—
Elemental forces of winter’s gales howled against our lodgings at 221B Baker St., rattling the frosted windowpanes with a force that was unrelenting.
The falling snow muffled the sound of the horses’ hoofbeats as they pulled their hansom cabs down our cobbled street.
Holmes sat next to a roaring fireplace, lost in thought as he smoked his Meerschaum pipe.
And so, words similar to that, launch readers into another adventure of the world’s
greatest consulting detective, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and his trusted friend and literary agent, Dr. John H. Watson.
One of the biggest hits at movie theaters this winter is “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” starring actor Robert Downey Jr. as the latest in a long line of master thespians (everyone from the legendary John Barrymore – Drew’s grandfather, to horror star Christopher Lee) to take on the role of Holmes.
Director Guy Ritchie’s revisionist interpretation tweaks the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories, making the legend more accessible to today’s younger audiences.
The film’s box office success reminds us of the enduring popularity of Holmes and Watson’s adventures have had on the public since 1887 – an incredible 125 years of popularity.
Their longevity begs the question: What is the appeal of these tales to attracts readers from each successive generation?
The four novels and 56 short stories, written over a period of 40 years, quickly draw readers into the adventures.
Doyle effectively sets the stage in Victorian London, taking note of the weather and physical surroundings (both outside and in) around Baker Street.
Watson is our conduit to the mind and personality of the eccentric and brilliant Holmes.
The baffling and intriguing mysteries and scandals that confront Holmes are satisfyingly resolved expeditiously by the detective, aided and abetted by the loyal Watson.
Perhaps it is the allure of a simpler time, with gas-lit street lamps and horse-drawn carriages, that continue to fascinate longtime faithful readers.
While living in Atlanta in the 1980s, I discovered the Confederates of Wisteria Lodge – a local Holmes scion club composed of a singular set of people, of both genders, and of various ages and backgrounds.
While endowed with a scholarly acumen regarding the Holmes exploits, the group is never stuffy. The good cheer and camaraderie is evidenced by the gales of laughter heard at each of the meetings.
Serving as Gasogene (president) of this august group is an honor bestowed annually, and I was accorded this office in 1990.
The popularity of this group is evidenced by the longtime memberships as it approaches its 42nd anniversary.
One of my favorite memories was when we met the late, lamented Jeremy Brett, who was appearing at a local book store in Atlanta. While we all revered Basil Rathbone’s iconic portrayal of Holmes, the British Brett’s nuanced interpretation on PBS took Holmes to the next level.
And Brett could not have been more kind and gracious to us fans. He was endlessly patient and attentive with each one of us in that long line to meet him.
Brett was the epitome of Sherlock Holmes, whom Watson called “the best and wisest man whom I have ever known.”
Still going strong for 125 years, Holmes (and Watson) will continue to successfully battle evil for another
125 years.
For the game is always afoot ...
Bill Eggert is a Johnstown native. You can read his blog here.
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