The Hound Of The Baskervilles

You just might get the impression that all I do is watch television ( and sometimes you wouldn't be far wrong)

Last night (Boxing Day) was the first showing of the BBC's latest version of "The Hound of the Baskervilles"
I have been a Sherlock Holmes fan for many years, although I have always been a little unhappy with the common portrayal of Dr John Watson as a somewhat bumbling idiot - to Holmes's cool and calculating , almost heart less, Detective.

I know, to some extent, that this is a Hollywood type invention - I have seen the Holmes films of the late 40's with Basil Rathbone as Holmes.

I was happier with the Granada TV's portrayal of Holmes and Watson - with Watson more of a Friend and biographer than a bumbling moron.

As you can also guess, I have seen many versions of the Baskerville story - but last night's was defiantly one of the best.

Firstly, many apologies to anyone not of the UK, this film was aired on the BBC.
The film was grim - because it was set on the grim, desolate Moors . The villain, Stapleford, was aptly and smoothly played by Richard E Grant.
Holmes was shown to be the defective genius by Richard Roxburgh.

But the real star for me was Ian Hart. He played John Watson in a manner you could well believe. An ex Indian Army Doctor, who is equally friendly towards, and then frustrated by, the man he has chosen as his friend. Not the bumbling fool of the old films, but heroic, with a small H, caring and resourceful when he need be. I for one , enjoyed this version.