The Second Stain (30 Jul. 1986)

Holmes is asked by the country's Prime Minister to aid in the recovery of a stolen diplomatic letter, which, if published, might lead England into war.

Director:

John Bruce

Writers:

Arthur Conan Doyle (by), John Hawkesworth (developed for television by),

Stars:

Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke, Harry Andrews

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Jeremy Brett	...	Sherlock Holmes
Edward Hardwicke	...	Dr. Watson
Harry Andrews	...	Lord Bellinger
Patricia Hodge	...	Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope
Stuart Wilson	...	Rt. Honourable Trelawney Hope
Colin Jeavons	...	Inspector Lestrade
Sean Scanlan	...	Constable MacPherson
Yves Beneyton	...	Eduardo Lucas
Yvonne Orengo	...	Madame Henri Fournaye
Rosalie Williams	...	Mrs Hudson
Alan Bennion	...	Bates

Storyline

Holmes receives a surprise visit from no less than the Prime Minister and the country's chief foreign diplomat, Lord Trelawney Hope. They ask his assistance in the recovery of a sensitive diplomatic letter stolen mysteriously from the Lord's home. Its contents are so incendiary that they might lead Great Britain into war if they were published. Holmes credits only three active criminals capable of masterminding so audacious a theft, and when one is found stabbed to death on the night in question, The Great Detective correctly surmises that it is not a coincidence. Matters are further complicated by a visit to Baker Street by Lady Trelawney Hope, a visit she wants kept from her husband.

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Plot Keywords:

document | minister | prime minister | diplomat | cabinet officer | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 July 1986 (UK)

Filming Locations:

The Privy Council Office, 2 Carlton Gardens, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Granada Television

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Dr. Watson: [narration] One Tuesday morning in autumn at precisely half past eight, Sherlock Holmes received a mysterious message that two men of great public distinction would be visiting Baker Street in their private capacity and under circumstances of complete secrecy.

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Connections

Version of Sherlock Holmes: The Second Stain (1951)

User Reviews

The all-time best

The very best of all the episodes. The story is intriguing yet easily solved and has Jeremy Brett at the peak of his artistic powers. Every moment of his acting is a bliss to behold.

It has the most funny Lestrade encounter in the series. And all is supported by a great cast: especially Stuart Wilson as the Prime Minister and Yves Beneyton as Eduardo Lucas.

It also succeeds on audiovisual level. There is a nice lighting and music undertones well one of the most cheerful episodes.

The positive feeling comes not only from Watson's support but also from Holmes' approach. Even though, the matter seems almost unsolvable at first, he is driven by it and even claims that it may become one of his greatest triumphs. This very scene is concluded by burning newspapers wonderfully showing Holmes' almost bohemian approach to life (though based on strict logic).

There are many great episodes, The Red Headed League or Silver Blaze come first to mind, but this ones stands atop.

PS: This episode bears similarities with two others: The Naval Treaty and Bruce Partington Plans. All having a spy theme and important documents suddenly gone missing.