Editorial Review

Young women in strict Muslim households used to send their pledges of love to young men through messages woven through the knots of a carpet in an Arab tradition that continues to this day, explains a dryly intoning narrator. "What, you may ask, has this to do with Lovejoy?" Plenty, as it turns out, when he agrees to sell an Anatolian carpet for Lady Jane and winds up sniffing out a plot when the bidding war over a seemingly ordinary Berber rug is followed by that carpet's theft. Lovejoy shows that for a rascal he too has a heart. While he seems to lose money every time he turns around in this episode, he becomes Cupid to one young lover, a guardian angel to a high-spirited eccentric with a house full of antique treasures, and an uncharacteristically sensitive friend to Lady Jane when her rocky marriage is suddenly put on the line. Not bad for Britain's most notorious, trouble-prone antique hunter. Read more

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Reviews (3)

DVD' s please
The seasons of Lovejoy need to be in DVD format. I can't bring myself to buy a VHS tape

another Lovejoy treasure!
It's musical chairs with rugs for Lovejoy, Tink and Eric. Lovejoy is a Joy!
Lovejoy mysteries deal strictly with the world of antiques.There is plenty of British humor here as well as adventure and mystery.This episode is typical of Lovejoy finding his way into things to make a lot ofcash only to blow it to satisfy curiosity and to help a friend in need(Lady Jane).This episode sees the end of Lady Jane's marriage which isunfortunate but not unexpected. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mystery    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Suspense   

Editorial Review

One of the most interesting stories in the Sherlock Holmes canon, Read more

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Reviews (8)

Sherlock Meets the Devil!!!!!
+++++
Beautiful and Dark
I havn't seen all the episodes in this series yet, but so far this is one of my favourites. This is because Jeremy Brett is absolutely PERFECT as Sherlock Holmes ( In all the episodes, not just this one.) This episode reveals his darker, more melancholy side ( one of the things I love so much about Holmes.) He goes for long walks along the beach alone,lost in his own little world. Slow moving
I love the Jeremy Brett/Sherlock Holmes, but this isn't that good. Jeremy Brett gives an outstanding performance but it is so slow. This is one of my least favorites. It does have a couple of sceens that are alright. I like the beginning where it shows the drug, The Devil's Foot. This is not that great though I like the performances in the film! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

The first episode of the third season finds the irascible antique hunter and scam artist Lovejoy (Ian McShane) returning home six months after the windfall from his biggest commission ever. The money's gone, spent on ill-advised schemes, high living, and a flat for his daughter, but like a cat he lands on his feet, even inheriting a friend's country villa for an open-ended housesitting gig. Quickly putting his loyal team back together and reconnecting with gal pal Lady Jane Felsham (Phyllis Logan), he finds himself pulled into a dangerous plot involving a possibly invaluable ancient Incan gold ring, a desperate South American government official, Jane's alluring aristocratic friend Victoria (guest star Joanna Lumley), and a kidnapping in Lovejoy's own backyard. Lovejoy is not quite the cad his reputation suggests in this episode, but his skills as a con man come to the fore in a ploy to save both the girl and the gold. Read more

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Another Lovable Lovejoy
In the opening episode of the third season, Divy Lovejoy find in all sorts of complications.When we last saw him, he had left everyone square money-wise, and was off for a much needed vacation.Now he is broke.All the money gone for various reasons and he is house-sitting for a sleaze Freddie the Phone. Another wonderful Lovable Lovejoy
In the opening episode of the third season, Divy Lovejoy find in all sorts of complications.When we last saw him, he had left everyone square money-wise, and was off for a much needed vacation.Now he is broke.All the money gone for various reasons and he is house-sitting for a sleaze Freddie the Phone.Read more

Subjects:  1. Mystery    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Suspense   

Editorial Review

Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and Dr. John Watson (Edward Hardwicke) are brought to Hurlstone Manor by Reginald Musgrave (Michael Culver) to look into the disappearance of his butler, Brunton (James Hazeldine).Various clues (a crumpled piece of paper, a brass key, a peg of wood with string attached) suggest that Brunton's disappearance is somehow related to the "Musgrave ritual," an arcane practice compelling young Musgrave family members to recite an odd riddle that might have to do with buried treasure. Holmes's methodical approach to the problem is a lot of fun, and Brett and Hardwicke seem to be having a particularly good time outdoors, pursuing the solution under a bit of sunshine. Jeremy Paul, who adapted Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story for this teledrama, won an Edgar Award for his script. Read more

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thin story told well
"The Musgrave Ritual" was never a great story - essentially an overblown treasure hunt.From that thin plot is fashioned a great ep. that fleshes out Holmesian mystique, obsessive love, greed, social resentment and intellectual exploitation.And all of this from a weekend in the country...
We love it
When Sherlock Holmes drops in on an old school chum, Reginald Musgrave, he finds his visit anything but boring. When the butler disappears and the maid has an unexplained nervous breakdown, Holmes begins to investigate. The Musgrave family has been unwittingly keeping a secret for hundreds of years, and it lies at the very heart of this mystery! A Keeper
I rate on several levels, and this episode rates excellent on 1)plot 2)acting 3)location and photography.The setting of the mystery is beautiful; the "new" side of Holmes' character is amusing (I had to laugh at his behaviour) and the Musgrave Ritual's reward after the wonderful suspense of the hunt was truly a unique treasure.I enjoyed Holmes' human side - Jeremy Brett's portrayal of him as almost embarassing Dr. Watson, and Edward Hardwicke's facial expressions - tolerant, weary, amused, forgiving - truly a "brick" and a friend to Holmes. I find his portrayal of Dr. Watson is convincing as a medical man, intelligent in his own right without any inferiority. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle caught a fair amount of flak for getting a lot of details wrong in this story about the training and racing of horses.Nevertheless, it is one of his most popular yarns and makes a fine basis for this vigorous 1988 episode from the Granada Television series about Sherlock Holmes. The Great Detective (Jeremy Brett) and his chronicler and ally Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) hurry to Devonshire, following the murder of a trainer and the disappearance of Silver Blaze, a swift horse heavily favored to win the big-money Wessex Cup. Holmes takes some snarly barbs from Blaze's rich owner in stride--though he has his revenge on the arrogant fellow later. The mystery is a keen one and the solution is among Doyle's most inventive. Brett and Hardwicke are at their best as the dynamic duo. Read more

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Reviews (2)

A Nice Friendship/Partnership Story
I would give this story 4 1/2 stars if I could because while this is not the best of the Granada series, it certainly isn't the worst.I like "Silver Blaze" because it is a good story (even if Doyle got someof the horse racing details wrong), and it is nice to see Holmes and Watsonworking together.Watson (played by the supurb Edward Hardwicke) is notthe useless cardboard cutout which is only there to fill space, he assistsHolmes with studying the evidence, and later hunting for the horse upon themoor.The scene where they are cheering on Silver Blaze in the race isgrand, and the expression on Holmes' face is priceless.He wants to cheerfor Silver Blaze but can't quite break that reserved barrier.Jeremy Brettplays the eccentric detective beautifully although he does look tired inthis story.

The beginning of the end
I am sorry to say that I cannot really recommend this video, and I wish they had filmed it before Jeremy Brett's illness started to affect his performance. For affect it it certainly does.Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Lovejoy's independent-minded daughter Vicki (Amelia Shankley) finds an 18th-century Scottish commemorative sword in her attic and puts it up for auction, inadvertently bidding up her own dad. Lovejoy is about to chalk it up to experience when a Scot named Kinloch (Edward Hardwicke) offers him more than double the value, which only sets his opportunistic mind whirling with possibilities. After a series of robbery attempts Lovejoy decides to investigate Kinloch and witnesses a bizarre dinnertime ritual at his palatial estate. The episode rings with offbeat humor and irony as fate takes an even stronger hand than Lovejoy in the final revelations of the sword's secrets. Read more

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A gem of a Lovejoy episode
This episode finds Lovejoy at odds with his grown daughter.To make up for not being the best of absentee fathers while Victoria was growing up, Lovejoy creates a London showroom for his antiques and set daughter up in the showroom as helper and a place for her to live.Victoria wants a real job and to own her own apartment, which sets daughter and father on collision course. Lovejoy wha' ha' ye??
Lovejoy has bought a showroom for his antiques, but plans to kill two birds with one stone and have his daughter, Vicki, to live there.Only she wants to buy the apartment for herself, putting them at logger heads.While she is working in the apartment, she discovered an ancient Scottish Claymore and decides to make a few bucks by putting it up at auction.But who should buy the sword - daddy dearest!Read more

Subjects:  1. Mystery    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Suspense   

Editorial Review

"We have not yet met our Waterloo, Watson, but this is our Marengo, for it begins in defeat and ends in victory," says Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett), in the midst of a bloody mystery with significant moral and ethical implications. Holmes and Watson (Edward Hardwicke) are summoned to the Abbey Grange, where Sir Eustace Brackenstall has been brutally murdered, apparently by a local gang of thieves. But the case proves much more complex, and ends with one of Holmes's rare but decisive and personal interpretations of justice. An early episode in the new onscreen association of Brett and Hardwicke (who ably replaced the departed David Burke), the two actors seem as perfectly meshed as their allied characters.This fine production is as enjoyable for the casual viewer as it is for the most dedicated Sherlockian. Read more

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We love it
When Sherlock Holmes is summoned to investigate the murder of Sir Eustace Brackenstall, it appears to be an open-and-shut case of simple housebreaking gone wrong. However, when Holmes begins to look at all of the clues, his view of the case is turned upside down. He finds a cut bell-rope and a burnt dog-collar. The lady of the house is hiding something, but what? ONE OF THE VERY BEST EPISODES OF THIS FINE SERIES.
Outstanding performances from all, terrific script and direction, and a wonderful opportunity to watch Sherlock Holmes deduce the mystery make THE ABBEY GRANGE one of my personal favorites in the series. We see many facetsof Holmes' personality here, from the cold calculating machine to the warmand sympathetic friend. Jeremy Brett gives one of his best performances asHolmes and the other castmembers are also outstanding. It's a treat to seethe shipping clerk who is also a fan of Doctor Watson's stories helping outwith a clue, and even his shy wife is memorable. Watch for the 'trick shot'where you see what Holmes sees and Watson does not observe. EdwardHardwicke is a worthy successor to David Burke as Dr. Watson (I actuallyprefer his performances since it's obvious that he and Brett had greatchemistry working together.) And speaking of chemistry, it's a real treatto see Holmes/Brett's reaction to a particularly grateful client who takeshim by surprise. This is a wonderful show. If you want to introduce someoneto Brett as Holmes, show them this episode. I did--I loaned this to myparents, old Rathbone fans, and they were instantly also fans of JeremyBrett. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) are drawn into the investigation of the murder of Garcia (Arturo Venegas), for which Scott Eccles (Donald Churchill), a guest of Garcia's at Wisteria Lodge, has been arrested--possibly mistakenly. An extreme rarity in the Holmes canon, a policeman of real competence named Inspector Baynes (Freddie Jones), is also on the case, making this tale all the more interesting for Holmes fans interested in comparing and contrasting investigative styles. Brett and Hardwicke, as always, are exceptionally good as the Great Detective and his famous ally.Read more

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What is the Secret of Wisteria Lodge??
+++++
Dark, Violent, Brilliant!
Granda Television's adaption of Wisteria Lodge is a dark, violent story. It is also one of the most beautifully acted and filmed of the Jeremy Brettproductions.Every reviewer before me has said it before: Jeremy Brett isthe most fascinating and complete protrayal of Sherlock Holmes that ourworld as seen.As much as I loved watching Basil Rathbone, he really onlyscratched the surface of the most famous detective in the world.I guessit depends on who you grew up with.Many older viewers may still preferRathbone just because he was the first they saw in the role. Arty
This is a marvelous and arty look (check out some of these shots) at a rather obscure Holmes mystery, done when Jeremy Brett was in his prime and the filmmakers hadn't yet gotten overwrought and pretentious. Very fine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery    3. Mystery / Suspense    4. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller    5. Suspense    6. Television   

Editorial Review

One of the most interesting stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes canon makes for a particularly taut and exciting episode in the Granada Television series about the famous detective. Holmes (the outstanding Jeremy Brett) and Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) are summoned by the desperate founder of an exclusive prep school for boys to locate the missing son of a duke. The investigation uncovers a nefarious plot, and the major clue (a controversial one at the time Doyle wrote the story) involves nothing more than the direction of bicycle tracks. The suspense never lets up in this excellent program, and Brett and Hardwicke are at their best.Read more

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We love it
When Sherlock Holmes finds a distraught school-master barging into his room, it's the start of his involvement in the disappearance of the son of the famed Duke of Holdernesse's son. But, the Duke's aversion to any publicity necessitates that Holmes keep a low profile. What are the Duke's real concerns, and what has happened to the German master who disappeared the same night? There's a deep mystery here, and only Sherlock Holmes can get to the bottom of it! Favorite
Excellent plot, acting and setting.The characters are well defined and acted - even the uncouth innkeeper is memorable. The school's setting, the lonely moors, the Duke's splendid home - all combine to create great atmosphere.It is well photographed and the plot is convoluted enough to hold the attention and keep the mind busy to the end.Jeremy Brett and Edwarde Hardwicke at their best.

An excellent version
I'm 25 and have enjoyed this series and the stories since I was about 10. While this dramatization isn't totally faithful to the original by Conan Doyle, I'm still not sure if I enjoy the episode or the story better!Nevertheless it is one of my favorite in the TV series and I recommend itto any Holmes fan or even those who like a good mystery. An excellent hourto spend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Yup, that is Counselor Troi from Read more

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Reviews (8)

the ULTIMATE Holmes
Okay...the only thing I can say is that Jeremy Brett is absolutely The One and Only Sherlock Holmes; no one else comes close to the mastery with which he plays this role. An hour of television perfection !
Although many of the episodes in the series are fantastic, this one is, by far, my very favorite. Grazie, Granada!
Wow!Granada gets an A+ for this one!It is a wonderful mystery, and it is funny, though the humor doens't stick out; it just flows.The last scene is the best Sherlock scene of all time.The way Brett unveils the pearl (especially the tablecloth.Nice touch!), and explains the solution in typical Sherlock-dramatic style is fascinating.The scene where Lestrade praises Holmes is just awesome.(For those who haven't seen it, I don't want to spoil the end; be prepared for a Look that could melt hearts of stone.) As someone said below, Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes.He can act circles around Basil Rathbone anyday.Also, Watson is excellent.Hardwicke is the perfect supporting role.He is not a bumbling bafoon either.What a relief! For those of you who are fans of the Granada series, or have never seen any before, this is one of, if not the best.If I could give it 10 stars, I would do so in a heartbeat. Arrivederci! ... Read more

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Something Went Right
Rodney Dangerfield played host to seven comedians, filmed live at Dangerfield's nightclub in New York City. Lenny Clarke, who co-starred with Dennis Leary in the TV series The Job, goes over well with the crowd. The notorious Andrew Dice Clay has never been funnier, especially when he does his off-color nursery rhymes. Dom Irrera, who played a prop comedian in an episode of Seinfeld, teaches Italians the finer points of being Italian. Rodney always had an eye for comedic talent, and all of the stand-up comedians in this video range from very funny to absolutely hilarious.

The best Stand-up I've ever seen!
This is the best collection of stand-up comedians I've ever seen. It is just a great video, and it's a shame that you can't find it anymore. It is really one of a kind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Performing Arts - Concerts   

Editorial Review

A junior clerk working for Britain's defense planning dashes off in the middle of a date with his fiancée, and turns up dead along some railroad tracks--apparently having been pushed from a train while carrying several secret documents related to England's development of a submarine warship. Was he a traitor? If so, who killed him? The case is brought to the attention of Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and his ally, Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke), by none other than Mycroft Holmes (Charles Gray), brother of the Great Detective and indispensable repository of government business. Sherlock's conclusions, however, prove there is more to the truth than meets the eye. Brett, as always, is the perfect Holmes while Hardwicke is the ideal Watson for the latter years of their crime-fighting career. A strong story with some of the sleuth's most impressive investigatory work, Read more

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Reviews (7)

Sherlock takes on a case to Serve his Country!!!
+++++
Superb
"The Bruce Partington Plans" was one of Arthur Conan Doyle's finest Sherlock Holmes stories, a ripping yarn that is well-paced and creatively plotted. Little adaption was needed to turn this superb mystery into another fine Holmes film starring Jeremy Brett. From the loftiest government officials to the lowliest train conductors, all the actors here do a splendid job, and the foggy, moody London atmosphere has been captured wonderfully, as has the period detail. What's not to like? The mysterious body found thrown from a train, the high stakes government papers, the messages sent through the agony column of the daily telegraph, the murky burgled house... great stuff for mystery buffs!

Not a favorite
I love this series, but this one is definately not the best! The preformances, once again are superb but the plot and story goes so slow! It bored me! This is one of my least favorites. Most people that I know don't like the actor who plays Mycroft, but he's perfect for the role. The beginning was interresting, but from there it got boring. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Arguably the most entertaining and satisfying episode from the entire Granada Television series about Sherlock Holmes, Read more

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We love it
When Sherlock Holmes is approached by the Prime Minister himself, it looks to be the start of the greatest case of his life. A very important letter is missing from the Secretary for European Affair's dispatch box, and it is not too much to say that its publication would propel Britain into a major war. Only three men in England would handle such a document, and when one of them suddenly turns up dead, Holmes casts his eyes in that direction. And though the dead man does not have the letter, there is a mystery connected with his death - where he died there was blood on the carpet but not on the floor beneath, but looking elsewhere there is a second stain. There are mysteries within mysteries here, mysteries that only Sherlock Holmes can solve! A mixed bag
I would have a hard time saying that this is one of the best in the series.There is very little suspense, Watson's role is smaller than usual, and I'm not sure the story holds up. Pen Ultimate Holmes
One of the top entries in this series, and Brett continues to imbue his already flawless Holmes with still more interesting facets.A stolen letter, from a foreign hot-head, disappears from a government officials'sdispatch box.Both the hapless official AND the Prime Minister (HarryAndrews in an impeccable performance) are terrified:it means war shouldthe contents become public.Holmes realizes that too much time has elapsedfor the letter to remain secret, so "prepare for war," headvises.A following visit from the official's furtive wife intriguesHolmes and Watson further, but they will not compromise the Britishgovernment for the sake of a woman's wiles -- and still the contents don'tsurface and so there just might be a chance.A well timed murder becomesthe catalyst, and so -- the adventure begins.Grenada has never been infiner form than with this terrific Victorian mystery.The cast plays withseasoned perfection (Colin Jeavons joins in again expertly as thewaste-of-time Inspector Lestrade) and the results are wonderful! EdwardHardwicke remains as comfortable as a favorite slipper in playing Watson,and Brett's iconoclastic detective is just a joy to watch (his dismissive-- and dangerous -- match-tossing, scrambling and snorting on the Lucasparlor floor, etc.)!Listen to Patrick Gowers beautiful musical motif forLord Bellinger and just enjoy this excellent and all too brief visit backin time to the Victorian wonderland of Sherlock Holmes. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

One of the most ingenious of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Read more

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A Disappointment
Despite being based on one of Conan Doyle's better stories, this is one of the duds of the Granada series: poorly photographed and staged, and lackingthe story's crisp drama. The solution of the mystery is particularly limp.

See two handsome actors make themselves thoroughly hideous!
This story always seemed to me to be the most preposterous of tales. A rich man masquerading as a beggar?Read more

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Editorial Review

Did Sherlock Holmes survive his apparent demise at the hands of Professor Moriarty in Read more

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Great Movies!
If you like the Jeremy Brett/Sherlock Holmes movies, you'll like this one!But I rather like David Burke better than Edward Hardwicke.Anyway, Holmes is DEFINITELY not gay.I don't know what crazy people thought of that, but they can rant all their life and it won't change the truth.Holmes was merely admiring the criminal's intelligence, almost matching his own.I thought you didn't want Holmes to be arrogant?

We love it
With Sherlock Holmes dead at the Reichenbach Falls, Watson returns to his daily life. But, three years later, when Holmes suddenly appears in his examining room Watson receives the shock of his life. But, it's not time for happy reunions; Holmes is on the track of a major villain, and he is in need of his able assistant. Once again, the game is afoot! Excellent DVD
These two stories may not be as involved as some contemporary mysteries involving modern forensics, but Holmes' use of rational deduction and the forensics of his time (late 19th Century) is grand. If you are a true mystery fan, this is the place to begin--and return to again. Conan Doyle was a superb story teller.Read more

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Editorial Review

This is the Lovejoy we've come to fear and love. This fourth season episode finds the quick-thinking rascal broke, despondent, and uncharacteristically bored with antiques, but he suddenly comes to life when he plots an old-fashioned auction scam. Whetting his appetite by conning a naive young antique dealer (for a little operating cash), he proceeds to gather a group of retired pros to run a variation of an auction ring, but when a snag threatens the plan he pulls Lady Jane into the "only slightly illegal" scheme as an unwittingly accomplice. Lovejoy has always been at his best with his back against the wall and Ian McShane rises to the occasion with one of his most spirited performances. With a twinkle in his eye and barely suppressed grin on his face, McShane lets his audience know that the antique game is more fun when Lovejoy bends the rules. Read more

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McShane is a charming rogue
McShane took Jonathan Gash's books are made Lovejoy his own, a kinder, gentler character as it were.The Ring is one of the best episode of the series. Read more

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