baker Street set is no more, and out of the regular cast, only David Burke (the original Watson), and semi-regulars Colin Jeavons (Inspector Lestrade) and Denis Lill (Inspector Bradstreet) are still with us. In January this year, original producer Michael Cox died. Alas, Jeremy, Edward and Rosalie Williams (Mrs Hudson) all left us some years ago. As the decades roll by, it’s left to us, the die hard aficionados, to keep the flame alive. That can feel like a lonely business. Yet there was a spur to me buying the Blu-rays and writing this article, and that is the sheer, unadulterated pleasure I’ve had from tuning in to The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast. Hosts Gus and Luke are doing a sterling job of going through the entire series, episode by episode, and providing loving analysis. I listen to a lot of podcasts, but this is one where I really get excited every time a new episode drops. I consider myself a proper fan, who has taken an interest in the overall production of the show, but the meticulous level of analysis from these chaps is something truly to behold. I learn interesting new facts about the show in every episode (such as that Patrick Gowers’ daughter played violin for the theme tune!) Not only that, but they bag great guests from the surviving crew and production team, who are all delighted to share their memories and talk about working with the wonderful Jeremy Brett. Their beautifully crafted labour of love has reinvigorated my own unstinting adoration for this show, and their correspondence from fans all over the world are a lovely reminder that we are not alone! There are fellow Brettons everywhere, still carrying the torch! Together we keep alive the memory of Jeremy Brett, and celebrate the work of all of the talented cast and crew who made the show over a glorious decade.
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on returning to the Granada Sherlock Holmes series in high definition. It will always have a special place in the hearts of so many of us.
