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cool_trek1's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Still the best Sherlock ever. Thanks to the publisher for remaking this book so I could read it. No thanks to the publisher for not realizing that people would want to read it and making it so difficult to obtain. I did get it and it is a beautiful story. A must read for fans of the show.
letopotato's review against another edition
emotional
informative
fast-paced
4.0
A must read for every Granada Holmes enthusiast.
thebookaneer's review
3.0
This book was incredibly sad. It chronicles the life of Jeremy Brett, a personal hero of mine, as he wrestles with the character of Holmes throughout his career, from energetic, inspired and intellectual performances in the early episodes to his untimely death.
It is easy to romanticize Brett as Holmes, picturing him struggling with the character as he has so often described, and that the struggle is what drove him to several mental breakdowns, but it was not so. His manic depression, along with the death of his wife and his failing health impaired his continued battle to faithfully portray the detective and live a full and healthy life.
This is a loving, but second and third hand story of his decline. I wished I could speak to Brett myself and ask him, but this is the closest we will get.
It is easy to romanticize Brett as Holmes, picturing him struggling with the character as he has so often described, and that the struggle is what drove him to several mental breakdowns, but it was not so. His manic depression, along with the death of his wife and his failing health impaired his continued battle to faithfully portray the detective and live a full and healthy life.
This is a loving, but second and third hand story of his decline. I wished I could speak to Brett myself and ask him, but this is the closest we will get.
mtoddweb's review
5.0
Davies' account of actor Jeremy Brett in his most famous role is short but dense. The book focuses squarely on Brett's work as Holmes in the justly lauded Granada television series of the 1980s-90s. It addresses his relationships with his two co-stars, David Burke and Edward Hardwicke (who befriended Brett during some of the most difficult periods of his life), while avoiding any discussions of his sexuality. The account of Brett's mental illness and his determination to keep working is almost heartbreaking. If you are a fan of Brett or of the Granada series, treat yourself to this book, and make sure you have some tissues handy.
karo_221b's review
4.0
Oh, this was a tough read. Informative and well written, but tough nonetheless.
Jeremy Brett's story is a sad one and to witness his battle with mental and physical illness on page was quite hard for me as a reader - one can't even imagine how it must have felt for the people who knew him personally and worked with him. I am very glad that Davies decided to include a series of funny anecdotes about Jeremy after the account of the last weeks before his death, because I was sobbing like a child and needed some cheering up.
What Davies gives us here is an honest - sometimes even harsh - account of Jeremy Brett's work on the Granada series - conducted from interviews with cast, producers and Jeremy himself. Worth a read for everyone who is interested in the Granada Production in general and - of course - for those who want to learn more about the man, who gave us one of the most memorable Holmes performances of all time.
Jeremy Brett's story is a sad one and to witness his battle with mental and physical illness on page was quite hard for me as a reader - one can't even imagine how it must have felt for the people who knew him personally and worked with him. I am very glad that Davies decided to include a series of funny anecdotes about Jeremy after the account of the last weeks before his death, because I was sobbing like a child and needed some cheering up.
What Davies gives us here is an honest - sometimes even harsh - account of Jeremy Brett's work on the Granada series - conducted from interviews with cast, producers and Jeremy himself. Worth a read for everyone who is interested in the Granada Production in general and - of course - for those who want to learn more about the man, who gave us one of the most memorable Holmes performances of all time.
strikingthirteen's review
4.0
Jeremy Brett's performance as Sherlock Holmes for Grenada Television in the 80s and 90s is the definitive performance of the Great Detective. This was the first time strictly the canon was filmed and it has never been replicated since. The later series may have lost their way a little bit, and it is really hard to watch Brett act in these episodes as his health deteriorates, but there is no other Canon Holmes out there to me. This book isn't a biography of Jeremy Brett but it is a book about his process in becoming Sherlock Holmes and how this fabulous, and severely under appreciated in its time, show came to be.
sarah42783's review
4.0
This book provides fantastic insight into the Sherlock series and Jeremy Brett's personality. I'd seen Brett in "My Fair Lady" but, like many others, had no idea it was him until reading this book. I didn't know Brett was manic depressive and it was interesting to read how his illness affected the filming of the series. The similarities between Brett's behaviour and the way he portrayed Holmes in some episodes are particularly striking. It was also very interesting to read the comments of those involved with the series (producers, screenwriters, actors...). A very enjoyable read!
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