Customer Reviews

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Greek Interpreter [VHS]

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

If the American over-the-air tv networks spent more time studying work such as this and applying it, instead of grinding out prurient cookie-cutter garbage, they might not wind up losing 20% of their viewers year after year! In addition to the consistently grand elements Grenada brings to this series, they have picked one of the two Conan Doyle stories featuring Sherlock's older (and, even according to Holmes) smarter brother, Mycroft. Charles Gray turns in a virtuoso performance as Mycroft (you might remember him as Blofeld in the James Bond film DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER and as the narrator in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW)and both Gray and Brett are at the top of their form as brothers - including the outstanding and humorous deductive "duel" against each other as they observe the gentleman across the street. The tale that follows is one of the darker, more sinister efforts Doyle ever penned, and gets downright disturbing as the Interpreter watches the bandaged captive being subjected to an almost inquisition-like mental torture (and obvious physical torture prior to his appearance). To say that this episode shows "Love can be blind" is an understatement, and the rollicking/terrifying finale onboard the speeding train is wonderful, if startling. Above all, it is always a thrill to watch Jeremy Brett become (and I mean "become") Sherlock Holmes. He should be awarded not only a posthumous "knighthood" but be publicly proclaimed, by every nation, as "a world treasure" for what he accomplished with this role.

One aspect of this series that I have always enjoyed is the sly humor that the writers, directors, composer, and actors brought to their respective roles. There are marvellous things in this episode; George Costigan's spot-on Peter Lorre impersonation is great black humor already, but watch how even a small touch from the little man sends people twice his size hurtling through a doorway! He's a fitting match for the triumvirate of Holmes, Holmes, and Watson. Charles Grey and Jeremy Brett obviously are having a lot of fun playing the two brilliant brothers, and David Burke is appropriately puzzled and intrigued by the bizarre Diogenes Club. He also actually functions as a doctor in this episode, though he seems to prescribe 'brandy' as his medication of choice. Still, everyone is marvellously convincing. The addition of the train chase at the end is a distinct improvement on the original story and completely in character--my favorite bit is when Holmes gives Watson complete analyses of each person in each railway compartment as they search for the killer. My one complaint is that we never learn what became of the deed that the poor Greek prisoner had to sign--it must have been pretty important! But that's a small complaint. For good, stylish, noirish fun, this is one of the best episodes of this fine series.

One of my favorite Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes. The Greek Interpertator has one of the first appearances by Mycroft. The ending is neat, where Holmes, Mycroft, and Watson are on a train following the criminals. Enjoy!

Conan Doyle has let us down. There's little deduction in this story. Strangely, it's a tale of crime, not subtle at all. However, the dramatization, acting, and ambiance are as usual outstanding.

Well, what can I say, besides typical English quality throughout, as usual! This episode, once again with the genius Jeremy Brett as Holmes (after him it must be an impossible task to play the role as Conan Doyle's detective for any actor), also introduces Sherlock Holmes brother Mycroft and has a thrilling story about a Greek man held prisoner and tortured in a house by a couple of sinister blokes who tries to persuade him to sign a paper. An innocent greek interpreter falls into danger as he gets involved against his will, and his situation becomes especially dangerous as he decides to reveal everything to Sherlock Holmes. The story, the acting, the directing and the Victorian atmosphere -- everything is splendidly made, and quite close to Conan Doyle's novel. The high tempo ending scene on a train is unforgettable.

Besides the title characters I will especially say hats off to George Costigan for his brilliant performance as the laughing villain, a man who comes close to the devil himself -- and plays him (with glasses and a splendid austrian accent) in a way that makes a chill run down your spine, as well as delivering somewhat of a comical satire on Peter Lorre. One of the best psycopaths I've ever seen on film! Don't miss it.

In addition I can only say: see all of Granada's Sherlock Holmes series! You won't be dissapointed.

Being of Greek extraction, this,of course; is my favorite episode. One I personally own and have viewed many times. Particularly of interest, is the introduction of Mycroft Holmes. Truly, Sherlock Holmes smarter brother-according to Sherlock. One of the most eerie of villians in which the portrayal brings to mind Peter Lorre. It is great fun to watch the interplay between the brothers Holmes. oahhpa!!!

Jeremy Brett is the definitive Holmes again and George Costigan transforms himself to become Menace personified.