This adaptation of the most famous fictional detective - Sherlock Holmes - succeeds in being the first authentic series that is accurately based upon the Holmes character, Watson's character and the stories themselves.However, it is well documented that this series wasn't without its problems behind the scenes. The leading actor from the 1964/65 series - Douglas Wilmer - recalled in a recent interview before his passing, that he took it upon himself to re-write all the dialogue from every script. The reason for this, was because the official writers hadn't bothered to consult the original stories whilst writing the scripts.Angry with the writers of the series and perhaps with some justification, Douglas Wilmer believed here was a golden opportunity in making an authentic Sherlock Holmes television series.The BBC didn't react very well to what the actor did and so, he was labelled a "troublemaker."The atmosphere during the making of the series was rather fraught with tension.I am delighted though, in that the existing black and white episodes offer moments of TV joy. All of them work tremendously well, in spite of the modest production values. Upon discovering that rehearsal time was being reduced from once every 14 days to once every 10 days, Douglas Wilmer announced his decision to leave the series.I found that to be a great shame as he easily ranks as being one of the definitive interpretations of Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone is still my favourite). I own the black and white series on DVD and it's a welcome release.When the series returned in 1968 and in colour, 16 further episodes were commissioned for production.Nigel Stock as Dr. Watson returned and was joined by Peter Cushing who assumed the role of the Baker Street sleuth. The latter made for a very effective Holmes - albeit a totally different one to that of his predecessor. Peter Cushing never was very keen on watching himself as Holmes, as he felt the lack of rehearsal time hampered his chance of creating a properly studied performance. He does do very well though.

"Footprints? A man's, or a woman's?" "They were the footprints, Mr Holmes, of a gigantic hound!"I think we saw this adaptation before reading the book, so we were really in suspense. It is faithful to the original, but a bit rushed. I was always sad that Dr Mortimer disappeared from the story - has the DVD version been cut at all? Laura Lyons is excellent, and cutting HER from the story is always a mistake. Another question: was "Miss Stapleton" dubbed? A shame, too, that we never see her being rescued. The BBC loved that sinking into a quagmire scene - they used it in Lorna Doone. In some inferior versions nobody even refers to the Great Grympen Mire!

Correct rendition of the most famous mystery novels written by Arthur Conan Doyle with an awesome Peter Cushing as Sherlock and fairly faithful to the source material . Holmes ( Peter Cushing )and Watson( Nigel Stock) are contracted by several customers for the investigation of mysteries , enigmas and killings . This is an excellent and thrilling series with mystery ,suspense and chilling elements in BBC style based on the splendid novels by Arthur Conan Doyle . It's a genuine ripping series with much thriller and moody intrigue . The TV series gets mystery, tension, thrills , detective action and packs an exciting deal of outstanding surprises with great lots of fun despite to be known stories . Peter Cushing had played Holmes for Hammer Production , when in 1968 replaced Douglas Wilmer in the BBC serial and produced by William Sterling . Magnificent Peter Cushing's interpretation although the best Sherlock is forever Basil Rathbone . Cushing created his own performance based on the classical personage and is praised for giving a great authenticity to famous role . Cushing plays as Holmes as an intelligent , obstinate , broody , pipesmoking sleuth , his acting is similar to Jeremy Brett for TV or Ronald Howard ( starring in TV chapters of the 50s with Howard Marion Crawford as Watson )or Nicol Williamson ( Seven-per-cent-solution) or Christopher Plummer ( Murder by decree ) . In the series appears the usual of the Arthur Conan Doyle's novels : Mycroft -Sherlock's brother-, Dr.Moriarty, Mistress Hudson , Inspector Lestrade and of course Doctor Watson. Nigel Stock plays as Watson with intelligence and joy , he's the perfect counterpoint to Holmes. The series get an evocative atmosphere ; besides the 223 Baker Street's house is well designed though is filmed in stage . The list of episodes is the following : 1.The Second Stain 2.The Dancing Men 3.A Study in Scarlet 4.The Hound of the Baskervilles: Part 1 , 5.The Hound of the Baskervilles: part 2 6.The Boscombe Valley Mystery 7.The Greek Interpreter 8.The Naval Treaty 9.Thor Bridge 10.The Musgrave Ritual 11.Black Peter 12.Wisteria Lodge 13.Shoscombe Old Place 14.The Solitary Cyclist 15.The Sign of Four 16.The Blue CarbuncleRegarding his important role in ¨Hound of Baskerville¨ by Terence Fisher starred by Peter Cushing and Andre Morrell, in this series he also plays the same character , as this adaptation for BBC takes some elements from former film . This is an excellent and thrilling episode with horror elements in Hammer style based on the splendid novel by Arthur Conan Doyle . This episode contains a creepy atmosphere specially when is developed on Dartmoor where lives the fearful giant beast. In this rendition( Peter Cushing )and Watson( Nigel Stock) are hired by Doctor Mortimer for the investigation of killing Sr. Baskerville who is now inherited by his niece Sir Henry . Mortimer asks Sherlock Holmes to help protect Sir Henry Baskerville ( Gary Raymond ), who has returned to England to take his place at the family seat following the death of his uncle, Sir Charles Baskerville. Sir Charles died of cardiac exhaustion and Dr. Mortimer believes he was frightened to death. There appears to be a curse on the family dating back nearly 200 years to when Sir Hugo Baskerville was supposedly killed on the moor by a huge hound. Holmes dismisses the supernatural elements of the case but there are a sufficient number of odd events to pique his interest. Holmes soon realizes that someone is making sure the legend becomes real . Watson goes to the mansion ,there are the servants and he meets Stapleton and his sister ( Gabriella Licudi ). Meanwhile an inmate has escaped and on the moor sound the barking of a savage beast.Other version about this story are the following : the best version that still can be called a classic filmed in 1939 by Sidney Landfield with Basil Rathbone , Nigel Bruce y Richard Greene ; English adaptation (1983) by Douglas Hickox with Ian Richardson as Holmes and Donald Churchill as Watson and TV rendition with Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke .

The 2 part episode Hound of the Baskervilles from the BBC TV series originally shown on 07/14.07.68 is out on DVD and video, and upon watching proves to me my memory isn't failing ... yet. Although, I wouldn't have guessed it was in colour and is still as bright as a new penny, both in texture and production values (bearing in mind the financial pressures always on the BBC). Peter Cushing and Nigel Stock play their parts of Holmes and Watson in a convincing way, although Cushing reportedly didn't enjoy the experience of little rehearsal time available.The story should be familiar to most but this time it's closer to the book than the other film versions I've seen. Some 1960's stagey BBC acting from time to time and no money available for certain shots so a few ho hum short cuts to be sure, but still resulting a fine and satisfying TV programme. My daughter wasn't keen on the sudden ending but - they were Arty back then!Thank the Heavens they didn't wipe it!