The unfortunate John Hector McFarlane is desperately seeking Sherlock Holmes help. He will be accused of murder and needs to tell Holmes his story.
He drafted a will for Jonas Oldacre, a retired builder and a man he never met but his mother once knew him. McFarlane is the main beneficiary of the will. He had visited Oldacre's house late at night for the signing of the will.
Oldacre has been found dead, the body burnt near his house. All the evidence points towards McFarlane, his cane even his fingerprint. The will leaving him all of Oldacre's worldly possessions now looks like a death warrant.
Lestrade (Colin Jeavons) is introduced in this episode, pleased that he can get one over Holmes. Holmes is genuinely flummoxed but one suspects not for long. Watson finds out that Oldacre may not have had that much money to leave behind.
This was a such an enjoyable episode, so well realised. You can sense what might had occurred once you find out more about Oldacre. Holmes goes into disguise, acting as a vagrant to find out more information.
There were so many little things to enjoy here. Wonderful acting; Rosalie Crutchley does little to hide her disdain as the housekeeper. Anthony Langdon as the tramp and Helen Ryan as Mrs McFarlane.
There was so much here to lend atmosphere. Just look at all that horse manure on Baker Street as Holmes and Watson run for a hansom cab.