Sherlock Holmes: The Detective Who Defies Time and Trends
Jon from Animated Joins Only Murders In The Inbox to Discuss Sherlock
Welcome to the newest edition of Only Murders In The Inbox! If you’re a regular reader, thanks for returning; if you’re new here, we’re happy to have you! Every week, OMITI covers murder mysteries in literature and entertainment. If you’re new to Only Murders, here are some popular editions you might wanna check out:
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In today’s edition, I’m excited to introduce you to
from Animated, a newsletter that covers the stories behind famous cartoons, how they originated and their influence in pop culture. Jon is a true enthusiast of crime fiction. While he dedicates time each week to research and write about animation for his Substack Animated, he also has a passion for crafting crime stories. A devoted Sherlock Holmes fan, Jon has written and published three crime fiction novellas on Amazon, each mirroring the length and style of the original Conan Doyle stories featured in The Strand.I’m a fan of Jon’s, and I learn something new in every edition of Animated, so I’m proud to host him for this discussion about Sherlock Holmes and the history of this character in animation and popular fiction. Enjoy!
— Reda, Only Murders In The Inbox
The Great Mouse Detective, Image Courtesy of Disney
Few characters in detective fiction have captured the imagination and sustained cultural relevance as enduringly as Sherlock Holmes. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is both a character and an institution, transcending literature to become a global phenomenon. This essay will explore the character's history, cultural impact, legacy, financial success, and spin-offs.
The Game is Afoot
Sherlock Holmes first appeared in A Study in Scarlet, published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in November 1887. This marked the beginning of a series that would become iconic, with Holmes appearing in four novels and 56 short stories. Conan Doyle, a physician by profession, drew inspiration from Dr. Joseph Bell, one of his university professors known for his systematic approach to diagnosis.
After the success of A Study in Scarlet, Conan Doyle followed up with The Sign of the Four in 1890. However, the short stories published in The Strand Magazine truly catapulted Sherlock Holmes to fame. Stories like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892) and The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1893) solidified Holmes as a household name. Interestingly, Conan Doyle, weary of the character, attempted to kill off Holmes in The Final Problem (1893), only to revive him due to public demand in The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905), following the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902), which was set before Holmes' supposed death.
Sherlock was so powerful that over 20,000 people cancelled their subscriptions to The Strand Magazine when Conan-Doyle killed him off.
Sherlock, Image Courtesy of BBC
Since the early 20th century, Holmes has been adapted into various formats, including radio plays, stage performances, and early silent films. The first known film appearance of Sherlock Holmes was in the silent movie Sherlock Holmes Baffled (1900). Notable portrayals include Basil Rathbone's films during the 1930s and 1940s and Jeremy Brett's meticulous depiction in the Granada Television series from 1984 to 1994. In recent years, adaptations like the BBC’s Sherlock (2010-2017) starring Benedict Cumberbatch and the American series Elementary (2012-2019) with Jonny Lee Miller have brought Holmes to a new generation.
Elementary, My Dear Watson
Image Courtesy of iTV
Sherlock Holmes has transcended the printed page to become a multimedia juggernaut. According to the Guinness World Records, the character has been portrayed in over 250 films and TV shows, making Holmes the most-filmed literary character in history. Early film adaptations date back to the silent film era, with notable contributions from William Gillette, who also famously played Holmes on stage.
Radio has also played a significant role in Sherlock Holmes's legacy, with numerous adaptations across the BBC and American radio stations. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, who played Holmes and Watson in the film, also starred in a popular radio series from 1939 to 1947.
The character has also been brought to life through audiobooks, with notable narrators like Stephen Fry and Derek Jacobi bringing the stories to aural life. Holmes has also appeared in animated formats, most notably in Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century (1999-2001) and the animated film Sherlock Gnomes (2018), though the latter is more of a parody.
In the theatre world, Holmes has been a staple since the late 19th century, with countless adaptations and reinterpretations, including modern reimaginings and parody plays.
You Have Been in Afghanistan, I Perceive
Sherlock Holmes has amassed a legion of famous fans and inspired countless creatives. For instance, the playwright George Bernard Shaw admired Holmes. At the same time, actors such as Robert Downey Jr., who portrayed Holmes in Guy Ritchie’s films, have spoken about the character's profound impact on them.
Additionally, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a known fan of the stories, often reading them for relaxation. Literary figures like T.S. Eliot and P.G. Wodehouse admired Conan Doyle’s creation.
It is a Capital Mistake to Theorise Before One Has Data
Sherlock Holmes has left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing detective fiction and the broader cultural landscape. The character’s logical reasoning and forensic science method have inspired real-world detective work, with some law enforcement professionals citing Holmes as an influence on their careers.
The Great Mouse Detective, Image Courtesy of Disney
Moreover, Holmes has been referenced in many other works across different media. From television series like House, where Gregory House is a modern-day Holmes, to animated series like The Great Mouse Detective (1986), Holmes’ influence is far-reaching. The phrase “Elementary, my dear Watson,” often misattributed to Conan Doyle’s original texts, has become synonymous with deducing the obvious.
As society has evolved, so too has Holmes's interpretation. The character has been depicted with more human flaws and complexities, reflecting contemporary views on mental health and societal expectations.
My Mind Rebels at Stagnation
The world of Sherlock Holmes has given rise to many spin-offs and related works. The most famous of these is perhaps The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1974) by Nicholas Meyer, which explores Holmes’ supposed cocaine addiction and his meeting with Sigmund Freud. Another significant work is The Beekeeper’s Apprentice (1994) by Laurie R. King, which introduces a young female apprentice to an ageing Holmes.
Numerous adaptations and reimaginings have occurred on the global stage. The anime series Sherlock Hound (1984-1985) reinterpreted Holmes as an anthropomorphic dog in Japan. Russia produced The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (1979-1986), a beloved adaptation that remains a classic in Russian television history.
Holmes’ influence has also extended into other genres, such as science fiction and fantasy. Sherlock Holmes vs. Dracula (1978) by Loren D. Estleman pits the detective against the famous vampire, showcasing Holmes’ versatility as a character who can transcend genres.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Sherlock Holmes’ financial success is staggering, and an industry has been built around the character. The character has inspired various merchandise, from classic action figures and board games to modern-day apparel and even Sherlock-themed escape rooms. Although Conan Doyle never described the iconic deerstalker hat and pipe in detail, they have become symbolic and are frequently sold as collectables.
Regarding financial figures, the Sherlock Holmes brand has generated significant revenue across various mediums. Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes films, starring Robert Downey Jr., collectively grossed over $1 billion globally. The BBC’s Sherlock has been a commercial success in viewership and sales of associated merchandise and DVD box sets.
When You Have Eliminated the Impossible, Whatever Remains, However Improbable, Must Be the Truth
Sherlock Holmes's legacy is profound and multifaceted. Conan Doyle’s creation has endured and thrived, continually adapted and reinterpreted to fit the zeitgeist of each era. The character’s influence on modern detective fiction cannot be overstated; Holmes’ method of deduction and forensic science has laid the groundwork for countless other fictional detectives.
Moreover, Holmes has inspired real-life detectives and forensic scientists, reinforcing the impact of fiction on the real world. The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street in London is a testament to the character’s enduring popularity, drawing fans from all corners of the globe.
I Never Make Exceptions. An Exception Disproves the Rule
Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed literary human character in film and television history, with over 250 actors having played the role.
The character was almost named Sherrinford Holmes before Conan Doyle settled on Sherlock Holmes with John Watson escaping being called Ormond Sacker.
Conan Doyle was knighted not for his creation of Holmes but for his work defending British policy in Africa during the Boer War.
The World is Full of Obvious Things Which Nobody by Any Chance Ever Observes
Sherlock Holmes remains one of literary history's most iconic and influential characters. From his first appearance in A Study in Scarlet to the countless adaptations and spin-offs that continue to this day, Holmes has transcended the boundaries of fiction to become a cultural touchstone.
The character’s legacy is not just in the stories told but in the impact on popular culture, detective fiction, and even real-world criminal investigation. As long as there is a mystery to be solved, Sherlock Holmes will remain a beacon of logical reasoning and intellectual curiosity, inviting readers and viewers alike to step into his world and see the world through his deductive lens.
Song of the Day: “Music from the BBC’s Sherlock” by David Arnold and Michael Price
I recently found and read a Lupin book from 1908 titled "Arsène Lupin vs. Herlock Sholmés". I imagine the name reversal was due to copyright issues. Sholmés's biographer was named Wilson, jus as in House.
What a great write-up of this iconic character! I had no idea that he had had so many incarnations! I loved Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Lu's versions of Homes and Watson in 'Elementary' :)