Perfect for the Movie Screen
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the first story about the brilliant detective in 1886. At the time, he had no idea what a phenomenon he had created. But Sherlock's fame was not long in coming. In the 20th century, he logically came to the attention of filmmakers.
It is estimated that Sherlock Holmes is one of the most portrayed characters in film history.
The Earliest Works
Incredibly, the first Sherlock appeared on the screen already in 1900. The film was called Sherlock Holmes Baffled and it was a 30-second sketch that certainly thrilled audiences of the time.
From today's perspective, of course, it doesn't have much to offer us anymore, apart from an interesting probe into the very beginnings of cinema.
The first significant full-length film was The Hound of the Baskervilles in 1939. Here the famous detective was played by the charismatic actor Basil Rathbone. He reprised the role many more times. The Hound of the Baskervilles started a series of 14 films based on Doyle's stories.
An Unexpected Rival
The makers of 1965's A Study in Terror allowed themselves a certain departure from the books. The famous Jack the Ripper (whom Holmes never met in the books) becomes the famous detective's adversary.
This horror film, starring John Neville, probably inspired the writers of Murder by Decree (1979), where Christopher Plummer's Sherlock also takes on London's arch-nemesis Jack the Ripper.
A Modern Take On
The twenty-first century has favored modernization, so the classic hero begins to conquer the cinema screens in Hollywood style. In 2009, the first such film is Sherlock Holmes, cut by Robert Downey Jr. The spectacle offered action-packed fight scenes in addition to the detective's deductive skills.
A sequel followed two years later, subtitled Game of Shadows. A third film has been in development for years.
Sherlock in the Series
The series' Sherlock Holmes was inevitably portrayed by British actor Jeremy Brett from the 1980s into the 1990s. He appeared in the multi-part series The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, The Return of Sherlock Holmes and The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
The individual episodes were fairly faithful to the source material and did not lack the typical mysterious atmosphere of 19th century London.
Another famous venture, on the other hand, leaves Victorian England behind. In the series Sherlock (2010-2017), the protagonist, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, struggles with criminals in the present day. There is no shortage of modern technology and instead of the typical cab, Sherlock uses a taxi to get around London. This daring work has become a worldwide hit.
FAQ
When did Sherlock Holmes first appear on screen?
In 1900, in the 30-second sketch Sherlock Holmes Baffled. The first significant full-length film was The Hound of the Baskervilles in 1939, with Basil Rathbone.
Who played Sherlock Holmes in the 2009 film?
Robert Downey Jr. The film offered action-packed fight scenes in addition to the detective's deductive skills, and a sequel, Game of Shadows, followed two years later.
Which Sherlock Holmes series is set in modern times?
Sherlock (2010-2017), starring Benedict Cumberbatch. The protagonist fights criminals in the present day and uses a taxi to get around London.
Is there a Czech Sherlock Holmes film?
Yes, the 1992 television film The Climbing Professor, directed by Zdeněk Zelenka, with Viktor Preiss as Holmes and Josef Somr as Watson. It has a slightly comedic undertone.
Czech Trail
Sherlock Holmes also flashed through Czech cinema. In 1992, the television film The Climbing Professor was made. It was directed by Zdeněk Zelenka and the central duo of Holmes and Watson were played by Viktor Preiss and Josef Somr.
Although it is a detective story, the story also has a slightly comedic undertone.
