I am a big fan of the Granada Sherlock Holmes adaptations, and The Norwood Builder is no exception. In fact, it is one of my favourites of this particular series along with The Crooked Man and The Speckled Band.
The story this is adapted from is wonderful, very intriguing to say the least. This is a wonderful adaptation, with strong, thoughtful writing, a thrilling story and interesting characters, especially the narrow-minded and inept Inspector Lestrade.
The direction is never too low-key or over-the-top, and the adaptation never feels rushed or pedestrian. The production values as is consistently the case with this series, even in the weaker adaptations such as The Eligible Bachelor(part of Casebook), are top notch, with evocative recreation of the period and excellent photography. The music again is both beautiful and haunting.
The acting is as good as can be. Jeremy Brett is note perfect as Holmes, David Burke, as thoughtful and as composed as ever, gives one of his better performances as Dr Watson(I prefer Edward Hardwicke, but Burke is good too) and Colin Jeavons is a sheer delight as Lestrade.
Overall, a wonderful adaptation and one of the best of this particular series. 10/10 Bethany Cox