The Sherlock Holmes Theatre [UNABRIDGED] [Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Arthur Conan Doyle (Author), Yuri Rasovsky (Narrator), William Gillette (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005

For all Sherlock Holmes fans, Blackstone Audiobooks is pleased to present the first audio recordings ever of the only two Holmes plays written by his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Napoleon of Crime and The Speckled Band, along with a newly created one-act comedy, Ghastly Double Murder in Famed Detective’s Flat. These new, specially commissioned productions of the Hollywood Theater of the Ear star Audie Award-winning readers and a full cast in three exceptional dramas, a unique, must-have audio for all Sherlockians.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

A complete cast performs the only two Holmes plays written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as a spoof production by the audiobook's producer, Yuri Rasovsky. In all three, Rasovsky combines a talented cast, spot-on sound effects, and a rich musical score to achieve a stunning audio production. Every character, every cast member, every special effect, and every note of music merits applause. The first two plays are vintage Conan Doyle--full of clues for the discerning listener, full of mystery for all, with a satisfying "aha!" at the end. In the third, Rasovsky presents a clever portrayal of Holmes in retirement, killing for pleasure and running off with Watson's wife. Once you get over the shock, you'll never read Sherlock the same way again. R.L.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks; Unabridged edition (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786179910
• ISBN-13: 978-0786179916
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,456,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sherlock Holmes Theatre, March 26, 2005

By 

john purcell "johneric99" (Purcellville, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Sherlock Holmes Theatre (Audio Cassette)

I listened to this audiobook on a recent hiking trip and found it very entertaining. A talented cast presents the only Holmes plays written by his creator, Sir Authur Conan Doyle.

In Sherlock Holmes, our hero fends off various nefarious plans launched by his nemasis, Professor Moriarity, the head of the London crime syndicate. Holmes even develops a love interest.

In the second play, The Speckled Band, Holmes solves an old murder and prevents a second one. The Anglo-Indian doctor has unusual habits, a mean disposition, surly servants and dog, and a propensity for seeing unhappy outcomes to the women left in his charge. Fortunately, Watson knew the family in India, and brings Holmes into the picture at the right time.

Then we have the little extra treat. Ghastly Double Murder in Famed Detectives's Flat is a more recent comedic play involving the Doyle characters, written by Yuri Rasovsky. This shows us what happens when the spotlight is turned off, as many new twists encircle Holmes, Watson, Mrs. Watson, and the long-suffering housekeeper. In this short story, Holmes elects an early retirement, as the current cases and criminals no longer hold his attention. Watson foresees his own demise, as he is broke, in debt to nefarious characters, and has already sold book rights that Holmes will never grant. The landlady realizes no one other than Holmes will pay the rent that has enabled her lifestyle all these years. She and Watson team up to stop Holmes' retirement with a surprising outcome.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine but missing "Crown Diamond", February 27, 2006

By 

Rudy Faist (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sherlock Holmes Theatre [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

These are well done audio dramatizations with full orchestra and a fine cast. The third play takes up one CD and is not by Doyle and furthermore, is a comedy. I found it funny, but it may not be to the taste of a Doyle/Sherlock Holmes purist. Given that the focus of this set was to present performances of Sherlock Holmes plays that Doyle wrote or was involved in (the first play, "Sherlock Holmes" was originally written by Doyle but then re-written by William Gillette), I was surprised that Doyle's one-act play "The Crown Diamond" wasn't presented too (it would have fitted on one-disc). That said, "Crown Diamond" has never been highly regarded by most fans. All in all, a terrific set that is well worth having.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic and fun...., March 28, 2006

By 

Rick Sheridan "AudioColumn.com" (Xenia, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sherlock Holmes Theatre [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

In this remake of a well-known classic, Professor Moriarity plots with potential blackmailers to have Holmes killed, resulting in suspense and intrigue, including Holmes falling in love, with a mystery woman. The audio offers a new and realistic take on the London detective story.