the fair sex is your department

'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'/Granada Television

And so I give you a proper introduction to the late actor Jeremy Brett, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in a television film series spanning a decade and as Freddie in 'My Fair Lady'. 

An intensely private bi-sexual, he was married twice and also had a long-time partner in fellow actor Gary Bond. After the death of his second wife he struggled with manic depression & the side-effects of the prescribed medication. The intensity & depth of his role as Holmes also had a deteriorating effect. Combined with heart troubles this eventually meant frequent oxygen mask breaks during shooting  were required. He's quoted as commenting "but, darlings, the show must go on". Unfortunately at the age of 61 his heart gave out. Coincidentally his companion Gary Bond passed away exactly one month later.

Film stills: 'My Fair Lady'/1964/George Cukor (Audrey Hepburn)

'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'/Granada Television

Here are some interesting titbits about his life:

1. Son of a lord, an heir of the Cadbury chocolate family
2. Dyslexic, he struggled academically at Eton, pursued drama & was told by his father to change his name to preserve the family honour
3. Born with a speech impediment preventing him from pronouncing the 'R' sound correctly he underwent surgery & a lifetime of vocal exercises resulting in his enviable perfect diction
4. Was so concerned by the negativity between the depicted cocaine use and his Sherlock Holmes character's popularity with children that he approached & convinced Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's daughter for permission to convey his overcoming the addiction (against her father's storyline), through the burial of his syringe.

Quickie: Born '33, died '95 / London, England / 185cm / eyes: hazel / smoked up to 3 packs a day / auditioned on two occasions for the role of James Bond, and nearly was!

you know my methods

Film stills: 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'/Granada Television

I recently finished watching the television film series 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes', and I couldn't recommend it enough. Shamefully I admit to never having read an actual Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned story. In primary school I had a really smart friend, one of those kids who's always kinda your constant competition, who was obsessed with Holmes & Dr. Watson. Perhaps that put me off. However with Jeremy Brett portraying the main character on the small screen I am converted, I may have to read a story quite soon just to compare his wicked portrayal of the detective to the written words. Aloof and eccentric, willful and oh so whippet sharp in thought & action Brett's Holmes is a force of nature. Gentlemen's fights, waterfall jumping, drug use, the supernatural... it's all there.

Including brilliant costumery. Deerstalkers & bowlers, twill & tweed, every layer of clothing down to the last detail is a lesson in gentlemen's dressing at the turn of the century. It provides a great visual feast. For those today adventurous enough to don the deerstalker:

1. Dual brims provide greater sun protection
2. Wear the side flaps down, even tied, to keep ears warm & protected from harsh moor winds
3. A red or orange and black checkered pattern will provide camouflage & hunter safety/blazin' colours
4. Perfect for trips out of the burbs', but a real gentleman wouldn't be seen wearing one in town