Stephen Fry talks Sherlock and Jeremy Brett

[@nikkil764]

Whoever cast Jeremy Brett, David Suchet, and Joan Hickson in their respective mysteries was genius. All three are the best ever in their portrayals.

[@epradeep]

True that. Grew up watching Jeremy and a huge fan.

[@Mathemagical55]

I've never found Suchet convincing as Poirot.

[@hansmahr8627]

Wow, really? For me Suchet IS Poirot. Such a brilliant actor. I mean, he doesn't look like Poirot is described by Christie but that doesn't matter all that much. What I love about Suchet's performance is that he takes a character who's over the top, pompous and ridiculous (Christie herself famously hated Poirot) and turns him into a real human being, a complex and deep character. I think he really improved the character in every respect by humanizing him while also keeping all of the mannerisms and oddities. And of course Suchet really loved Poirot and you can see it in his performance. I find it difficult to accept other actors' portrayals of Poirot even though a lot of great actors have played him. More often than not they portray Poirot in a comical and ridiculous manner, they don't take the character seriously. Suchet did and it worked brilliantly.

[@susantunbridge4612]

@@hansmahr8627 So far, Suchet is the best. As one who reads all of A. Christie, more than once.

[@karlkarlos3545]

@@Mathemagical55 Nope, I never liked Suchet myself. It's not that he is too different from Agatha Christie's description of the Sleuth, he is almost a carbon copy. But that's the problem. It's just that he fails to give him a life by his own.

[@driftwood1906]

Jeremy Brett's Holmes was the definitive version for me.

[@namelesszero508]

driftwood1906 did you watch the Soviet films about Sherlock?

[@Redrosewitch]

Oh yes. He really caught the character as you see him in the books.

[@metalmadsen]

Mine too.

[@Impudentape]

Good

[@shanedebarra4986]

Bought the box set of his series years ago and it's still a joy to watch 👍

[@billpiechocki]

I love interviewers who can ask a question of their guests, and then shut up and let them answer.

[@epradeep]

Agree.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Oh yes!! VERY appreciated. Such a pleasure.

[@mercedeslb237]

Moi aussi 😗

[@MrVvulf]

It should be easy. But nowadays it seems political agendas often crowd out polite discourse.

[@jwvandegronden]

Bill Piechocki ~ to be honest though, even the most self absorbed fail in their quest of self adoration once Fry starts telling stories.

[@seanlynch5687]

Massive fan of Jeremy Brett , the tonality and richness of his voice and the mannerisms make him the best Holmes ever.

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

For me, it is Basil Rathbone, but Mr. Brett is a close second.

[@JRRob3wn]

He perfectly captured the manic depressive side of Holmes, the nervous energy, the explosive energy followed by bouts of dark depression, irritation at people he found to be a bore, but always the gentleman with respectable people, the diction, the facial ticks, the intensity…he even looks like the original illustrations!

[@larryzigler6812]

@@whiskeyvictor5703 NO WAY

[@meowcula]

Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes to me. Unforgettable performances by a brilliant actor. May he rest in peace.

[@peterww3106]

Sadly I think Brett thought he WAS Holmes eventually

[@ltvanburen8555]

I loved David Burke’s Holmes, but, yes, Hardwicke was stupendous 💕

[@davidobrien9362]

BRETT Has a bench on Clapham Common he use to sit on the bench a lot apparently and when he passed a plaque was fixed onto it.

[@magistrumartium]

Once you've seen Jeremy Brett in the role, no one else will do.

[@didinx8417]

I have a great fondness for Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu in 'Elementary' because that show 'got' the core of the SH stories in a way the BBC show 'Sherlock' failed to grasp......but no one can get anywhere near Jeremy Brett....he was just so spot on.....Part hawk, part cat, all sleuth-hound.....

[@jodyhunter9044]

Agreed!!!

[@jodyhunter9044]

Jeremy Brett..... No one else will do!!! How I loved that man 's Portrayal of any...ANY character he decided to portray..... Especially Sherlock Holmes!!!

[@christaylor2959]

I see your Jeremy Brett and raise you a Basil Rathbone.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

You are right. Brett had the chance to to do all of the stories, for which I'm grateful, because he was THE Holmes. Overdubbed or not he is also a highlight of My Fair Lady. No man ever looked better in top hat and tails

[@neilclark2245]

Edward Hardwicke as Watson complemented Jeremy Brett perfectly. Watson was an Army doctor with many years field experience, he was no fool contrary to the way he was portrayed by some other actors.

[@owlofminerva2564]

Did you like David Burke who preceded Hardwicke in the series?

[@neilclark2245]

@@owlofminerva2564 he was OK but I thought Hardwicke was better

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I like both actually. And I saw them in reverse order lol.

[@765kvline]

@@owlofminerva2564 I liked both. Each possessed sober and mature reflection upon all of Holmes' theories without giving up the conclusions of his investigations.

[@765kvline]

While I give cudos to the earlier Basil Rathbone, Brett is probably my distillation of all that Conan Doyle perceived in his characterization of Holmes. I might also add that Dr. Watson's character was most ably portrayed by both Burke and Hardwicke. Part of my problem with Nigel Bruce, aside from being a very fine actor, was his slightly curmudgeonly comical act which was a little excessive for a professionally educated man. Having read Doyle, Watson is much more refined. His personality is comical and played it over the top. Essentially, Bruce comes across as a slightly confused individual, as if a slightly tipsy elderly uncle were suffering from the early onset of senile dementia. If I was to select an absolute favorite professional Dr. Watson, it would be Hardwicke. He maintains the stout and ego confining sidekick but not too distant or too close as Holmes' friend.

[@Write_Charlie]

My cousin took me to see Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke live in "The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" in London. We went to the stage door after and asked if we could meet them. They both came to say hello and couldn't have been nicer. Real gentleman, especially after such an intense play.

[@JRRob3wn]

What an honor!

[@alidabaxter5849]

I saw that production too, but was too shy to wait and ask for autographs.

[@janicegotchall1797]

Me three! I feel so fortunate to have caught it.

[@Cmdtheartist]

My favorite Jeremy Brett moment was the episode (I can't remember which one, the Blue Carbuncle? The Napoleon busts?) where Holmes grandly presents the missing gem to LeStrade and waits for the Inspector to sputter his disbelief. But instead, LeStrade tells him gently (paraphrasing), "You know, we're not jealous of you at the Yard. Oh no. We're proud of you. And if you went down there right now, there's not a single officer, from the lowest rank to the highest, who wouldn't shake your hand." The LeStrade actor did a beautiful job, and Brett's response was perfect. I get a little choked up just recounting it.

[@pamshewan9181]

He says “Thank you” then much softer with tears in his eyes, “ thank you”

[@pamshewan9181]

It was the “Blue Carbuncle”

[@Cmdtheartist]

@@pamshewan9181 in that case....thank you

[@AnonyoX]

That was "The Six Napoleons"

[@Sionnach1601]

​@@AnonyoXCorrect. It WAS "The Six Napoleons". The 'mad' crazy thief was going through all six of the Napoleon busts in his fervour to find the Black Pearl of somewhere or other. And yes, Lestrade's praise to Holmes was extremely sincere, appropriate and touching.

[@mmgringoire2]

I'm 29 and for me Jeremy Brett is the greatest Sherlock Holmes. Benedict is great and I love him and Basil was wonderful, but there is something so engrossing and hypnotic about Jeremy's interpretation that cannot be imitated.

[@epradeep]

So true.

[@Bonesph]

House md my favorite but Jeremy is my definitive.

[@margaretbuckley9309]

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU MMGRINGOIRE JEREMY WAS THE BEST 😭😭

[@พอลเรย์มอนด์]

Probably Jeremy Brett suffered with the same problems as Holmes. Therefore he portrayed him so brilliantly. As for Stephen Fry I think he is such an interesting man. Would love to get drunk with him and listen to his stories.

[@พอลเรย์มอนด์]

Different actors/ characters for different times. Brett would be no good playing Holmes set in our era and Cumberbatch would be no good set in Victorian times. Brett was brilliant in his portrayal of Holmes as I think he probably had some of the same demons as Holmes and therefore understood the character do well.

[@DM-sv6jb]

Jeremy Brett's performance as Sherlock Holmes reigns supreme. The Granada series is a work of art, each episode a little gem. My husband and I adore this series and often quote The Resident Patient because it was so perfectly entertaining. I also think the actor playing Moriarty stuns with subtlety and depth to present a truly plausible and terrifying villain. Astonishing acting & directing in every episode without fail, brilliant casting. Thank you for treating us with the delightful musings of Stephen Fry.

[@aubreytreves]

Eric Porter as Moriarty was perfect casting.

[@gps8958]

Jeremy Brett literally put his life and soul into his portrayal of Holmes.

[@RobertSlover]

literally.... really?

[@gps8958]

@@RobertSlover literally. Really.

[@RobertSlover]

@@gps8958 bullshit man.

[@harrimonhoxx1713]

He was seriously ill during the last season.. You can see him deteriorate.

[@RobertSlover]

@@harrimonhoxx1713 not applicable.

[@louise2091]

I have just discovered Jeremy Brett. So enjoyable to watch. He is everything I believe Sherlock Holmes to be. Thank you Stephen Fry for your insightful observations.

[@elizabethgavin1349]

So jealous you're just discovering this wonderful character... fantastic journey you are embarking on.

[@phaidonnikolaus9841]

Jeremy was a dear and much-loved friend and I regret not spending more time with him in the final months of his life and not realising the nature of him illness. One of the last times I saw him, he suddenly appeared in my office in London, with his carer (whom he later married I think) bearing two Riedel champagne glasses and disappearing after hugs. I treasure the glasses. I did visit him at his flat off Clapham Common after that and he came and had lunch with me and my partner and was calm and deeply affectionate. I had dinner with his second wife, Joan, and he was so tender that it was heart-breaking. We all knew that she was terminally ill. He lived with my family in Barbados for quite a long time after filming Rebecca, and my ex-wife and I were with him almost every day. Indeed, it was from my grandfather's copy of Conan Doyle that he started studying for the role of Holmes. He and my brother were then having an affair and while it started off with great romantic energy it, sadly, ended in acrimony, but I stayed in constant touch with Jeremy and still have the letters and photographs. I was cruel without meaning to be when I had to put a stop to endless phone calls at all hours of the night - I was working and didn't realise that he was bi-polar then so I stopped picking up the phone. One of my (many) most treasured Barbados memories is of Jeremy stopping our convoy of post-picnic cars and leaping into a cane field, post-harvest, and, having made sure that we were all seated comfortably, performing Noel Coward songs. He even sang 'On the Street Where You Live' for us. I first realised that all was not well at a wedding, that of one of my cousins. It was evening, and Jeremy had disappeared and I went off to look for him and found him smoking in the orchard. When I called his name, he turned and said: 'My name is Max de Winter'. His eyes were empty. At the time, I blamed it on rum punch. His kindness and generosity were legendary. I was a friend of the actress Patience Collier and her friend, the singer, Anna Pollak, and they adored him. He once turned up at the Care Home where Patience was being looked after and he had bottles of lavender water for each and every one staying there. He would take the names of his friends and compose lyrics and songs around them and belt them out with gusto. He called me 'Sunshine'. He also loved our dogs and horses with the same passion. He adored my aunt and, for her birthday, locked her out of her sewing room and redecorated the whole space and she cut a ribbon to the door to be re-admitted. There are many many many stories. There is much much much love and I miss him terribly. I recently had lunch with my ex-wife and she shed tears at the memory of Jeremy accompanying us on the flight from Barbados to London, to be present at the funeral of her father in Kent, and turning the wake into a glorious celebration of life. That's how I want to remember him. Bearing champagne bottles and glasses, singing and laughing, and loving.

[@Lukeyourself]

Incredible memories and a lovely story! Thank you for sharing. We've heard of a lot of wonderful gestures by Jeremy over the years through guests on our podcast. The consensus is he was an amazing person on screen and off. It must have been a joy to know him.

[@phaidonnikolaus9841]

You're welcome and it was.@@Lukeyourself

[@Themanwhocameback2]

What? His "carer", and then the abrupt end of your post. Are you daft?

[@ruthmeb]

@@Themanwhocameback2 He means Linda Pritchard, who could only be described as a carer if one was being very charitable. Basically an obsessed fan who inveigled her way into Brett's life when he was vulnerable and sick. In no way was there ever a hint that they did or would ever marry.

[@pamelacorbett8774]

The way Jeremy Brett uses his voice is remarkable. It is so obvious he was a Shakespearean actor. I wonder if he ever recorded any poetry.😊

[@ATB1028]

Check out Jeremy Brett. "Loved I am..." and other poetry kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqrbfWZ3ZryieZY

[@ThreadBomb]

Check out videos of Noel Coward talking. You'll be surprised at the similarity.

[@BillyAsWell]

@@ATB1028internet hero! Bravo!

[@andrewtate4897]

I can listen the Stephen Fry talk forever! I was shocked to hear That Jeremy Brett was never recognised for the brilliant portrayal of Holmes for me he was the best.

[@stevegodwin6416]

I'm not sure why the algorithm threw this video my way, but it's a perfect fit. I've often told people that Jeremy Brett is the perfect embodiment of Sherlock. Thank you!

[@smithpm81]

indeed

[@hamidbrunolouani7166]

I knew Jeremy personally he was never interested in fame or celebrity status but he was a heavyweight actor and a true gentleman he always had time for people just ask people in the days of just William whine bar in battersea I miss him so much😔

[@mamas_quilts3573]

😰 so excruciating to lose a loved one....im sorry...

[@dorothysay8327]

Hamid Bruno Louani Tell ya more about the ‘Whine’ bar in Battersea, and stories you have of Jeremy there!! Does the bar exist anymore?

[@magnushelin007]

So sorry about your loss. I was just mesmerized by his performance as Sherlock Holmes. Jeremy Brett was really one of those actors that I wish could have lived forever.

[@Nephilimfields]

There are many amazing Sherlock Holmes portrayals, but Jeremy's is by far THE BEST.

[@leeshorrock9781]

J Bret tv homes b rathbone films o i

[@Thunderbear69]

Indeed, but whose portrayal is the worst? Personally I would nominate Will Ferrell....absolutley atrocious in a terrible movie....

[@juliagoodfellow7539]

​@@Thunderbear69That's a "who cares" question my friend.

[@mattonbass]

It's as though Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories with the yet unborn Jeremy Brett in mind.

[@DavidAndersen84]

Jeremy Brett was Sherlock Homes. I watched him on PBS growing up. Energy, passion, intelligence, wit, and compassion are a few of the words to describe his performance. It is always a thrill to watch them.

[@c.v7750]

Stephen Fry is a treasure. I am happy to see that Jeremy Brett is getting recognition for his craft. The man was an superior Sherlock.

[@dorothysay8327]

Cynthia Veit THE superior. The best.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

@ Cynthia He is superb in Sheridan's The Rivals . ! Also viewable on KZbin ! ( Not great quality upload but he shines through ,)

[@ThePeterWilliam]

Jeremy could convey immense warmth amongst his sharp logical intensity.

[@mike245401]

Jeremy Brett, is truly missed! It's a shame they didn't get to finish all the Sherlock Holmes series!

[@ingeblanco3561]

Really was! But you can see he was not well in the last chapters

[@RodM.Peters]

Stephen Fry's passion for Sherlock Holmes is one more reason for me to love and admire him more.

[@vivianlaw13]

My husband and I have just discovered the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes and we can't stop watching them! And we love the David Suchet Poirot too and said last night that Jeremy's sherlock was like dinner, meaty, intense, works your brain and the David Suchet Poirot is like desert, pleasure, light hearted and cozy.... Love them both!

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Well said!

[@majorprofit]

I have this fantasy that we would have had the equivalent of that show with David Suchet playing Poirot if Jeremy Brett hadn’t been ill. I am totally fine (to put it mildly) with both Edward Hardwicke and David Burke in the role as Dr. Watson but it would have been wrong if they had continued with another actor in the role of Sherlock Holmes.

[@vivianlaw13]

@@majorprofit And the fact they waited years to film more of the show didn't help... Not sure why they couldn't produce steady episodes every year like Poirot...

[@betmo]

you should add joan hickson's miss marple

[@vivianlaw13]

@@betmo I haven't seen the Miss Marple series. Will check them out... Been enjoying Professor T lately... Started off with the Death in Paradise series, then spin offs and found Ben Millers latest.... :)

[@laurelbushman6279]

I'm so glad to find people talking about Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes! They seemed to be so overlooked for so long!

[@ThreadBomb]

Not really. In Holmseian circles they never shut up about him.

[@DV-dt9sq]

Jeremy Brett is Sherlock!! There is no better one! I was in love with a series...waiting impatiently every week during '80-ties, for another episode. I love it still. Jeremy Brett an exquisite actor! xxxxx

[@DrewSohl]

The Granada Series is so detailed and so well done.I really feel part of 1880s London.

[@nordseeistmordsee]

Jeremy Brett was a force of nature in his outstanding talents. It was so obvious that it was overlooked in his living days. Reminds me of Vincent van Gogh...

[@pearlgee5970]

Stephen Fry can talk forever and I’ll also listen forever. Absolutely a pleasure listening to him. Of course, Jeremy Brett is the best Sherlock Holmes. The others were excellent but Mr. Brett is THE Sherlock Holmes as written, IMHO.

[@hank1519]

I remember being initially put off by all the quirkiness in his performance. Soon after, I was totally in love!

[@bonniemacbird]

This is a delightful interview in which a brilliant man savours the work of another brilliant man. I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@cdb3847]

Fry is so incredibly well spoken - definitely would not have rediscovered Holmes without his audiobook series.

[@mikehall7189]

Brett was and is by far the best representation of Holmes on screen bar none.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

The exquisite frosting on the glorious cake of the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes series is the music by Patrick Gowers!!!!! Perfect!!!

[@belindamay8063]

@ginnyloreaz. I’m so glad that Gower’s music has been recognized. I think the word that applies here is “uncanny”. A wonderful work that shows a complete understanding of Holmes and the England of that time. There were always those sinister undertones in society at every level. - not confined to the criminal world. Conan Doyle, ( a sort of outsider )is the only writer - that I know of - who was struck by it. And for me, Gower’s music reflects it perfectly.

[@tuvantrader]

Brett was brilliant! It is satisfying to see the appreciation for his work in your podcast. I watched Brett as Holmes before I read the books, actually, so he will always be Holmes in my imagination. I hope Mr. Fry’s campaign is a success. I can’t think of a better man to lead the charge.

[@jayarrington240]

I loved the books and agree - wholeheartedly - Jeremy Brett WAS the greatest Holmes on screen - big or small - the best Sherlocked of any era ! Thanks for sharing this.

[@52Royston]

I first read A Study in Scarlet when I was eleven years old and proceeded to devour one Sherlock Holmes book after another ‘till there were none left. I have re-read them all I suppose, about once every ten years. I am now eighty-four and gone blind. I am so happy that I am still able to enjoy these stories listening to Stephen Fry’s Audio Books. Thank you Stephen. It was a very different history for my discovery of Wodehouse. He was the one author banned by my parents because ‘he helped the Germans during the war’. It was until I was in my mid-thirties that I discovered Bertie Whooster et al. I have made up for it since.

[@Lukeyourself]

Thank you for sharing. Sherlock is a lovely well to dip back into.

[@geraldinefields1730]

There were two actors who played Watson with Jeremy Brett in the Sherlock Holmes television series. David Burke and Edward Hardwicke.

[@maryjensen5310]

God, I love this man. I’m so glad to see him healthy and engaging.

[@bbb462cid]

BAAAAHHHH!

[@stephaniehand503]

Thank you for celebrating Jeremy Brett.

[@deniseandrews113]

Jeremy Brett: Always Loved. Never Forgotten 💔🎩🔎

[@kingquadroon]

Jeremy Brett is the ONLY Holmes. No one else will do. Ever.

[@22013]

For me it's Jonny Lee Miller

[@deniseandrews113]

No one else will do...ever!

[@vardellsfolly5200]

Λετ me correct you, dear sir. ''Jeremy Brett is, to me, the ONLY Holmes. No one else will do. Ever.''. There.

[@drumtum]

If you think like that you will miss out on other great versions. I agree that the Granada version with Brett was truly amazing, and perhaps the best. But i adore the Rathbone movies. The hound of the Baskervilles with Cushing was a great Hammer movie. The Soviet version is just fantastic. I was shocked how great and well made it was. That is a gem. You can find it on youtube. I really recommend it.

[@emileschaffhaunssen177]

💖👍

[@drewprice8468]

As a child, my fall and winter evenings were spent watching Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan with my mother and father snuggled up in bed with Hot Cocoa….those nights for me were the apex of all civilization. My sweet daddy used film as an educational and teaching tool. I had to memorize all the actors names, I had to remember all of the clues and pay attention to detail, then I had to retrace all of Mr. Holmes steps in how he solved the crime. My father did this to try to teach me inductive and deductive reasoning and it made the old dramas into a living presence as I actually interacted with the narrative. It developed in me a love for old films and the ability to figure most films out with ease. It was such a gift. My sweet daddy would have been 79 this month, gone these 11 years. RIP.❤

[@jerrystaley1563]

As much as I love Stephen Fry reminisce about the late great Jeremy Brett as the ultimate Sherlock Holmes, I also fondly recall Mr. Fry's wonderful portrayals of Jeeves in the P.G. Wodehouse stories of "Wooster and Jeeves."

[@Straker1895]

Brilliant! No one is better to listen to than Stephen Fry on the subject of Sherlock Holmes. Stephen gets it... he really gets it!

[@jimwallington437]

There are not many people better to listen to than Stephen Fry on many subjects.

[@Barbara2012]

I

[@epradeep]

So much more to like Stephen now that I know that he is a Jeremy fan. We are in good company :).

[@lekoman]

@@jimwallington437 I'd listen to him talk about just about anything that interested him. He's the epitome of the bon vivant. Erudite, interesting, well-read, and clever. Just love him.

[@jimwallington437]

@@lekoman So true! His special on Gutenberg is a classic.

[@roeng1368]

"The sign of four", with Brett and Hardwicke, John Thaw, Emrys James, Jenny Seagrove and Ronald Lacey, made in 1987, absolutely excellent, fabulous. A full length film of nearly 2hrs with an excellent cast wonderful sets and settings. We will not see its like again.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Watched it, fantastic.

[@belindamay8063]

@roeng. Nor, alas, shall we the likes of “ Rumpole of the Bailey”. Another work of genius. Perfect in every detail. There should be a National Archive of these works. We couldn’t make them today. We seem to have lost that sense of certainty and understanding shared by artists and their audience.

[@jwvandegronden]

I was addicted to this series, and as a young bloke somehow I understood and felt the gravitas with which Jermey Brett portrayed Holmes. To hear my favorite wise man (yes I am a Fry fanboy) is so outspokenly on the same page as me, and knows how to express exactly the feeling this Holmes gave me with his eloquent and tapestry way of telling his stories just gave me goosebumps! And what a great idea for a podcast! Thanks so much! Subscribed!

[@eraserkam6299]

Brett’s Holmes was both beautiful and magnetic. I love watching him just think during scenes. You can see the proverbial gears turning in the best way.

[@franceshaypenny8481]

Jeremy is Holmes because he possesses a genuine empathy of the tumult that an especially brilliant mind experiences.

[@shalininair6957]

Stephen Fry talking about Jeremy Brett and Sherlock Holmes... that's the stuff of fantasies! Thanks so much for this Luke and Gus. This was just so precious.

[@scifieric]

This is absolutely wonderful! I have been telling people about Jeremy Brett's take on Sherlock Holmes since it first came out. I honestly wondered if somehow I might be alone in my appreciation of this spectacular series. How glad I am to be wrong! This was a fantastic interview as I also love Stephen Fry! My favorite Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes stories are the second season with Edward Hardwicke. For me, Edward Hardwicke IS Watson. He comes across as intelligent in his own right, a suitable companion for the world's greatest detective. Keep going, gentlemen. This is a treasure of a find. Well done.

[@Lukeyourself]

Thanks very much! You are not alone. Please do check out the normal podcast, lots of love for Jeremy Brett there.

[@fidomusic]

David Burke played Watson before Edward in the series. He left for family reasons. I think they are both equally good. In fact it is said that one cannot tell where Burke left and Hardwicke began; the change is seamless.

[@mmgringoire2]

@@fidomusic Burke and Hardwicke were both amazing Watsons and deserve as much credit for their portrayals of that character as Jeremy does for Sherlock. Their are many great Sherlocks, but you need a Watson equal to that performance. Their chemistry with Jeremy was perfect.

[@dorothysay8327]

Eric Reinholt Alone?? Great heavens ...it was lauded critically at the time, was an international splash, and the fans are LEGION.

[@Bonesph]

Scandal in Bohemia is my favorite episode I've watched it probably 20 times.

[@rmooremarine]

Jeremy Brett absolutely crushed the role. Amazing performances. Facial expressions, pauses, movements. Genius

[@annieyahu676]

Jeremy Brett was the best Sherlock ever. He really had the true personality of the character down completely.

[@zambranaml]

Stephen Fry's remark of "deepest level of friendship" rings true, in that a deep love and bonding relationship between two men does not and should not always be classified (or dismissed) as homosexuality. In "Fry and Laurie: Reunited," Hugh's letter to Stephen clarified that kind of difference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6fJpHWthad2d9E

[@JaneFrieman]

An interview of interest! It was pleasing to learn that Fry knew Jeremy Brett and also Brett and Anna Massey's son David.

[@HarpySpirit]

Jeremy Brett is the quintessential Sherlock Holmes for me! My favorite scene was in the episode featuring a very nasty blackmailer whom Holmes infiltrates the blackmailers home as a Plumber! His awkwardness with the maid who was attempting to make love him was priceless! Mr. Brett’s acting skills made Holmes/the Plumber’s reactions to the maid advances so very real! Holmes vulnerabilities as a man escaped so quickly he had no warning or time to compose himself! Brett played that moment exquisitely! He won my respect as the ONLY Sherlock Holmes ever! Thank you for the wonderful interview with Mr. Fry another actor whom I respect!

[@zedwms]

Once you've gone Brett, you'll never go back.

[@spartacusmills]

Once you've gone Brett, you'll never regret?

[@kihntagious]

I've listened to his Audible recording over and over. Jeremy. Stephen and Sherlock. The finest Brits

[@lcflngn]

Looking forward to that!

[@simonmandrakejones]

I am listening to it at the moment. It is absolutely fantastic. He brings such life to the stories.

[@simonlancaster1815]

@@stewartlancaster6155 It is called Audible on Amazon. The brand for audiobooks. This is why she used a capital letter.

[@tinaarko6625]

I'm so fascinated with Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes and the Granada series. All episodes are on KZbin. I've been reading the original stories as well. Grew up with the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce movies and loved them, but they can't compare.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

Those were my favourite characters to play the Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, and for me it is hard to choose between them, and happy to watch both. The latest? series of Sherlock with that smug left-tard git Benedict Cumberbatch, from 2010-2017 (I believe), and watched one episode which I thought was utter crap, and never watched another one., and never will, as to me he is just a shadow of the best actors, Rathbone, and Brett....superb the pair of them and their Doctor Watson side kicks....:)

[@BillieJolene1]

I agree. Jeremy did Sherlock so INCREDIBLY well!!!! I had the entire DVD collection. And watched it religiously. It just NEVER got boring. That's how remarkably well done the entire series was done from start to finish. Excellent technical expertise as well as superb talent!!!

[@sazfretz1945]

If you subscribe to Britbox, you can watch all the episodes without KZbin adverts.

[@moviemad56]

Tina may I recommend the outstanding audio books by Greg Wagland (Magpie Audio) ? 🤔 His interpretation of Holmes is also very good.

[@tinaarko6625]

@@moviemad56 I love him. I listen to him almost daily sometimes. I have a new love and appreciation for Sherlock Holmes because of Jeremy Brett and that incredible series.

[@DarthTM1138]

Wonderful to see the love for Jeremy Brett. As an American, it just feels like he is so overlooked, at least in my experience. Just want to echo everyone else, he is the best Sherlock Holmes!

[@AnthonyGoodall-d4w]

😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@garyhewitt886]

My favourite holmes ever..Mr Jeremy Brett.Every nuance was perfect.

[@fishypaw]

I love Sherlock Holmes. I love Jeremy Brett. I love Stephen Fry. Thank you.

[@Nounismisation]

Isn't wonderful to hear someone's work reviewed with such love and in such detail.

[@timcollins1131]

I teach English in Chiang Mai using my own method and curriculum and I am so pleased to say Sherlock Holmes is one of my senior students favourite subjects of the 150+ subjects I have created, very rewarding classes whenever they are requested..Each Lesson is preceded by viewing a Jeremy Brett Granada episode. Next lesson is in 4 hours time, must print, laminate and bind the textbooks for my students now!

[@jodu626]

Tim Collins how’s the smog at the mo?

[@timcollins1131]

@@jodu626 none

[@timcollins1131]

@@jodu626 Thanks for asking, but the smog is not exclusive to Chiang Mai but it is popular subject for critical visitors and backpackers, of which I am neither. We do have the annual issue of smog which is the subject of a project I am working on.

[@jodu626]

Tim Collins I too live in Bangkok and was there 7/8 months ago. It is truly a problem. Thankfully I wasn’t there long. Shame cos it’s a nice city

[@jodu626]

Matthew Hunt love fry love holmes. Think most sensible people do 😉

[@ploppysonofploppy6066]

Favourite moment? Jeremy's face when the "Second Stain" falls into place. Masterful.

[@crumpsall86]

Wow, thats my favourite moment from the series, that and the “way hay!” At the end 😀

[@robinharrison3107]

Absolutely . . . Jeremy Brett was the best Sherlock Holmes ever!! Re-watching them again. Still fabulous!

[@5809AUJG]

What a wonderful thing to see! Beloved Stephen Fry, talking about our genius Sherlock Holmes, the miraculous Jeremy Brett! For me, he was the greatest Holmes of all time, and always will be...and I've seen a lot of portrayals of the character. Wonderful talk, great and intelligent questions, a pure joy to see Mr Brett remembered so very well. Thank you! ❤😊

[@Pladderkasse]

Jeremy Brett...so many fond memories of TV nights, before I even realized what great acting was. He was simply captivating and genuine.

[@Arfabiscuit]

I remember watching every episode and season of Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett . Me and my dad would wait with baited breath for the next installment great days . Bless both their souls .

[@daspiper8941]

Jeremy Brett is (was) my favorite Sherlock Holmes. I miss him a lot. God rest his Soul.

[@sazfretz1945]

I am so very glad that my introduction to Sherlock Holmes was via Stephen Fry's Audible readings of the entire Conan-Doyle canon of Holmes. He read them with such great skill that it truly sounded like a cast of many readers. That led to my watching the brilliant Jeremy Brett series on Britbox. When my parents watched the series in the 80s, I had no interest. When I heard Mr. Fry's readings, I couldn't believe what I had been missing.

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

Oh, I love listening to Fry's reading of the entire Sherlock Holmes canon - I could listen to it all day (and often have!) A brilliant version and my absolute favourite!

[@nonosays]

What a delightful discovery! Brett was indescribably superb as Holmes, giving us everything we wanted and needed in the character but always holding something back. Thanks for giving us a place to celebrate him!

[@KSfan4ever]

What a superb and wonderful interview!! I love hearing Stephen talk about the extraordinary and amazing Jeremy Brett, and the interviewer showing so much knowledge about Jeremy as well. As an actor, Jeremy was truly brilliant, and as Holmes, he was unequaled. Well done!

[@paddynicnack]

I had no idea about this podcast up until today. I'm so delighted to find it. More people need to be introduced to the wonderful Jeremy Brett and his amazing Sherlock Holmes series. Really fantastic work guys. Thank you so much.

[@jasonflay8818]

The part where Stephen istalking about how Sherlock was the original superhero, he is also the archetype for much our modern dramas. His good friend Hugh Laurie played a Sherlock type character in the way of House. Tortured genius, drug addiction, bit of a misanthrope, whose best friend is the long suffering sidekick in a way that bridges the eccentricities of the genius to the audience. This was a great interview.

[@marcushawkes392]

Met Jeremy backstage when Sherlock was in the west end. Such a charming man. He was still in costume. I will alway's treasure that moment and the cards he sent me.

[@HowardNorris-gh1jw]

Jeremy Brett was definitely an unrivalled Holmes - the whole Granada production was magisterial, in fact, including David Burke as easily the best Watson in the earlier episodes. The Second Stain is the best episode for me - closely followed by the Six Napoleons, which has a fantastic bit of acting from Jeremy Brett at the end.

[@mr.mayhem7402]

Thank you for this. it's heartwarming for Jeremy and the TV series to receive its proper due. The high production values are self-evident right from the opening shot of the credit sequence and I immediately fell in love with the series when it was first broadcast all those years ago. I was still at school at the time so the series led to me taking out the books from the library and reading all the original stories. Please don't overlook the wonderful David Burke who brought considerable depth and presence of mind to the role of Watson who, up until that point, was regularly portrayed as a bumbling oaf (his portrayal of Josef Stalin is also worth seeing in the excellent "Reilly, ace of spies." - they really don't make programmes like they used to.)

[@brentbeacham9691]

I’m so very pleased such fans exist of the great Jeremy Brett playing the one and only exquisite portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. And to see one of my favorite people Stephen Fry talk about the work is so thrilling. I grew up on the PBS broadcasts of Sherlock Holmes. Those stories and Brett’s portrayal was a rational touchstone in a sea of bad emotions and manipulation. I could look to Holmes to make rational sense of his world. Thank you for this mix of appreciation and fond remembrances.

[@Lukeyourself]

We grew up with the episodes on PBS as well. We're reliving them all on our podcast. Come with us.

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

Jeremy Brett was THE definitive Sherlock Holmes.

[@voraciousreader3341]

He was! But the actors who came before him had-and gave-great value to the character, and should not be dismissed as though they contributed nothing. In fact, I believe they _informed_ Brett’s interpretation, and that if those films had not existed, his performance may have suffered. And Basil Rathbone and Peter Cushing are still greatly revered actors.

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

@@voraciousreader3341 Oh, no doubt.

[@marcosaraiva9205]

God bless Jeremy Brett my most favorite Sherlock Holmes EVER . Is a time machine for me every time I watch the Granada Sherlock Holmes TV show I go back when I was fourteen years old is always refreshing and nostalgic in the same time!

[@Alulim-Eridu]

One of my all time favorite performers, talking about one of my all time favorite performances! Stephen Fry & Jeremy Brett... excellent!

[@movingforwarddespiteeverything]

Omg, having both a husband & a son diagnosed w/Bipolar Disorder, *how* did I not see that before?

[@peterhughes8776]

Jeremy Brett was a wonderful actor and THE definitive Holmes.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Jeremy was Holmes. Utterly brilliant and a wonderful actor who left us way too soon. As for you, Stephen, you are a national treasure.

[@stephengibson100]

I'm listening to the Audible Book, read by Stephen Fry. It is outstanding.

[@HJKelley47]

Those who have played Sherlock Holmes since 1893: Charles Brookfield - 1893 William Gillette - 1899-1930 - 1300 Performances over 30 yrs. Sherlock Holmes movie Baffled - 1900 Silent/Short - Max Goldberg John F. Preston - 1900 Charles Rice - 1904 Karoly Baumann - 1905 Maurice Costello - 1905 Viggo Larsen - 1908 Alwin NeuB - 1908, 1911, 1914 Otto Lagoni - 1910 Holger Rasmussen - 1911 Mack Sennett - 1911-1912 George Treville - 1912 Harry Benham - 1913 James Bragington - 1914 Francis Ford - 1914 H.A. Saintbury - 1916 Hugo Flink - 1917 Sam Robinson - 1918 Eille Norwood - 1921 Silent short movie - The Dying Detective Burt Lytell - 1921 Dennis Neillson-Terry - 1921 John Barrymore - 1922 Hamilton Deane - 1923-1932 Tod Slaughter - 1928, 1930 Richard Gordon - 1930-1933, 1936 Clive Brook - 1929/1930/1932 Arthur Wontner - 1931- 1937 - Movie Series Raymond Massey - 1931 Robert Rendel - 1932 Reginald Owen - 1933 Felix Alymer - 1933 Louis Hector - 1934-1935, 1937 Bruno Guttner - 1937, 1939, 1942-1943 Orson Welles - 1938 Basil Rathbone - 1939-1946 Cedric Hardwick - 1945 Tom Conway - 1947 Howard Marion-Crawford - 1948 John Stanley - 1948-1949 Alan Napier - 1949 John Longden - 1951 Laidman Browne - 1951 Carleton Hobbs - 1952-1969 Ronald Howard - 1954 (39 episodes) Sir John Gielgud - 1954-1955 Christopher Lee - 1962, 1970, 1992 Douglas Wilmer - 1964 Peter Cushing - 1959, 1968, 1984 John Neville - 1965, 1970, 1978 Robert Stephens - 1970 Stewart Granger - 1972 John Cleese - 1973 Larry Hagman - 1974 Robert Powell - 1974 John Wood - 1974-1975 Dinsdale Landen - 1974 Leonard Nimoy - 1976 Kevin McCarthy - 1977 Roger Moore - 1976 Nicol Williamson - 1976 Christopher Plummer - 1977 Peter Cook - 1977 Paxton Whitehead - 1978 Geoffrey Whitehead - 1979-1980 Keith Mitchell - 1979 Charlton Heston - 1980 Frank Langella - 1980 Vasily Livanov - Russian TV - 1979-1981, 1983 & 1986 John Moffatt - 1981 Guy Henry - 1982 Tom Baker - 1982 Ian Richardson - 1983 Peter O’Toole - 1983 (animated TV films - Australian) Jeremy Brett - 1984-1994 Nicholas Rowe - 1984 Dinsdale Landen - 1987 Guy Rolfe - 1984 Tim Pigott-Smith - 1987 Anthony Higgins - 1987 Michael Pennington - 1987 Roger Rees - 1988 Ron Moody - 1988-1989 Clive Merrison - 1989-1998, 2002, 2004, 2008-2010 Edward Woodward - 1990 Simon Callow - 1990 Richard E. Grant 1992 Robert Powell - 1993 Patrick McNee - 1993 Anthony Higgins - 1993 1998-2019: John Gilbert - Episodes 1-18 Lawrence Albert - Episode 20 John Patrick Lowrie - Episodes 21-65 & 67-until Dennis Bateman - Episode 66 Matt Frewer - 2000-2001 Joaquim de Almeida - 2001 Richard Roxburgh - 2002 James D’Arcy - 2002 Andrew Sachs - 2004 Rupert Everett - 2004 Jonathan Pryce - 2007 Javier Marzan - 2007 Roger Llewellyn - 2009 Ben Syder - 2010 Nicholas Briggs - 2010-2018 Johnny Lee Miller - 2012-2019 Benjamin Lawlor - 2013 Igor Petrenko - Russian TV Series - 2013 Robert Downey Jr. 2009 & 2011 Benedict Cumberbatch - 2010-2016 Nicholas Briggs - 2010-2018 Seamus Dever - 2014 Ian McKellen - 2015 Euan Morton - 2015 Gregory Wooddell - 2015 Paul Andrew Goldsmith - 2015-2016 Ewen Bremner - 2016 Jay Taylor - 2017-2018 Yuko Takeuchi - 2018 (HBO Asia - female ‘Holmes’) Orlando Wells - 2018 Samuel Tady - 2011, 2014, 2017-2018 (Tady Bros. Productions/on YTube) Johnny Depp - 2018 (animation) Will Ferrell - 2018 Nicholas Boulton - 2020 Henry Cavill - 2020 Ethan Bell - 2020 (Fan Film on KZbin) Ethan Thomas Jung - 2020 Fan Adv. (Vagabond Repertory Theater Company-KZbin) This list is not exhaustive. however, these are some of the many actors who have played Sherlock Holmes on stage, screen, radio and TV adaptations.

[@steeleye2112]

Everyone applauds Stephen (correctly) on how good a speaker he is but I also love the fact that he is such a good listener during conversations and is never just waiting for his turn to speak.

[@markcorcoran482]

I love Jeremy’s playing of Holmes being so moved, in the Six Napoleons, when having solved the case, inspector Lestrade expresses his gratitude, and admiration.

[@bertrandd3813]

This podcast as a whole is brilliant, having Stephen Fry on is just the lovely icing on a great cake

[@_RabbitLeader]

Jeremy Brett’s oratory skills with the role of Sherlock Holmes were top class. Loved his acting as Sherlock.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Jeremy Brett _is_ Sherlock Holmes. I bought the Granada series some years ago and it is stunning.

[@gregboyington4896]

Loved watching Brett in the Granada series when I was younger on PBS Mystery with the Edward Gorey opening. Now I own them on DVD. Best Sherlock ever!

[@phantom.lover0527]

I've binged all the podcasts because of this interview. Thanks Gus and Luke! I'm sure Jeremy Brett would have been so excited about all your efforts!

[@Lukeyourself]

Thank you for listening! New one out this week!

[@ronnienose8608]

Jeremy Brett epitomises Holmes, no one else come close. And Stephen Fry is a national treasure.

[@xenophen3871]

It is 2023, and the show is currently streaming on KZbin. Superbly injoiable.

[@MLLambert]

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy Brett while he was touring in Canada with "The Barretts of Wimpole Street". He was the most charming, charismatic person and so kind.

[@Rorschach.]

Oh my word, what have I stumbled upon here? I think this could become my favourite corner of the internet. I shall investigate.

[@nmeau]

The intensity of Jeremy Brett is unsurpassed - brilliant