#Without a Clue

[null-doesnothing]

my favorite holmes and Watson adaptations are always like-

the best and most accurate versions of themselves to the book renditions and frequently regarded as the best Sherlock Holmes adaptations ever

and

these two fucks I found off the street. they are like street rats to me. endearing street rats.

[twistedtummies2]

Top 10 Portrayals of Inspector Lestrade

Having just finished my list of my favorite fictional detectives, I felt it was time to return to my absolute favorite of the bunch: Sherlock Holmes. In the past, I have done lists related to Holmes himself, as well as his friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, and his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty. I recently revisited those three countdowns to see if I would change anything, and…at the moment, no, I think they’re still pretty solidly set. HOWEVER, I’ve never gone over any of the other major characters in the Sherlock Holmes universe since those three. I haven’t covered his other allies, or any other noteworthy antagonists he faced. So, I decided it was time to fix that problem. These lists WILL have descriptions, but they’ll be very brief, partially just because I don’t have a TON to say about most of the characters/portrayals involved. We’ll start off with a Top 10 devoted to Scotland Yard’s most competent detective, Inspector Lestrade.

In the books, Lestrade is one of Holmes’ closest compatriots. While the super sleuth frequently interacts with various Scotland Yard officers, Lestrade is the most recurring, and has the most rapport with Sherlock. Their relationship is an…interesting one, to say the least. On the one hand, the two do care about each other, and there is some level of mutual respect under their respective, prickly surfaces. However, the pair bicker constantly, and always seem to be trying to one-up each other. Holmes concedes that Lestrade is probably the best detective at the Yard, but with the caveat that he is “the best of a bad bunch.” Lestrade, meanwhile, often tries to downplay Holmes’ unique skills in favor of boosting his own ego, and is forever frustrated by Sherlock’s antics. At the same time, he recognizes Holmes is very helpful to himself and the force, and for all his faults, he always manages to help the Inspector catch the crooks in the end. Indeed, the main reason Lestrade usually fails is because he ironically tends to jump the gun: he’s someone who fails to look at the big picture, or else notice the smaller details, which is what Holmes is very good at. If he just took his time more, he could probably get to the bottom of things more quickly…but Holmes can do all that in an instant, so it’s a good thing he’s hanging around. Different interpretations throughout adaptations and reimaginings of the Holmes universe have reinterpreted Lestrade in a number of ways (and with no less than two different pronunciations of his name; “Leh-strawed” seems to be the most common, but a couple choose to say “Less-trade”). Some versions of him are more comical and bungling, while some are more serious but still not quite as brilliant as Holmes. Some make the character more bullheaded and easily angered, while others make him more supportive and friendly. Many of the best find some sort of balance between these disparate elements; while he may not get the kudos that Holmes and Watson get, Lestrade is an interesting character in his own right, with a lot of layers writers, actors, and directors can play with. Having said that, here are some I particularly enjoy. So STOP IN THE NAME OF THE LAW! Here are My Top 10 Favorite Portrayals of Inspector Lestrade.

10. Frank Finlay, from A Study in Terror & Murder By Decree.

Finlay played Lestrade, by sheer coincidence, in two completely different films that have the same premise: Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper. He looks, sounds, and generally behaves exactly the same in both movies, too. It’s rather uncanny, really.

9. Eddie Marsan, from the Guy Ritchie Films.

In the first film, Lestrade is a major character, and the way they play with his relationship with Sherlock is surprising; it’s just a shame he’s little more than a cameo in the second film.

8. Jeffrey Jones, from Without a Clue.

Arguably the most bumbling version of the character on this list. However, since this movie is an outright comedy, I don’t mind this. (Please keep a certain elephant out of the room; I am only addressing portrayals of the character, not the people who played them.)

7. Peter Madden, from the 60s BBC Series.

In some ways, I think this might be the most book-accurate take on Lestrade, especially in terms of physical appearance. Madden only played the character in the first season of the series; in the second season, actor William Lucas took over. Weirdly enough, Madden did appear in the second season playing a completely different character in one episode. Not really sure why he was recast.

6. Dennis Hoey, from the Universal Films.

Alongside Jones, the most bungling version of Lestrade, frequently used as comic relief. In most of the films - not all, but most - he makes Nigel Bruce’s infamously doofy Watson look like a genius in comparison. He’s a lot of fun, though, and the chemistry between the three performers is great every time.

5. Rupert Graves, from Sherlock.

Arguably the most serious version of Lestrade on the list. I love the sort of normalcy he brings to the crazy world of Holmes and Watson, and the way he’s able to just put up with all the nonsense Sherlock shoves onto him, as well as find ways to rein Holmes in.

4. Archie Duncan, from the 50s TV Series.

This Lestrade is able to be extremely funny without actually being a moron; while he always needs Holmes to help him out, it’s mostly just because he’s impulsive and hotheaded, and therefore doesn’t always think things through or notice the details Sherlock notices. (Just like in the books.) Duncan, like Peter Madden, would weirdly play other characters in the show BESIDES Lestrade, including a villain in one story. Very talented performer who was always good to see in action!

3. The Version from Moriarty the Patriot.

This is probably the most friendly and encouraging version of Lestrade on the list, though he still gets righteously annoyed with both Holmes AND Moriarty in the series. I love his energy and the integrity the character has in the show; like Holmes, he’s willing to bend the rules to see justice done, and will never give up no matter what, which explains why they like each other above all else.

2. Akiko Morison, from Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century.

This version is a female descendant of the original inspector, named Beth Lestrade. She actually was more of a standout to me in this show than Watson was! Once again, this version isn’t depicted is an idiot - she’s fiery, strong, and very good at her job, with great instincts. Her problem is that, once again, she doesn’t always pick up on the details or fully understand the situation, which leads to conflict and her need to have Holmes around.

1. Colin Jeavons, from the Granada Series.

The definitive take on Lestrade, just as Jeremy Brett was the definitive take on Holmes, in my opinion. Jeavons plays Lestrade as a slightly pompous and rather sarcastic police officer, but he also seems to be one of the versions of the character who has the best sort of relationship with Sherlock. I love the chemistry between the pair, and how they each seem to sort of admire each other, though neither will ever admit it. At the same time, that competitive rivalry between the two has rarely been showcased better. Altogether marvelous.

[loremori]

Martin Freeman (180/366)

CURIOSITIES: 1-MF has never hidden his admiration for Michael Caine: "He is one of the reasons I became an actor."

2-In 'Without a Clue' Michael Caine is Sherlock Holmes and Ben Kingsley is Dr. Watson. The film has the peculiarity that Dr. John Watson is the brilliant detective, while Holmes is an actor hired to impersonate the detective.

🎬| Without a Clue (1988) Directed Thom Eberhardt Written Gary Murphy Larry Strawther

3-MF was interested in Michael Caine to play his father in the series Breeders, which did not materialize due to the actor's health. The role would ultimately fall to Alun Armstrong, who performed wonderfully as Jim, Paul's father.

[holmesiansource]

WITHOUT A CLUE (1988) dir. Thom Eberhardt

[victusinveritas]

Underrated film: WITHOUT A CLUE. Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine lean so hard into their roles (Watson and Holmes) that the hilarity reaches sublime heights.

[readingaway]

I think this was one f the funniest parts of Without a Clue

[bakerstreetbabble]

Without a Clue: Sherlock Holmes parody at its best!

I have read many times about the 1988 film, Without a Clue, starring Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley as Holmes and Watson, but I'd never seen it...until today. I recently discovered that the film was available to watch on YouTube, so I gave it a try. I'm glad I did, as it was really quite delightful! The premise of this Holmes parody seems as if it would be too silly: Watson (Ben Kingsley), a rather brilliant detective in his own right, has created the character of Sherlock Holmes as a cover for his crime solving work, and hired bumbling actor Reginald Kincaid (Michael Caine) to portray his creation. When the fake detective gets too cocky for his own good, Watson attempts to fire him, with hilarious results. They end up facing off against the infamous Moriarty, of course...

As I said, it seems silly, but the fact is, it all ends up working rather well as a comedy that parodies the source material, while presenting a fun, engaging story, with capable actors who pull it off with great humor. It doesn't rely nearly as much on slapstick comedy as an earlier Gene Wilder Holmes parody, The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975), which I saw a few years ago and which disappointed me greatly. Without a Clue captured my attention, made me laugh, and impressed me with its fairly clever references to Sherlockian canon. Kingsley and Caine end up being a good team, despite their initial (and hilarious) animosity towards each other. Jeffrey Jones (the principal from Ferris Bueller's Day Off) is enjoyable as the conceited Lestrade, and the rest of the cast is quite good as well (including the late Peter Cook, in an appearance as Watson's publisher at the Strand Magazine). Really well worth my time! Recommended for all Holmes fans who like a good laugh.

[inevitable-destruction]

"How demeaning to be set upon by nitwits."

[sherlockholmesbracket]

i imagine all the mainstream adaptations will get suggested so let’s not overlook…. herlock sholmes from TGAA, russian holmes (played by vasily livanov), and reginald kincaid from without a clue <3

three suggestions in one!

The legendary and eccentric Herlock Sholmes!

The true to the source, soviet era television adaptation- Vasily Livanov's Sherlock Holmes!

And the pretender, the imitator, the artificial Holmes- Reginald Kincaid!

[blistering-typhoons]

"What's the German for pen?"

[y689aa]

See why I like to rewatch this movie again and again

[thejanedoetoday]

Without a Clue 1988

Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley

[twistedtummies2]

Top 10 Portrayals of Mrs. Hudson

The last time I did a list related to the “supporting cast” of the Sherlock Holmes universe, I did a Top 10 of my favorite takes on Inspector Lestrade. Today we’ll be going over the other member of the “Baker Street Family,” Mrs. Hudson.

Mrs. Hudson is a character whom I often feel gets overlooked in the grand pattern of Holmes’ cast. She’s not really a major player in most of the original stories, but her presence is a fairly constant one. Like Watson and Lestrade, she essentially acts as an anchor, bringing some semblance of sanity into the wild madness that is Holmes and his world. Some adaptations barely make use of her, but a lot of my favorites play up the relationship between herself and her tenants in some fun ways. Mrs. Hudson is usually shown to be a sort of surrogate mother to Holmes, in more ways than one: she loves him dearly, but she’s also always in a tizzy over his hijinks, and forever put off by his rude behavior. 

The two flip-flop between genuine affection and sniping at one another constantly…but no matter how often they fuss and fume, each genuinely couldn’t imagine being without the other. She is just as valuable a member of the team as Watson, or any member of Scotland Yard, and just as persistent a character. Very few Sherlock Holmes adaptations are without her, even if she’s just there for a few moments. For, as one version of Holmes rightly stated: “Mrs. Hudson leave Baker Street? England would fall.” Picking my favorite versions of Mrs. Hudson was really quite difficult, but I think I managed to arrange and choose some winners from the bunch. With that said, let’s see those winners now! Help yourself to some tea and muffins: these are My Top 10 Favorite Portrayals of Mrs. Hudson!

10. Alison Leggatt, from The Seven Per-Cent Solution.

Honestly, I mostly chose this one because of the actress. It’s hard for me not to enjoy the Queen of Hearts as Mrs. Hudson.

9. Candis Cayne, from Elementary.

An interesting modern interpretation of the character to say the least. In this series, Miss Hudson - rather than Missus - is a slight latecomer to the show, and acts as a maid rather than a landlady. She’s a recurring character throughout the show, but ultimately not as prominent as one might expect after her initial appearance.

8. Mrs. Judson, from The Great Mouse Detective.

Voiced by Diana Chesney. While her role is very small, her brief scenes have always been quite memorable to me, and I felt this list wouldn’t be complete without this rodent reimagining.

7. Geraldine James, from the Guy Ritchie Films.

By far the most snarly relationship between a Holmes and Hudson of practically any version. I wish there had been some more genuine warmth between the two, but I will say that their banter is quite amusing.

6. Pat Keen, from Without a Clue.

In this film, Watson and Holmes effectively swap out, as it’s revealed the doctor is the real mastermind with Sherlock as his bungling sidekick. Mrs. Hudson is one of the few people who knows the truth, which is only fitting.

5. Mary Gordon, from the FOX/Universal Films.

While Mary Gordon didn’t really DO much throughout these movies - nor in the radio show with Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce, where she was also a constant presence - something about her was just so memorable. She brought a sort of befuddled warmth to her scenes, and it’s worth noting that she was the only character, aside from the original Dynamic Duo, to appear in every single movie to some degree or another.

4. The Version from Moriarty the Patriot.

Much like Elementary, this version of the character is called “Miss” Hudson, and is depicted as much younger than usual. She’s something of a comic relief figure, but she still manages to work as an excellent take on the character. I love the sort of big sister/little brother relationship she has with Sherlock, and while, again, she rarely actually DOES much, she’s always fun to see in action.

3. Rina Zelyonaya, from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson.

It was hard to choose between my top three takes on Mrs. Hudson, as all of them are pretty close together, and could all be considered arguably the definitive takes on the character, in my opinion. In this Russian series, Zelyonaya’s Hudson is a wonderfully experienced old lady. You get the feeling she’s known Holmes since he was still VERY young, and knows him better than anybody, even Dr. Watson.

2. Rosalie Williams, from the Granada Series.

This is one of the most “motherly” versions of Mrs. Hudson, in my opinion, in the way she interacts with both Holmes and the good doctor. I love her moments of temper and authority, but I also love her moments of genuine concern and care when they come out. I think one of my favorite parts of the show was all her scenes in “The Empty House,” and how excitedly she gets involved once she realizes Sherlock is still alive.

1. Una Stubbs, from Sherlock.

Much like Rosalie Williams, this version of Mrs. Hudson has one of the most overtly motherly demeanors of any version. I love how she’s so sweet and bubbly on the outset, but then as the show goes on you realize there is a real steel underneath that seemingly frail surface. Like most of the other major cast members, it was neat to see her go from the modern world to period Victoriana in “The Abominable Bride,” and I was very sad to learn of her recent passing. A marvelous depiction overall.

[holmesiansource]

WITHOUT A CLUE (1988) dir. Thom Eberhardt

[cordovacreations97]

#squawking#russian holmes#rdj holmes#ritchie holmes#ritchieverse#the irregulars#granada holmes#bbc sherlock#new russian holmes#tplosh#howard holmes#1979 holmes#murder by decree#without a clue

Sherlock Holmes adaptations rated only on Watson fuckability factor

inspired by @froody's post.

Old Russian Holmes

The day I do not thirst for Solomin is the day I die. He is the OG Hotson. I relate with Holmes in that he repreatedly checks out Watson's ass throughout the series and asks him out on a date immediately after getting acquainted with him. As nekosmuse.com said:

It should also be noted that Solomin is hot. Ridiculously hot. Walking wet dream hot. Especially in uniform.

Fuckability: 10000/10

Ritchieverse

Though Solomin is the first Hotson, Jude Law is the origin of the term Hotson. I only hold on to the promise of SH3 for the possibility of dilf Law!Watson. The only Watson actor who's hotter with the moustache than without. Also a r m s .

Fuckability: 10000/10

The Irregulars

Royce Pierreson is hot ok, especially when he rolls his sleeves up to his biceps. Also his Watson's actually gay. Fuckability: 10/10.

Granada Holmes (Hardwicke era)

@mr-nauseam's brother said:

My ideal sugar daddy, he looks so adorable and kind, look how that suit fits him.

And I agree. Fuckability: 10/10.

Granada Holmes (Burke era)

I'd die for his sass. Whatever he does, his hair never ever ever gets messy. Fuckability: 10/10.

New Russian Holmes

Panin!Watson is every bit my type. And the hat chuck? That snipe from a window? His steady hand? Fuck. Fuckability: 8/10.

Canon Watson

I'd fuck him, but I gotta get him a therapist first. Fuckability: 7/10.

BBC Sherlock

His hair and wardrobe in S4 is the only reason I pulled through that season. Also when he licks his lips holy shit. Fuckability in S1-S3: 7/10. The wardrobe was shit. Fuckability in S4: 10/10. Those button-ups are gonna drive me mad.

Nigel Bruce | Nigel Stock | James Mason | Ben Kingsley

Nigel Bruce

Sorry sir. Your character was not written to be fuckable. Fuckability: 1/10.

Nigel Stock

I don't really know. Fuckability: 1/10.

Murder by Decree

Sir. I cannot fuck someone who, when he has a leftover pea, tries to stab it with a fork. I cannot fuck a man too cowardly to eat with his fingers. Fuckability: 0/10.

Without A Clue

Hell yeah I'd fuck him. Look at those shirtsleeves. And a Watson with Indian descent? Sign me up. Fuckability: 9/10.

Colin Blakely | John C. Reilly | H. Marion Crawford | Donald Pickering

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes

He's adorable with the flower behind his ear. But he's homophobic. Even if I wanted to, he wouldn't fuck me back coz I'm gay. Fuckability: 2/10.

Holmes & Watson

NOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Fuckability: -1000000000000/10

1954 Holmes (Crawford)

Nope. He's a smol bean that I'd rather cuddle. Precious boii. Fuckability: 2/10.

1979 Holmes (Pickering)

Hell yeah I'd fuck him! His wardrobe and his hair is a big UGH. I will also die for his sass. Fuckability: 10/10.

thank you @mr-nauseam for helping me! lucy liu's joan watson not included because she is above these mere mortals.

[i-will-cry-you-a-river]

Shen Yuan, who transmigrates into PIWD as himself, finds out he is allergic to basically everything. Thankfully Bingge is ready to dual cultivate with him every time he has an allergic reaction to save his life. What a bro. What an absolutely heroic straight protagonist who fucks even a nerdy, straight guy like him to help a bro out. Well, it is a little strange that his blood mites does not work for this, so they have to dual cultivate every time, but Shen Yuan blames Airplane. It must be his fault. Shen Yuan is just so thankful and blessed to have such a good friend, who spends every minute stuck to him to make sure he is safe! Bingge even moved him to his own room and bed to stay vigilant! What a protagonist, what a bro!