The Devil's Foot (6 Apr. 1988)

While convalescing in Cornwall, a depressive Holmes investigates the apparent death from apoplexy of a local woman and the unexplained sudden dementia of her two brothers.

Director:

Ken Hannam

Writers:

John Hawkesworth (developed for television by), Gary Hopkins (dramatised by),

Stars:

Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke, Denis Quilley

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Jeremy Brett	...	Sherlock Holmes
Edward Hardwicke	...	Dr Watson
Denis Quilley	...	Dr Leon Sterndale
Damien Thomas	...	Mortimer Tregennis
Michael Aitkens	...	Reverend Roundhay
Freda Dowie	...	Mrs Porter
Norman Bowler	...	Owen Tregennis
Peter Shaw	...	George Tregennis
Christine Collins	...	Brenda Tregennis
John Saunders	...	Dr Richards
Frank Moorey	...	Police Inspector

Storyline

Suffering from depression and nearing a breakdown, Holmes is accompanied by Watson to Cornwall for rest and recuperation as they tour the area's scenic coastal cliffs and Neolithic sites. The tranquility is interrupted by news that an unexplained tragedy has suddenly struck three siblings while playing cards in their home. The sister has apparently died from apoplexy, and her two brothers are suffering from acute dementia with expressions of fear and horror frozen on their faces. Showing great will power, Holmes discards his cocaine hypodermic and scrutinizes those involved in the case: an estranged third brother, the local vicar, and an enigmatic big game hunter and African explorer.

---

Plot Keywords:

cornwall | dementia | apoplexy | explorer | neolithic | 

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

---

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 1988 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Cadgwith, Cornwall, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Granada Television

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene of Holmes burying his syringe came in reaction to the producers and Brett learning that this Sherlock Holmes was very popular with children, who saw him as a superhero. As such, Brett was troubled that Holmes was setting a bad example to that audience with his cocaine usage. In response, he sought and obtained permission from Arthur Conan Doyle's daughter,Dame Jean Doyle and the Doyle estate for permission to have Holmes overcome and abandon his addiction.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Dr Watson: Almost there.
Sherlock Holmes: What does a Harley Street specialist know about my health?
Dr Watson: Listen, Holmes, Dr Moore Agar insists you have a complete rest if you wish to avoid an absolute breakdown. The sea air will do you the world of good.

---

Connections

Version of The Devil's Foot (1921)

User Reviews

This episode highlights friendship

The other comments for Devil's Foot are about how bad it is.I do not know anything about dramatization and technical details.What I know is, that for me this episode is about the great friendship between Holmes and Watson.You can see it in every episode, but generally the investigations are more important than friendship. In Devil's Foot the situation is reversed, the emphasis is on the Holmes-Watson relationship. Edward Hardwicke gives one of his best performances as the caring and worried, loyal doctor. Jeremy Brett portrays a very contemplative Holmes, who overcomes his cocaine addiction - it is symbolized by the scene where he buries his syringe on the coast.The filming location, Cornwall suits well the atmosphere of the story.I like this episode very much, it is one of the best from the Return series.