Customer Reviews

Sherlock Holmes: Shoscombe Old Place [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Shoscombe Old Place" was actually the last Sherlock Holmes story, but was filmed in the middle of the series, probably because it is not as weak as some of those which were included in the later "Memoirs." The adaptation is strong, adding a few thrills via a breaking and entering escapade by Holmes which does not occur in the story. Jeremy Brett is clearly not as fit as he was in the earlier series, but his voice is still strong, and he gives his usual fine performance. Welcome back to Michael Cox, the original producer of the series, who returned for "The Casebook." One of the recurring conceits of the series, that of Holmes throwing paper around as he searches for something, does start to feel a little shopworn here, but in general a good episode. Jude Law has an interesting part in what must have been one of his earliest TV appearances.

+++++

This movie is based on the story "The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place" (1927) written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 to 1930).

This episode involves a brother and his ailing sister who live in a mansion called "Shoscombe Hall" (pronounced Shahs-cum Hall). They own a stable called "Shoscombe Old Place" where they keep their prize-winning horse "Shoscombe Prince."

A principle creditor who helped finance the mansion has suddenly disappeared. Coinciding with his disappearance is the discovery of a human bone in a furnace. The head-trainer at Shoscombe asks Sherlock (Jeremy Brett) to investigate.

Keep your eye on the sister's pet dog "Jasper."

Brett (as usual) does a good job in capturing the essence of the famous gumshoe in his performance. Also look for a young Jude Law as a want-a-be jockey.

Finally, the costumes, background music, attention to detail, and cinematography are quite well done.

In conclusion, this is a good movie to watch even if you have read the story it's based on!!

(1990; 50 min; British drama; made for TV; full screen)

+++++

If you enjoyed Robin Ellis as Poldark and love a good mystery with Sherlock Holmes, you will enjoy this program. It is filled with mystery, horse racing, and intrigue. Robin Ellis plays the part of Sir Robert set in turn of the century England reminiscent of his character as Captain Ross Poldark with a new love - a champion race horse! If you do not want the VHS version, this program can be found as part of The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes DVD collection.

This is not one of my favorite Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes. People would give excuses that since it is a late film Jeremy Brett didn't act good when he was sick. The plot and directing (filming) is just boring. Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke are fine it it. It it about a racing horse who only a couple of people know he is being raced. At the end they find a dead body, from a couple of days ago hidden. This is definately not one of the best!