The Cardboard Box (11 Apr. 1994)

Susan Cushing asks Holmes' help in solving the disappearance of her sister Mary Browner, but it doesn't seem Holmes' type of case until he is told of a Christmas present's grisly contents.

Director:

Sarah Hellings

Writers:

Arthur Conan Doyle (by), T.R. Bowen (screenplay)

Stars:

Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke, Rosalie Williams

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Jeremy Brett	...	Sherlock Holmes
Edward Hardwicke	...	Doctor Watson
Rosalie Williams	...	Mrs Hudson
Ciarán Hinds	...	Jim Browner (as Ciaran Hinds)
Joanna David	...	Susan Cushing
Deborah Findlay	...	Sarah Cushing
Lucy Whybrow	...	Mary Browner
Tom Chadbon	...	Inspector Hawkins
Thierry Harcourt	...	Marcel Jacottet
Richard Dixon	...	Mr Bradbrook
Renny Krupinski	...	Murdoch Gull
Andrew Readman	...	Postman
Ann Rye	...	Mrs Clyde
Rachel Smith	...	Lucy
Andy Tomlinson	...	Policeman

Storyline

Sherlock Holmes is asked by Susan Cushing if he could attempt to locate her sister, Mary Browner, recently married to a seaman, Jim Browner. She's worried that something may have happened to her and refuses to accept that she may have run off with another man. Holmes isn't interested in the case and offers to refer her to a missing persons agency. He is drawn into a case by Scotland Yard when the same Susan Cushing who sought to engage him receives two human ears in a box. Susan is convinced that they were sent by a lodger, a medical student whom she recently evicted for dallying with another sister, Sarah. There's now been a falling out between those sisters and Sarah is running a local mission house. Holmes isn't so sure that the ears were sent by the medical student and as he looks more deeply into the case, determines there is a connection between that occurrence and the third missing sister, Mary.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 April 1994 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Liverpool docks, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Granada Television

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of The Cardboard Box (1923)

User Reviews

Good but Problematic

This adaptation is a fine last episode for the Granada Holmes series. The story is well-written and complex, with very strong elements which include adultery, jealousy, and alcoholism. The production values are still lavish, as is the photography, musical score, and direction. Not to mention that Ciran Hinds gives a memorable performance as Jim Browner. However, the episode's major weakness is that Jeremy Brett's illness is becoming more apparent and is reflected in his performance. His energy and dynamics in portraying Holmes are noticeably diminished due to his health issues, and at times he mumbles his lines. Still, even with his illness, Brett delivered an unforgettable performance as the definitive Sherlock Holmes, and Jeremy Brett fans are grateful that he played the role as long as he did. His extraordinary talent and captivating portrayal of the super sleuth will be missed.