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.

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Plot Keywords:

cornwall | dementia | apoplexy | explorer | neolithic | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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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 hallucination segment includes details of William Blake paintings (Nabuchodonosor, The Body of Abel Found by Adam and Eve) and scenes of Holmes' encounter with Professor Moriarty from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem.

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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.

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Connections

Version of Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Foot (1965)

User Reviews

A Standout

Memorable episode from "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" volume in the Granada series as well as one of the better adaptations in the series overall. Holmes and Watson go to the Cornish coast to recuperate, only to face bizarre multiple murders. The story is unique and leads to an unexpected conclusion. One moment that really stands out in this adaptation is it's acid dream sequence when Holmes has to put himself under hallucination to find out the solution to the mystery. Also notable in the story is Holmes giving up his habit of cocaine. Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke give their best performances and the atmosphere, photography, production values, and music are superb. Definitely a must watch for fans.