I enjoyed The Sherlock Holmes Collection and would recommend it to Holmes aficionados.The Sherlock Holmes Society of London has an informed write-up of Peter Cushing's history of playing the master detective.
Who is your favorite actor to play Holmes? Mine would be Jeremy Brett.
Traditional - Jeremy Brett is without peer.
ReplyDeleteBut I really, really dug Robert Downey, Jr. in the role.
Benedict Cumberbatch also gets a mention here.
I like Downey's performance but didn't appreciate the first film which played like a Bond wannabe to me.
ReplyDeleteI want to check out Benedict Cumberbatch but haven't they updated it to 2011? How does that play? Part of the Sherlock Holme's charm is the Victorian setting.
For me it has to be Basil Rathbone. I remember watching his films as a kid and I have the complete DVD boxset. Quality viewing! Peter Cushing was great as well though. Can't say I'm that impressed with the latest SH movie, although I'm a big fan of RD Jnr's work.
ReplyDeleteRathbone was first and therefore foremost for me. But do you realize there are 242 Holmes films listed at imdb? The first was in 1905, with Maurice Costello as Sherlock.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree, though I would not put myself up as an expert on the subject.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Brett hands down.
ReplyDeleteHe was the one that stayed the most faithful to the nuances of the character.
Everyone else pales by comparison and Basil Rathborne was a bit too pompous for my tastes. Whenever one of his came on, I made it a point of switching the channel.
David, Basil Rathbone was my first SH as well and I watched the series on VHS in the 80s. They're great fun but the updated Holmes to the 1940s drives me a bit batty. Same problem I will probably have with the new incarnation. I’m a purist.
ReplyDeleteRon, The most played character in the world. That would be a challenge to see how many you could review. I’ve seen, maybe, ten actors play the part.
Dave, You’re from the UK?! You are required to be an authority! :)
Brett was incredible, G. I wish he had been able to film all the stories but what he gave us in terms of quality and quantity is unmatched in my opinion.
Christopher Lee is my primary preference and my offbeat favorite is Matt Frewer.
ReplyDeleteHolmes has been lucky to have quite a few excellent actors take him on. It is updated by it worked. I guess Holmes is timeless.
ReplyDeleteRReynolds, Lee was good. Very, very good. I may have to check those out again. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeletePatti, Holmes hasn't slowed down since 1887. That's a long run.