The story of Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has seen countless adaptations across various media and versions since it was first published in 1887. Over the years, the iconic detective has been brought to life in books, films, television series, radio, stage productions, and more. Moreover, these adaptations often reflect the era in which they were created and sometimes offer unique takes on Holmes’ character or the mysteries he solves. Indeed, it’s during these cold winter months that we think it’s perfect to delve deep into this rich, immersive world…
BOOKS
The Sherlock Holmes canon primarily consists of four novels and 56 short stories. These works are the foundation of Holmes’ adventures. Interestingly, they are written in the first person, with Dr. John Watson serving as the narrator.
The Novels are as follows:
- A Study in Scarlet (1887)
- The Sign of the Four (1890)
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)
- The Valley of Fear (1914-1915)
- The Short Stories: These include famous tales like The Adventure of the Speckled Band, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, and The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual
The novels introduced readers to Holmes, while the short stories expanded on his methods and interactions with Watson. Many of these stories have become iconic, shaping the public’s understanding of Sherlock Holmes as a brilliant, yet eccentric, detective.
FILM
Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed in films since the early 20th century. Some major film portrayals include:
- Basil Rathbone (1939–1946): Rathbone’s portrayal of Holmes in a series of 14 films for Universal Pictures is one of the most iconic, although many of these films were set in the 1940s rather than Victorian times, which changed the period of the stories. With Nigel Bruce as Watson, these are definitely worth a mention – also both starred in radio adaptations during this period.
- Peter Cushing (1959-1962): His portrayal of Holmes is often praised for its intensity and intellectual sharpness, offering a different flavor compared to other portrayals at the time. With 1959’s The Hound of the Baskervilles a Hammer Horror Productions film with its typical classic gothic style, this movie is one of the standout performances for the studio – outside of their usual horror fare.
- Robert Downey Jr. (2009, 2011): Downey’s more action-oriented portrayal in Guy Ritchie’s films Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows offered a dynamic, physically active Holmes, with a focus on adventure and fast-paced action. These films received mixed reactions from purists but were commercially successful and brought a new generation to Holmes.
- Other notable portrayals include Christopher Plummer (1979), Nicol Williamson (1968), and many others across various film genres.
TELEVISION
Sherlock Holmes has been depicted on TV in a variety of styles, from direct adaptations to innovative reimaginings:
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994): This adaptation by Granada Television, starring Jeremy Brett, is renowned for its faithfulness to the original stories and the character’s Victorian setting, earning critical acclaim – however, we personally find it cold and not so much fun compared to other offerings.
- Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock (2010–2017): Certainly one of the most popular recent adaptations. This BBC series, co-created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, brings Holmes into a modern-day setting. Cumberbatch’s portrayal of a high-functioning sociopath Holmes, with Martin Freeman as Watson, updates the detective’s methods and settings while retaining key elements of Doyle’s original character. Above all, show’s blend of intellectual mystery and sharp dialogue made it a global hit – and our personal favourite!
- Elementary (2012–2019): This American series, starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as a female Dr. Joan Watson, presents a modern take on the detective. Set in New York City, it focuses on Holmes’ recovery from addiction. Through his partnership with Watson solving cases, it added a fresh spin to the classic stories and in truth it’s not as bad as you might first think… In other words, worth watching!
FACT OF THE DAY: Cumberbatch and Miller played Dr. Frankenstein and His Monster together on stage in 2011, alternating the roles and directed by Manchester’s own Oscar-winner Danny Boyle
THEATRE
Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed on stage for over a century. One notable early adaptation was Sherlock Holmes (1899), a play written by William Gillette. The playwright himself portrayed Holmes. Gillette’s portrayal popularised the image of Holmes with the deerstalker cap and pipe… Even though Doyle’s original stories did not mention these details!
Over time, many theatrical versions have been created, ranging from faithful adaptations to more experimental takes. Some modern stage productions reinterpret the detective in various ways, blending traditional elements with new interpretations.
NEW!
And now, the great detectives’ most famous mysteries are being brought to life in the new BBC podcast Sherlock Holmes Short Stories hosted by Hugh Bonneville.
Iconic capers like ‘The Adventure of the Speckled Band’, ‘The Red-Headed League’, and ‘The Man with the Twisted Lip’ are told across multiple instalments… And brought to life with immersive sound design and bespoke music! The 16-part podcast series combines faithful readings of the original texts with atmospheric soundscapes. Creating a cinematic yet intimate experience for listeners. It certainly sounds like the perfect blend!
SHERLOCK HOLMES – A CULTURAL ICON
Above all, Sherlock Holmes has become a cultural icon. Via his methods of deduction, his pipe and his catchphrase “Elementary, my dear Watson”. He has influenced not only detective fiction but also the portrayal of intellectual characters in literature and media.
In summary, Sherlock Holmes has transcended the pages of Conan Doyle’s books to become a globally recognised figure. His adventures have been retold, reinterpreted, and adapted in many different forms. From traditional stage plays to modern-day television series and even interactive video games.
Each version reflects the time and culture in which it was made… Allowing the character of Holmes to remain relevant while exploring new dimensions of his iconic personality.