Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Series

Mastered from original release prints so there are a few scratches and cue marks now and then but really not distracting for me all -- because the shows are SO GOOD. This had to be one of the more extravagantly funded programs of the early 1950s as the Victorian era sets and costumes are often at least the equivalent of feature film costume dramas of the era. Every now and then you'll see a sparse interior but each episode features so many different sets and locations that you can't believe they did all this work for a half-hour TV series. The real miracle is that they were able to write a mystery that's up to the Arthur Conan Doyle standard and resolve it fully in just that short a time! All the actors are among Great Britain's best, with Archie Duncan, Ronald Howard, and H. Marion Crawford, doing superb work in characterizing Inspector Lestrade, Sherlock Holmes, and Dr. John Watson, respectively. Crawford's "Watson" is the truest to the novels that I've ever seen while Howard significantly softens Holmes' personality for the home viewing audience. I think it is a wise choice as TV series thrive on likable characters we enjoy revisiting week after week. He offers a wonderfully reserved and brilliant Holmes, nonetheless. They clearly made this with both American and U.K. markets in mind, as there are quite a few excellent American actors playing minor roles as well as guest stars. Paulette Goddard is quite remarkable in her episode. Legendary character actor, Duncan, isn't content with just playing Lestrade -- he appears in a number of quirky characterizations. This is really fine dramatic television for fans of Conan Doyle or even just the Victorian period.

this was a great show

I am loving this old TV series version of the Sherlock Holmes tales. To be honest, one of my main problems, especially as I have read all the Sir Arthur Conen Doyle stories, is that so many of the actors - or is this a fault of the directors and producers?? - play Holmes' sidekick, Dr Watson, as a complete and total bumbling, mumbling idiot. Why? SH was not so insecure and dysfunctional that he would have needed to choose such an imbecile to boost his self-confidence.What I love about this version - grainy as it is at times, and sometimes with audio problems - is that Ronald Howard (the brother of Leslie Howard, of Gone With the Wind fame) is excellent as Sherlock Holmes ... He plays him a bit brighter, affable and though not exactly warm and cuddly, on the amiable side. He is not a complete misanthrope. I like this, as I have known some highly intelligent and erudite people in my life, and only one has been insufferable to be around, fortunately. Not all such people must also be total jerks or borderline socially inept.Also G Marion Crawford's Dr Watson is very appealing to my tastes. Sure, he is a bit brash and over-the-top, but that might have been necessary for the early TV audiences viewing this. I like his incarnation and interpretation of this role. His toughness aligns with his history of military service which ACD has ascribed to him, and he is able to assist Holmes as he so often does in the stories in the physical side of dangerous encounters. This Dr Watson is not an imbecile, but someone we can truly accept - and believe - as a person Holmes would call a friend.One other thing I like about this is the music - the opening/closing theme and other music is very nice.All in all, I highly recommend this collection of video gems. They are short enough to enjoy one while having breakfast or lunch, and make a fun bit of binge-watching.

Hard to find UK TV series from 1954-1955. Picture quality quite acceptable for most episodes, especially on a smaller screen. Some of the earlier shows are poor quality, but having said that I have never found any copies of this show that are better. Price is right, and if enjoy watching Ronald Howard and Howard Marion-Crawford play in some very compelling stories you will enjoy this set. I know my wife and I do.

I saw this as a child on a black and white, vacuum tube TV and loved it. Seeing it again I still love it. There is an original touch to each episode.