I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

First Clip of Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes

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"a very respectable elderly person" [SOLI]</h4>
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As <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/01/waiting-for-mr-holmes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we recently wrote</a>, we're anxiously awaiting the release of the new film <i>Mr. Holmes</i>, starring Ian McKellen, which thus far has been the subject of far too few visual updates.<br />
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The new film is concerned with the long-retired detective, now 93 years old and living in Sussex, and his interactions with a young boy who causes him to reflect on an earlier case in his life. It is based on Mitch Cullen's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1EH0UHI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Slight Trick of the Mind</a></i> and is expected to be a huge success, given the cult following of McKellen and the recent renaissance in Sherlock Holmes in multimedia.<br />
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Up until now, we've only had the pleasure of seeing Sir Ian in still shots, either from <a href="https://twitter.com/IanMcKellen/status/509722176954462208" target="_blank">his Twitter feed</a> or through various <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/492309/Sir-Ian-Mckellen-to-play-Sherlock-in-new-movie" target="_blank">paparazzi</a>.<br />
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But now we're treated to an exclusive trailer for the film, just days ahead of the Berlin Film Festival, where it makes its debut:<br />
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According to the label on the clip, the film will make an appearance in theaters this summer.<br />
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What are your impressions to the latest interpretation of the great detective?<br />
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<i>A tip of the deerstalker to <a href="http://twitter.com/delwilliams" target="_blank">@delwilliams</a> for flagging this news.</i><br />
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First Clip of Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes

"a very respectable elderly person" [SOLI] As we recently wrote , we're anxiously awaiting the release of the new film M...

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by Scott Monty

New Web Series Baker Street Finds Its Footing

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"I fancy that this ally breaks fresh ground" [SIGN]</h4>
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Most of us have seen adaptations of Holmes and Watson on stage, in film, on television, in comic books, and as cartoons. With few exceptions, both characters have been portrayed by male actors. The CBS television show,<i> Elementary</i>, has a female Watson, as did <i>The Return of Sherlock Holmes</i> with Dr. Watson’s granddaughter, Jane, back in the late 1980s.<br />
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But in <i><a href="http://bakerstreet-collective.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Baker Street</a></i>, a new video series created, written by, and starring Hannah Drew and Karen Slater, we have Holmes and Watson both played by women. Based in contemporary times as are <i>Elementary </i>and <i>Sherlock</i>, the location of <i>Baker Street</i> is neither London nor New York, but Toronto. Watson in <i>Baker Street</i> utilizes modern technology as BBC’s does by “vlogging” (video blog), and both Holmes and Watson rely heavily on their mobile phones. But here the comparison to <i>Sherlock</i> ends.<br />
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There are currently three episodes of <i>Baker Street</i>, each one longer than the previous. The first episode begins rather shakily and self-conscious, as if the writers/actors are keenly aware that they are treading on hallowed ground. Somewhat contrived and awkward, the short video attempts to establish the characters—college-age women, each in need of a roommate—as initial adversaries, similar to the relationship between Holmes and Watson in the early episodes of <i>Elementary</i>. Watson seems flighty and annoying; Holmes is grumpy and distant—worse than an odd couple they seem destined to kill one another in their sleep. If you stopped there, though, you would only cheat yourself.<br />
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[I must add that, like real college-age women, Watson and Holmes use profanity in conversation. This might be off-putting to some, and I offer a NSFW (not safe for work) caveat.]<br />
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It is in episode two that we see Drew and Slater beginning to find their footing, both stylistically and canonically. While we are given to believe that this Watson has the wandering eye of the canonical Watson, a creepy scene with her new employer (a married professor much older than she) includes flirting and insinuation that there is a relationship outside of the office. I found this jarring and unnecessary, and its later denouement could have been reached without the creepy factor.<br />
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In episode two we are generously given some canonical treats. Referencing “The Blue Carbuncle” the production offers us the “Blue Diamond of Morcar,” which has gone missing and which Holmes finds in “anser anser domesticus” or domestic goose (thankfully, the famously nonexistent crop is not mentioned). We are introduced to Constable Stan Hopkins and his puppy dog eyes for Watson, and we find out that Holmes has a sister named Mycroft, who helped get her out of some trouble with the police. [It is worth noting that what Holmes does as a profession is somewhat murky, but it involves car theft, chemical experiments, and a mysterious arrangement doing research for professors, though apparently not Watson’s employer.]<br />
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The longest of the episodes is the final one so far released. In episode three Drew and Slater take off running. Wit and humor enter the mix, and Watson is no longer annoying but quite capable; Holmes is less grumpy and more thoughtful, and we see a friendship developing that has a welcome familiarity. <br />
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While episode three continues to contain references to BLUE, there is a brief scene involving details about a case that is the kissing cousin to “The Red-Headed League.” As in moments of canonical recognition in <i>Sherlock</i>, this one made me chortle with glee. Another fine moment was in how Watson saves Holmes from a physical assault by a very unsavory character—but I will let you experience that delightful moment for yourself. [NOTE: It is briefly mentioned in a previous episode.] I did find the means to be quite clever; a delightful ground-breaking moment of contemporary efficiency.<br />
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In a memorable scene we see conflict between Watson and sometime-boyfriend Hopkins, where Hopkins must arrest Holmes. This scene contains some fine acting and a delightful throwaway line from Holmes. “I’m not going to arrest myself!” she exclaims, voluntarily walking to the police vehicle as Watson and Hopkins morally struggle with his loyalty to his job and her loyalty to Holmes.<br />
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There are moments of brilliance in this final episode—we meet Mary Morstan, a reporter for a college newspaper called “The Strand,” and we find out some surprising details about Watson’s employer/paramour—but as in the revelation of Watson’s manner of saving Holmes, I choose to allow you those moments unspoiled. However, one thing I will tell you is the final line of this episode of <i>Baker Street</i> (a cliffhanger). Holmes says to Watson: "The game is afoot, Jane, and I think we might have made a slight misstep."<br />
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Though Drew and Slater had a few missteps in the beginning, I am confident that they stand on solid ground in <i>Baker Street</i>, and I truly hope there will be more episodes forthcoming.<br />
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New Web Series Baker Street Finds Its Footing

"I fancy that this ally breaks fresh ground" [SIGN] Most of us have seen adaptations of Holmes and Watson on stage, in film,...

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by Jacquelynn Morris, ASH, BSI

Remembering George Sturm, Jr., BSI

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"His name is very familiar." [THOR]</h4>
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[<b><i>Editor's note</i></b>: the following was submitted by James Suszinski, BSI.]<br />
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George Sturm Jr. ("J. Neil Gibson") passed away on November 25, 2014. He was 74. <br />
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He was born in Passaic, New Jersey and lived in Edison, New Jersey for 35 years.  He earned his B.A. degree from Rutgers University.  George was a veteran of the Air Force, serving in Asia.  He began his career as an FBI agent and after dedicating many years in service of the public, he retired. George is survived by his wife, Barbara and his son Chris.<br />
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George was a passionate Sherlockian.  The world of Sherlock Holmes was opened to him when, as a boy he discovered the book, <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i>, in his attic.  From that point on, he devoted himself to keeping the memory of the Master green.  George was a member of the Scandalous Bohemians of New Jersey and received "The Order of the Adler award."  He was also a member of Mrs. Hudson's Cliffdwellers of New Jersey where he received awards for his contributions to the society.  He received his investiture in the Baker Street Irregulars as "J. Neil Gibson" in 1979. <br />
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George was a member of the American Legion Post 471 in Iselin, New Jersey and a dedicated civil war enthusiast.  In that respect, he served as a trustee of the Abraham Lincoln Society of Jersey City and was a member of the Robert E. Lee Civil War Round Table of New Jersey. Extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the Civil War, he generously shared his enthusiasm of the subject with his friends. <br />
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George  enjoyed cooking and became quite a chef.  He invited his friends to his home and prepared delicious meals for them to share with him.  Sharing those times with George is something that I will always remember.<br />
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George was especially proud of his son Chris, who is currently serving in the Army in Italy and is an Iraq War veteran.  He enjoyed sharing pictures and stories of Chris’s adventures overseas. <br />
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I feel privileged to have known George and to have been his friend.  George will be missed by all who knew him.<br />
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Remembering George Sturm, Jr., BSI

"His name is very familiar." [THOR] [ Editor's note : the following was submitted by James Suszinski, BSI.] George Stu...

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by Scott Monty

Restaurant Frequented by Sherlock Holmes May Vanish

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"I met him by appointment that evening at Simpson's" [ILLU]</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tJIs8vsEAHT77w8b9QJPWxwXHHGSc-RosMi0Y6o9CfmwLbnxrp8AgMyOj8OD8v3lf4saH4pX0g3UNbm2LVINQi3u7Z9xLfjaFblIfppDeEgWgCEdJ72nMAxMb67iAaMSyWmaVlEq2FNL/s1600/Simpsons+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simpsons-in-the-Strand gate" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tJIs8vsEAHT77w8b9QJPWxwXHHGSc-RosMi0Y6o9CfmwLbnxrp8AgMyOj8OD8v3lf4saH4pX0g3UNbm2LVINQi3u7Z9xLfjaFblIfppDeEgWgCEdJ72nMAxMb67iAaMSyWmaVlEq2FNL/s1600/Simpsons+entrance.jpg" title="The entrance to Simpsons" width="640" /></a></div>
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The unthinkable may be about to unfold.<br />
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<a href="http://www.simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk/" target="_blank">Simpsons-in-the-Strand</a>, one of <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/london/11242692/Nine-of-Londons-oldest-restaurants.html" target="_blank">the oldest restaurants in London</a>, could disappear after 187 years. Its lease is owned by the Savoy Hotel, and under the search for a new operator, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/society/11368407/Simpsons-in-the-Strand-restaurant-could-disappear-after-187-years.html" target="_blank">the hotel will not require that the name be kept as part of the deal</a>. (<i>The Telegraph</i>)<br />
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For those not familiar with the venerable establishment, here's a blurb directly from its website:<br />
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Originally opened in 1828 as a chess club and coffee house - The Grand Cigar Divan - Simpson's soon became known as the "home of chess", attracting such chess luminaries as Howard Staunton the first English world chess champion through its doors. It was to avoid disturbing the chess games in progress that the idea of placing large joints of meat on silver-domed trolleys and wheeling them to guests' tables first came into being, a practice Simpson's still continues today. One of the earliest Master Cooks insisted that everything in the restaurant be British and the Simpson's of today remains a proud exponent of the best of British food. Famous regulars include Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (and his fictional creation, Sherlock Holmes), Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone.</blockquote>
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Of course we know that Holmes visited the establishment in at least two stories: he suggested Simpson's as a meeting place with Watson, where the latter found him "sitting at a small table in the front window, and looking down at the rushing stream of life in the Strand". [ILLU]<br />
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And again in "The Dying Detective," after his prolonged fast concluded - but not before a visit to the police station to wrap up the case against Culverton Smith.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-YXZP5-IcX2TV6O4zHbkbDrP-uO3FAbhUIUr_kBbiZghGbtuUAwu4f19pgJnpWxFd6_DIgwRMvtDHe_ZMKwYBuQiGZwje8CsN633V94oWcoq5zkGgqI9yifccJ8XILxFLHxAwk4U_VmL/s1600/Simpsons+Divan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Simpson's-in-the-Strand sign" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-YXZP5-IcX2TV6O4zHbkbDrP-uO3FAbhUIUr_kBbiZghGbtuUAwu4f19pgJnpWxFd6_DIgwRMvtDHe_ZMKwYBuQiGZwje8CsN633V94oWcoq5zkGgqI9yifccJ8XILxFLHxAwk4U_VmL/s1600/Simpsons+Divan.jpg" title="Plaque outside of Simpson's Grand Divan" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic London from <a href="https://flic.kr/p/8dHKo8" target="_blank">Rev Stan (Flick)</a></td></tr>
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But Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was not alone in recommending Simpson's in the literary world. In <i>Something New</i>, P.G. Wodehouse wrote:<br />
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Simpson's in the Strand, is unique. Here, if he wishes, the Briton may, for the small sum of half a dollar, stupefy himself with food. The God of Fatted Plenty has the place under his protection. Its keynote is solid comfort. It is a pleasant, soothing, hearty place – a restful temple of food. No strident orchestra forces the diner to bolt beef in ragtime. No long central aisle distracts his attention with its stream of new arrivals. There he sits, alone with his food, while white-robed priests, wheeling their smoking trucks, move to and fro, ever ready with fresh supplies.</blockquote>
While this temple of food contains many menu items that will soothe even the most is probably most fussy of foodies, it is most notable for its signature Roast rib of Scottish beef, Savoy cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and horseradish. If you've never experienced it, we absolutely insist that you make it part of your pilgrimage the next time you're in London.<br />
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At this point, the future of the name of the establishment is not clear. But we hope that if things take a turn for the worse, we can count upon you, dear reader, to help us mount a defense of this historic and literary landmark.<br />
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And in case you'd like to see what goes in to the preparing and carving of the rib of beef, here's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2tTHbTgvmw" target="_blank">butchery masterclass</a> from Simpson's head chef Mark Farquhar:<br />
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<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/8np7Qb" target="_blank">Jeremy T. Hetzel (Flickr)</a></i><br />
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