Sherlock Holmes: Fiction's Greatest Detective
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson have been popular mainstays in fiction since 1886. Created and introduced by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his novel 'A Study in Scarlet', the British crime-fighting duo have consistently made the transition from books and theater plays, to television and film. Join us at http://WatchMojo.com as we commemorate the release of Guy Ritchie's 2009 Sherlock Holmes film adaptation, starring Robert Downey Jr., by taking a look at the character and history of the world's greatest sleuth.
Sherlock Holmes Profile
He’s the world’s greatest detective and most popular work of fiction. Welcome to Watchmojo.com, and today we’re exploring the history of Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes was born, so to speak, in 1886. He was created by Scottish author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a fictitious tribute to a forensic scientist that he had studied under at Edinburgh University.
Holmes has become world famous for his powers of deductive reasoning, skilled observation, forensics and mastery of disguise. In the original written manuscripts, which premiered with the book “A Study in Scarlet”, Watson played the role of Holmes’ biographer and story’s narrator. The series began with Watson taking Holmes as his roommate in 19th Century London. Initially the two did not see eye to eye, but eventually the duo developed a strong respect for one other and Watson became Holmes’ right-hand man. As such, Watson aided Holmes by becoming his lookout, decoy, assistant and messenger.
Throughout the series Holmes is depicted as a pipe smoking genius with the ability to draw large conclusions from the smallest observations. He has also been shown to have a drug addiction, love for playing music, and as an untidy man who keeps his office in a state of chaos, which only he himself can decode.
Holmes has been depicted and re-invented numerous times for television and film. In fact, Guinness world records have listed him as the most portrayed movie character of all time with over 200 movie appearances and by over 70 actors. In fact, famous actors such as Christopher Lee, Charlton Heston and John Cleese have all stood in the detective’s shoes.
Most of these appearances have popularized a traditional take on the character that carefully omits his bohemian quirks. However, recent depictions have sought to capitalize on the original vision of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In 2004, British actor Hugh Laurie appeared on the American TV series “House”. A show that created a medical version of the great sleuth, complete with his drug addiction as well as other original archetypes. While his name, as well as that of his colleague Dr. James Wilson have been concocted as subtle nods to the original folklore legends.
In 2009, Robert Downey Jr. took on the role in the blockbuster adaptation by Guy Ritchie. Downey was drawn to the project, as it would boldly portray Holmes as Arthur Conon Doyle had originally imagined him, with all of his human weaknesses and less popularized character traits.
He’s the world’s greatest detective and most popular work of fiction. Welcome to Watchmojo.com, and today we’re exploring the history of Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes was born, so to speak, in 1886. He was created by Scottish author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a fictitious tribute to a forensic scientist that he had studied under at Edinburgh University.
Holmes has become world famous for his powers of deductive reasoning, skilled observation, forensics and mastery of disguise. In the original written manuscripts, which premiered with the book “A Study in Scarlet”, Watson played the role of Holmes’ biographer and story’s narrator. The series began with Watson taking Holmes as his roommate in 19th Century London. Initially the two did not see eye to eye, but eventually the duo developed a strong respect for one other and Watson became Holmes’ right-hand man. As such, Watson aided Holmes by becoming his lookout, decoy, assistant and messenger.
Throughout the series Holmes is depicted as a pipe smoking genius with the ability to draw large conclusions from the smallest observations. He has also been shown to have a drug addiction, love for playing music, and as an untidy man who keeps his office in a state of chaos, which only he himself can decode.
Holmes has been depicted and re-invented numerous times for television and film. In fact, Guinness world records have listed him as the most portrayed movie character of all time with over 200 movie appearances and by over 70 actors. In fact, famous actors such as Christopher Lee, Charlton Heston and John Cleese have all stood in the detective’s shoes.
Most of these appearances have popularized a traditional take on the character that carefully omits his bohemian quirks. However, recent depictions have sought to capitalize on the original vision of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In 2004, British actor Hugh Laurie appeared on the American TV series “House”. A show that created a medical version of the great sleuth, complete with his drug addiction as well as other original archetypes. While his name, as well as that of his colleague Dr. James Wilson have been concocted as subtle nods to the original folklore legends.
In 2009, Robert Downey Jr. took on the role in the blockbuster adaptation by Guy Ritchie. Downey was drawn to the project, as it would boldly portray Holmes as Arthur Conon Doyle had originally imagined him, with all of his human weaknesses and less popularized character traits.
