Product Details

• Actors: Jeremy Brett, David Burke, Rosalie Williams, Eric Porter
• Producers: John Hawkesworth
• Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Mpi Home Video
• VHS Release Date: December 15, 1994
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301480406
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #293,576 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Just as Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) is lamenting the state of his investigation practice--"[It] seems to be degenerating into an agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to young ladies from boarding schools"--a letter arrives that would seem to make matters even worse. But only temporarily: the missive is from a Violet Hunter (Natasha Richardson), who seeks advice on whether to accept a position as governess at the Copper Beeches, the home of a genuine oddball named Jephro Rucastle (Joss Ackland) and his equally strange family. Among Violet's duties if she accepts the job are cutting her long hair, wearing a dress chosen by Rucastle each day, and sitting with her back to a window while he entertains her for an hour or so each day with hilarious stories. Just what is going on? This fine adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's clever mystery is absolutely engrossing, and as usual Brett's performance as the famed detective is flawless and true to Doyle's original vision. David Burke does his typically stellar work as Watson, and the addition of one great veteran (Ackland) and one talented then-newcomer (Richardson) to the cast is a real treat. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Capital! Oh, Capital!", May 2, 2000

By 

Michael B. Bruneio (Macungie, PA.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Copper Beeches [VHS] (VHS Tape)

With the above phrase, eccentric Jephro Rucastle (Joss Ackland) hires unemployed governess (Violet Hunter) Natasha Richardson to care for his only son in his desolate manor house in rural England. However, Rucastle's demands of Miss Hunter border on the bizarre, and she consults the great detective Holmes to unravel the mystery of The Copper Beaches and why she was really hired. This early Granada episode is nearly flawless. A crucial element I admire so much about this series is the uniformly excellent acting given by all players. Brett and Burke are their usual sublime selves; Ackland is perfectly creepy as Rucastle; however, the clear standout here is Natasha Richardson. Her film debut here is nothing short of superb. Richardson is wholly believable as a strong, independent woman nearly frightened to death by the harrowing circumstances she finds herself in. The first exchange between her character and Holmes is a delight: Holmes, indifferent and annoyed by her at first, is quickly swayed to her cause by Richardson's sly and subtle play on his sympathies. Subsequently, Richardson's scene where her character is frantically consulting Holmes about the strange events is brilliant: Richardson's fright is almost palpable, and the viewer immediately gains her sympathy. I must say I've rarely ever seen such an impressive screen debut as hers. The fact that Natasha Richardson is a stunningly beautiful woman doesn't hurt, either. Highly recommended

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very engaging, September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Copper Beeches [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The Copper Beaches has all the right ingredients for a fun and entertaining mystery. There is a governess in distress, a murky old mansion, a prisoner in a shuttered turret, and of course, Jeremy Brett as Holmes. The mystery is quite intriguing and reminiscent of Jane Eyre. However, as with all the Holmes stories the real attraction is the relationship between Holmes and Watson. This story gives some great insight into the singular personality of Holmes and Watson's loyalty in putting up with his eccentricities. All in all, it's great fun.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning adaptation, July 22, 1999

By 

Mr G (Lisbon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Copper Beeches [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Granada's take on The Copper Beeches is a masterly effort, with Jeremy Brett in excellent form and David Burke similarly superb. The marvellous, eerie story is handled beautifully by the creative team, Bill Craig's adaptation being true to the original and maintaining a maximum of suspense. Joss Ackland's performance is terrific, and Natasha Richardson makes her mark wonderfully. Altogether a splendid outing for the Granada team.