Watch The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

13+
1971
2 Seasons
7.2 (350)

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is an anthology crime drama series that aired from 1971 to 1973. The show features adaptations of lesser-known detective stories from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, written by authors who were often overshadowed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic character. The series consists of a total of 26 episodes, each showcasing a different mystery solved by a different investigator.

The show's cast is led by Peter Vaughan, who portrays the narrator and occasional character, Dr. John Thorndyke. Vaughan's gravelly voice and wry wit serve as a constant presence throughout the series, connecting the disparate episodes and providing a sense of continuity. The other main actors include Peter Barkworth, who plays the suave and analytical Inspector John Parrish, and Douglas Wilmer, who portrays the acerbic and contemplative retired detective, Professor Van Dusen.

Each episode of The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes presents a self-contained story with its own unique set of characters and clues. The mysteries range from murders and kidnappings to fraud and espionage, and the settings span the length and breadth of England, from bustling cities to isolated country estates. The tone of the show is generally serious and somber, with occasional flashes of humor and romance interspersed throughout.

Despite being overshadowed by Sherlock Holmes, the detectives featured in The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes are just as clever and resourceful. They rely on their keen intuition, ingenuity, and meticulous attention to detail to crack the cases. While some of the detectives exhibit a certain degree of physical prowess, most of them rely on their intellect and powers of deduction to solve the mysteries at hand.

One of the most striking aspects of The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is its use of period detail. The show is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the production team spared no expense in recreating the look and feel of the era. From the costumes and hairstyles to the street signs and shopfronts, every aspect of the show is designed to transport the viewer back in time.

The production values of The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes are impressive, considering the show's modest budget and limited resources. The locations and sets are varied and well-chosen, and the cinematography is often striking, making use of moody lighting and shadows to create a sense of suspense and unease. The music is also a standout feature, with the opening theme song setting the tone for each episode with its haunting strings and ominous brass.

Despite only airing for two years, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes has had a lasting impact on the crime drama genre. Its focus on lesser-known authors and their forgotten detectives has inspired a new generation of mystery writers and fans of the genre. The show's commitment to authenticity and verisimilitude has set the bar high for other period dramas, and its intelligent scripts and talented cast have ensured its enduring popularity.

In summary, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a gripping and atmospheric crime drama series that showcases the talents of lesser-known detective characters from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The show's dedication to period detail, strong production values, and intelligent scripts make it a must-watch for fans of the crime genre, and its talented cast, led by Peter Vaughan, Peter Barkworth, and Douglas Wilmer, bring the characters to life with skill, wit, and charm.

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a series that ran for 2 seasons (27 episodes) between September 20, 1971 and on Acorn Media

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Seasons

2 1

13. The Missing Q.C.s

April 16, 1973

Two leading London barristers--Queen's Counsels--disappear during a murder trial, one for the prosecution and one for the defense. Junior defense barrister Charles Dallas searches for his two colleagues, but they are about to undergo the most bizarre of trials themselves.

12. The Mystery of the Amber Beads

April 16, 1973

After the strangulation of a rich widow, her necklace turns up in a pawnshop run by a young gypsy woman named Hagar. The police quickly zero in on a chief suspect, but Hagar has other ideas about the culprit. However, sometimes even her instincts can let her down.

11. The Looting of the Specie Room

April 9, 1973

A luxury passenger ship sets sail from New York for a record-breaking transatlantic crossing. Aboard is a quarter million pounds' worth of gold bullion--and thieves determined to set their own record. Suspicion falls on the man in charge of the gold, ship's purser Mr. Horrocks.

10. The Secret of the Fox Hunter

April 2, 1973

When two European spies join a hunting party at an English country house, William Drew of the Foreign Office goes undercover to pursue his own type of prey. Drew suspects a traitor may be working with the spies, and soon learns they are more than willing to kill to get what they want.

9. The Moabite Cipher

March 26, 1973

Coming to the aid of a man kicked by a rearing police horse, Dr. John Thorndyke stumbles upon an anarchist plot to assassinate a visiting Russian grand duke. The key appears to be a cryptogram written in ancient Moabite found on the man's body.

8. The Anonymous Letters

March 19, 1973

A recently married Habsburg countess hires dashing private detective Dagobert Trostler to find out who has been sending her obscene letters. The writer clearly knows her most intimate secrets, as well as those of a friend who is likewise receiving compromising letters.

7. The Superfluous Finger

March 11, 1973

Asked to perform an unnecessary amputation, a London surgeon calls on his colleague, Prof. Van Dusen, to learn the reason for the gruesome request. Van Dusen's investigation leads him to a country house; a mad, shotgun-toting aristocrat; and an incident three years earlier.

6. The Sensible Action of Lieutenant Holst

March 4, 1973

The dangers of revolutionary Russia come to quiet Copenhagen when a countess from St. Petersburg flees to the Danish capital, claiming her anarchist brother-in-law is trying to kill her. The case falls to local cop Lt. Holst, who struggles to make sense of it all.

5. The Absent-Minded Coterie

February 26, 1973

Amateur detective Eugene Valmont begins by investigating a counterfeiting operation--and ends up uncovering an even more ingenious swindling scheme. But he may have met his match in one particular adversary.

4. The Secret of the Magnifique

February 19, 1973

The mysterious Mr. Laxworthy hires two ex-cons for a job in the south of France. But the self-described "adventurer" isn't after money. His eyes are on greater prizes--the most valuable secret of the French navy and the reputation of two very important men.

3. Cell 13

February 12, 1973

Irked by the grandiose boasts of the warden of Grangemoor prison, Prof. Van Dusen wagers he can escape from the vaunted high-security facility in less than a week. Daring him to "think his way out," the prison staff accepts the challenge.

2. Five Hundred Carats

February 5, 1973

Tensions reach the breaking point in the small mining town of Kimberley, South Africa, after the daring theft of the DeBeers diamond. Insp. Lipinzki leaves no stone unturned in his hunt for the precious rock. The more he digs, the more deadly become the stakes for everyone in Kimberely.

1. The Mysterious Death on the Underground Railway

January 29, 1973

When a young woman is poisoned on a London subway train, the police searching for her killer appear to be on the wrong track. Bright young reporter Polly Burton decides to unmask the murderer herself--putting her own safety on the line in the process.

101. Episode 01

April 16, 1973

Two leading London barristers-Queen's Counsels-disappear during a murder trial, one for the prosecution and one for the defense. Junior defense barrister Charles Dallas searches for his two colleagues, but they are about to undergo the most bizarre of trials themselves.

Description

Where to Watch The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is available for streaming on the Acorn Media website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes on demand at Amazon Prime and PBS.