Holmes spent the evening in rummaging among the files of the old daily papers with which one of our lumber-rooms was packed. When at last he descended it was with triumph in his eyes, but he said nothing to either of us as to the result of his researches. —The Six Napoleons
You know, the more I reread the canon, the more I have a hard time convincing myself that all the queer subtext was not deliberately written as so.
By God, there are more romantic passages than Basil confessing to have romantic feelings for Dorian in “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, an explicitly queer book – or as explicit as a book could be in the XIX century – that was used as “evidence” at Oscar Wilde’s trial for ‘gross indecency’.
The story itself was written by ACD from the point of view, mainly, of a military doctor discharged with honors (who subsequently share rooms with his found companion for at least 7 uninterrupted years), and writes 60 stories to give justice to his genius detective.
If this isn’t a love letter itself, I don’t know what it is.
Note: please, this is MY interpretation of the canon, and as many other Holmesians may share this view, I would like to expose it. If you see them as just intimate, good friends, go for it. This was not written as an attack if your view of the stories is different.
On April 24th 1984, a new Sherlock Holmes series from Granada Television premiered for the very first time on our television screens. The series was titled The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the episode was “A Scandal in Bohemia.” It starred Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes, David Burke as Dr. John Watson, and guest starred Gayle Hunnicutt as Irene Adler.
Sherlock Holmes is not a religious nor particularly spiritual man. For this reason “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” is a rarity much like the blue carbuncle itself is a rarity. The story not only features Christmas, but is also keeping with the Christian themes of the holiday. Luckily, unlike the blue carbuncle, there is not a sinister history behind it. As soon as I saw the Holmesian Holiday calendar I knew I wanted to write a meta comparing the ACD canon story to the Granada Holmes adaptation. I found a cheap audio edition of three unabridged stories including “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” read by Edward Hardwicke at a charity store.
As any Granada Holmes fan knows David Burke played Watson in the adaptation of “The Blue Carbuncle”. I think that both David Burke and Edward Hardwicke are excellent Watsons. Recording an audiobook is not the same as playing a character on a TV show. With audiobooks more attention is paid to clarity than emotion. Obviously with an audiobook the actor only has their voice to convey meaning as opposed to body language and facial expressions. Despite the limitations I thought it would be interesting to compare not only the content of the canon story versus the Granada Holmes adaptation, but David Burke playing Watson versus Edward Hardwicke reading the story.
Edward Hardwicke does an excellent job with the audiobook. His voices for the minor characters are particularly noteworthy, but he conveys Holmes’ emotions well and, not surprisingly, does an excellent job with Watson’s lines. However, even based on voice alone, Burke’s Watson is a more energetic Watson.
David Burke is a master at the physical components of acting, but for the comparison I tried to focus solely on how he verbalized Watson. Although I have no complaints about Hardwicke’s reading of the betting scene, it was far more enjoyable with the expressions and physical comedy that Brett and Burke brought to their characters.
As stated above reading an audiobook is not the same as playing a character, but it was still a bit weird to hear Hardwicke reading Holmes’ dialogue. There was a part of my brain going “No, you are Watson.” It also reminded me just how much Brett’s physicality brought to the character of Holmes. His “oh you scared me gesture” to Peterson or the look in his eyes as he watches Watson try to deduce the hat and then lists his deductions based on the hat brings so much more than can be shown with the written word or an audiobook. Brett was a brilliant actor and it is unfortunate that he did not receive more recognition for his work as Holmes.
Granada Holmes especially in the earlier episodes tried to stay as close as possible to the original canon stories. Jeremy Brett was a strong proponent of being as true to Doyle as possible within the constraints that come with translating a written story into a filmed episode. “The Blue Carbuncle” is one the closest episodes to the canon stories. A large portion of the dialogue is taken straight from the story. In cases when the physicality of the actors, scenery, and props eliminated the need for some canon text the rest of the dialogue is frequently retained.
This being said there are some noteworthy differences between the stories. In the canon story Watson visits Holmes after Christmas and finds him contemplating Henry Baker’s hat. As Watson is telling the story in canon it is necessary that he be present or told about something in order for it to be included in the story. In Granada Holmes we are seeing the story unfold and, thus, scenes that Watson doesn’t know the details about can be included. On Granada Holmes Watson never marries and Watson comes home from Christmas shopping to find Holmes contemplating the hat. We are also treated to Mrs. Hudson waking up a very grumpy Holmes. There is a certain irony to Holmes’ grumpiness at being woken up considering how he expects Watson to be cheerful whenever Holmes wakes him up. .
As Watson is not the narrator on Granada Holmes we also get the treat of the humourous first scene between Peterson and Holmes. Compared to many other stories “The Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle” is a light one, but this scene is just plain fun while still contributing to the plot. These scenes are great examples of an adaptation enhancing the story in the telling rather than changing the story in the telling. Happiness and humour have a place in Sherlock Holmes stories.
In light of Holmes’ general lack of religious belief the ending is surprisingly overtly Christian. “I am not retained by the police to supply their deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to jail now, and you make him a jail-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward.” Brett delivers the line “I am not retained by the police to supply their deficiencies” with much more anger than in Hardwicke’s does in the audiobook.
Another change made for dramatic reasons is that Watson says he cannot enjoy dinner while knowing that John Horner is still falsely imprisoned. Holmes sighs and he and Watson leave immediately go to the authorities to make sure that Horner is reunited with his family. The episode ends with the heartwarming scene of Horner being reunited with his wife and children.
On a less positive note Brett’s Holmes, in contrast to the canon story in which Holmes sends word to the Countess that he has the blue carbuncle, says he is keeping it for his museum. It is unclear whether Holmes is entirely serious. If so, Peterson would no longer be receiving the award from the Countess. One would hope that in that case Holmes would be giving Peterson a reward.
It is not often that one has the opportunity to appreciate ACD canon, Jeremy Brett, David Burke, and Edward Hardwicke in the same story. “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” and the Granada Holmes adaptation of it give fans that opportunity.
The Granada promo photo shoots are like an article for middle aged married men, sharing their happiness. So, I…. Um….
Many years ago, a young doctor found himself alone in London, without kith nor kin to turn to in his disillusion and loneliness. A detective struggling to create his own private consulting practice found himself unable to afford lodgings in the City. A chance encounter, a few glossed over confessions, and a murder investigation later, saw the beginning of a devoted and loving ‘intimate companionship’ that has spanned decades.
I sat down with Mr Sherlock Holmes and his beloved Boswell, Dr John Watson in one of the Speaking Rooms at the club of Holmes’ brother. The Diogenes, with its silence and secrets allowed us the opportunity to speak frankly and openly with one another.
[Young love. Holmes and Watson shortly after they began sharing their rooms in Baker Street. Even while trying to keep their bond a secret, they were less than discreet.]
More than thirty years, including fifty-six short stories, and four novels. How can you explain the strength of your relationship?
Holmes gives a cheeky, sly smile, shared with his Watson. “He is nothing, if not eager. Enthusiastic. After all this time, he is still an excited boy when it comes to me and my skills.“
Eyeing his partner, Watson snickers. “You’re six years younger than I am, my dear.”
“In years, yes. In cynicism? Never.” He pats Watson’s knee, earning an eye roll.
[Hard At Work. Holmes and Watson: partners in every sense of the word.]
Do you find it difficult to separate the different halves of your life? Keeping servant and chronicler apart from partner and friend?
Holmes snorts and claps his hands together in his amusement. “When he takes up his pen, it as my other half, rather than my chronicler. It is what leads him to so greatly embellish my skills. He thinks he is doing me a service.“ he hums, squirming in his seat. Beside him, Watson gives me a long suffering look and raises his eyebrows towards Holmes, as if to say ‘You see what I live with?’
“He has always been like this.” Watson mutters. “The man positively wallows is false modesty.“ His voice is flat, but there is an obvious look of mirth about his eyes.
[Beekeeping In Sussex. Even in retirement, Holmes tries to keep his mind active.]
“We bought a small cottage with the fee Holmes charged for a case involving a-”
“Hush, Watson!“
“Ah, yes. I’m sorry. This case hasn’t been put into print yet. It’s not important. Allow me to simply say, we were financially secure for the first time in our lives. Holmes had given his life savings to a distant cousin of his, in order that he might purchase my practice.” The look Watson gives Holmes is half deep love, half annoyed resignation.
“You were trying to sell.” Holmes chimes in, lighting a cigarette. For the rest of our interview, he only inhales it once, but uses it the gesture wildly to make his points. “I thought it best to keep the practice in the family. And besides, since the money went to you in the first place, and I maintain your finances, it was little more than just taking it from one place to the other.“
“You just wanted me to move back home.”
“Yes.”
[Doctor, writer, soldier, surgeon. Watson is just as impressive as his more analytical companion. Here we find them in Watson’s consulting room.]
Was it ever intimidating, working along such a great mind?
Before Watson can even open his mouth, Holmes leaps in with a reply. “Yes, I did find it so, on occasion.“ This earns him a kiss on the temple, and an elbow in the ribs. At the same time. “When I first met Watson, I was little more than a boy. Still in my twenties, and rather embarrassingly innocent.” he continues, rubbing his side.
“You make me sound like some sort of deviant, Holmes. I was hardly older than you.”
“You thought I was a student.” The detective’s grey eyes twinkle as he laughs.
“I hadn’t learnt your methods yet. I found you in a school laboratory, mixing chemicals. What was I meant to think? I was soon corrected.”
“When I told you your own circumstances. Recently home from the war.” Holmes rests his hand on Watson’s knee.
“Friendless, and alone.” Watson murmurs, covering Holmes’ fingers with his own.
Seeming to remember my presence, both men clear their throats and shift in their seats.
“I’m sorry, what was the question?”
[Ever the show man, Holmes shamelessly flirts with our photographer. Watson is less than amused.]
"It took me several years, to be completely comfortable with Holmes. Comfortable enough to speak my mind about certain topics.“
Holmes nudges the doctor, and leans against him for a moment. “Watson is very much a proper gentleman. He is referring of course to my addiction. It had come between us for many years.” He links their fingers together, and I can see that he is squeezing hard enough to turn his knuckles white.
“But you’ve overcome it, my dear."
"With your assistance.” Holmes’ words are low and soothing, obviously trying to comfort Watson over a subject that still smarts him to this day. “Every day, Watson would do what he could to distract me from the black fits and boredom that threatened to drive me mad. Whether it was shuffling me about on walks through the Park, or evenings at the opera house, he staved off the need to poison myself.“
[Philosophy and agriculture. Watson lovingly maintains a garden, which provides Holmes’ bees with something to do.]
"Before, I had thought rusticating in the country would be a punishment. I’ve since learnt how wrong I was.” Watson grins. “The cottage is situated near the sea. Holmes goes swimming nearly every day. I, on the other hand, am lazy and old. I tend our garden, and write when I’m bored. Holmes hasn’t taken to retirement as easily as I have.“
"I believe I have been doing admirably.” Holmes puts in, waving his still smoldering cigarette near Watson’s face. The doctor doesn’t even flinch as it comes dangerously close to his eye.
“You’ve solved four murders, a kidnapping, and a case of mistaken identity.”
“That’s only been this month, though.”
[Looking ahead. Watson is still writing Holmes’ adventures, and Holmes is still amazed that Watson is by his side.]
So what’s next for you?
The pair share a speaking glance. It’s easy to read the exchange.
‘Would you care to?’
‘No, you can go ahead.’
‘Are you sure?’
It’s Watson who speaks first.
“I still have dozens of stories that have been unpublished, for safety reasons. I would like to put them into print. After that?” he looks over at his companion.
Holmes gives me a serene smile, his lashes coming down over his pale eyes almost coquettishly. "Bees, flowers, and honey.“
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