AS SEEN ON TV: SHERLOCK HOLMES

Students of Sherlockiana have long held that January 6 marks the birthday of Sherlock Holmes. And that is why he is today's feature for the "As Seen On TV" showcase.

SHERLOCK HOLMES

AS SEEN IN:

"The Sherlock Holmes Collection"

AS PLAYED BY:

Jeremy Brett

TV DIMENSION:

Earth Prime-Time

STATUS:

Recastaway

SOURCE MATERIAL:

"The Blue Carbuncle" (picture)

&

"The Valley Of Fear" (text)

WRITTEN BY:

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

From The New York Times "City Room":
Another argument for January 6 was made by William S. Baring-Gould, who produced the first annotated Sherlock Holmes collection. He and others have argued that “The Valley Of Fear,” the final Sherlock Holmes novel, starts on Jan. 7.

Mr. Holmes seems to be a little cranky at the beginning of the story and snaps at Dr. John H. Watson. But why would he be in a bad mood? Because of a hangover. Why would he have a hangover? He must have been celebrating the night before. What could he have been celebrating? Certainly it was his birthday.

From "The Valley Of Fear":

"I am inclined to think--" said I.

"I should do so," Sherlock Holmes remarked impatiently.

I believe that I am one of the most long-suffering of mortals; but I'll admit that I was annoyed at the sardonic interruption.

"Really, Holmes," said I severely, "you are a little trying at times."

He leaned upon his hand, with his untasted breakfast before him, and he stared at the slip of paper which he had just drawn from its envelope. Then he took the envelope itself, held it up to the light, and very carefully studied both the exterior and the flap.

"We pay the price, Watson, for being too up-to-date!" he cried. "We are before our time, and suffer the usual penalties. Being the seventh of January, we have very properly laid in the new almanac."

So we know it's January Seventh; we see that he has not eaten his breakfast; and he has to hold his head up while in a snippy mood.

Yeah, I'd say he's hung over.....

The game is afoot!

Maktoob!