I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

"actors in this drama" [SECO]  Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Their names are forever linked, just as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are. And it is their remarkable seven-year collaboration that we discuss in this episode.   You've seen their likenesses in still photos. You've probably heard their voices in audio recordings. And you've had a chance to see their films from the late 1930s and early 1940s, whether in the theater, as a Saturday afternoon matinee on television, public TV pledge drive, or perhaps on a DVD or on YouTube.   The point is this: regardless of your level of fondness or distaste for this pairing, they remain iconic and inextricably linked to their portrayals of the world's greatest detective and his medical companion. Yes, it was Nigel Bruce's version of Dr. Watson that was called boobus Britannicus, but it seemed to fit with the times and with the air of the series.    We take you on a journey from their initial outing in The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holm

"in the northern provinces" [SIGN]    The Baker Street Irregulars International Series continues to forge ahead, as it published its sixth volume at the end of 2016. Joining the ranks of other countries and regions that whose scholarly works have been compiled and published by the BSI is none other than Canada.   Joining us to talk about from the BSI International Series is one of the co-editors, Peter Calamai, BSI ("The Leeds Mercury"), MBt, C.M. Peter is one half of the editing team that took on the Canadian project, together with Mark Alberstat, BSI ("Halifax"). Peter tells us about his membership in the Order of Canada, his life as a journalist, and his foggy first meeting with Sherlock Holmes. We cover Sherlockian scholarship from north of the border, as well as the association with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that Canada has.   We haven't included a single 'eh' or 'aboot' in this episode, but we have given you a Gas-Lamp in the form of an essay from Christopher Redmond: "The Lure of the Chase," which can

"something which had never before intruded"  [VALL]  You probably remember the first time you came across Sherlock Holmes. Whether it was a Saturday afternoon matinee of a Basil Rathbone film, or a cracking open The Hound of the Baskervilles for the first time, you were hooked. But have you stopped to think about all of the firsts in the Canon? That is, what are some of the groundbreaking things that Sherlock Holmes introduced to the world of detection and detective fiction? From techniques to technology, and from puzzles to poisons, we'll take you on an exploration of the the many unique and primal examples of Holmes's processes and Arthur Conan Doyle's writing. We find our inspiration in the very first Gas-Lamp that Edgar Smith wrote for the BSJ in Vol. 1, No. 1 (Old Series), titled "The Game Is Afoot!"   Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors, plus the every-other-episode favorite, Sherlock Holmes Brand products. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites: , publishers of  by Da

"he braced himself to tell his story" [BERY]    It's always a treat to have guests on our show when we air interviews. But two interviews in a single show? It just isn't done! Until now, that is. We were pleased to see Lynsday Faye, BSI ("Kitty Winter") at an event at Otto Penzler's Mysterious Bookshop, launching her newest book The Whole Art of Detection. We managed to take her gently by the elbow and lead her away from her admiring fans to have a few words. Those words included "Watson," "Doyle," "voice," and many others. You'll enjoy the way they're strung together. And at a separate event at the Rosenbach Library, we met Ed Pettit, the new manager of public programs for the institution. He gave us a rundown of the latest exhibit, "Clever Criminals and Daring Detectives."   Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors, plus the every-other-episode favorite, Sherlock Holmes Brand products. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites: Wessex Press, publishers of by Leah Guinn and Jamie

"have even contributed to the literature of the subject" [REDH]  We know that the field of writings about Sherlock Holmes has been plowed thoroughly for over 100 years. In fact, it began as far back as 1902, according to some research, being thrust into the limelight with the Oxford lectures of Fr. Ronald Knox. Publications like the Baker Street Journal and the Sherlock Holmes Journal have been cranking out their issues multiple times a year since the mid-20th century, and other regular periodicals as well as hundreds upon hundreds of books have dedicated themselves to the study of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works about Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes. Does it show any sign of abating? What can we learn about the next wave of our hobby, based on looking at the past? We look at some of the cornerstones and collected works to give a sense as to what we can expect from Sherlockian scholars of the 21st century.   Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their

"it is the only personal introduction" [SUSS]  "Just what the world needs," you tell yourself. "Another biography of Arthur Conan Doyle." Full disclosure: we thought the same thing. Until we read Arthur and Sherlock by Michael Sims. And then our attitudes changed. And then even more so after having a conversation with the author. Fortunately, we recorded that conversation and we're sharing it with you here. Michael shared with us the impact of books on his young mind, his journey to writing, and how his earlier works on E.B. White and Henry David Thoreau inspired his style for this book. From Baring-Gould to Joseph Bell, we touch on many familiar names and go deep into this exploration of the elements that inspired Conan Doyle to create his master detective. And, if you listen carefully, you'll discover how a certain intestinal discomfort prevented Doyle from killing himself.   And please consider joining our . Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, producti

"not enough to hold her back"  [YELL]     You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Sherlock Holmes news item these days. Wait — perhaps that's not the best metaphor. How about "you can't turn around without seeing a Sherlock Holmes story." Much better. We decided to pick a handful of news (and non-news) stories related to Sherlock Holmes and go to town. From Stephen Fry's recent audio recordings of the stories to using the Canon as a modern-day text for would-be Joseph Bells in training, to British shows available via a new streaming service in the US, to Sherlock Holmes as a model for writers — these stories and more make up our paean to the great detective. Plus, Lyndsay Faye inspired our Gas-Lamp with her piece "Why We Can't Get Enough of Sherlock Holmes."   Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites: , home of the ever-expanding Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle in the Newspapers, now at Volume 3. , where we certainly can't get enough o

"we appeared to be two theatre-goers" [CHAS]  Tim Greer, BSI ("The Ragged Shaw") joins us for this episode in which we explore some of the intricacies and challenges of producing Sherlock Holmes on the stage. For anyone who's been to a major gathering of Sherlockians in the last few years, Tim should be no stranger. From his home base in Memphis to 221B Con and the BSI Weekend, he's been seen in exquisite and faithful costumes inspired by William Gillette, Jeremy Brett an Basil Rathbone. Tim is an award winning Sherlockian, having been honored with the Beacon Award from the Beacon Society and the Morley Montgomery Award for the best article in the Baker Street Journal in 2014. Tim's specialty is the theater, and he shares his inspiration with us, ranging from the difficulty in physically portraying a cerebral character to the proper staging and set decoration of the sitting rooms at 221B Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes has been presented on stage in one way or another for 125 years and there continue to be many

"Has anything escaped me?" [HOUN]  There's a reason Vincent Starrett wrote "Here, though the world explode, these two survive,/ And it is always eighteen ninety-five." Whether it was in the 1940s or today, the world offers a up a variety of stressors and developments that cause one to wish to simply forget about it all for a while. Hence, the concept of escapism. The pastime of Sherlock Holmes is a form of escapism, and we explore what it means, the origin of the phrase, and how it differs from procrastination. And there were a number of individuals in the Canon who were escaping from something or who wished to bury themselves in some sort of distraction or hobby. From Irene Adler to Selden, Hugh Boone to Brunton, J. Neil Gibson to Elsie Cubitt, there were reasons to withdraw and escape; and Stapleton, Baron Gruner, and Sherlock Holmes himself had hobbies that kept them otherwise occupied from time to time. Plus, we wrap up with an escapist Gas-Lamp: Bill Schweikert's "A Long Evening with Holmes."   Sponsors

" dancing across the paper" [DANC]  The opportunity to see an original Conan Doyle manuscript up close and to transcribe it word for word is a rare one. Which is why Ray Betzner, BSI ("The Agony Column") jumped at the opportunity and buttonholed David Morrill, BSI ("Count Von Kramm") to assist with the editing Dancing to Death, the latest volume in the Baker Street Irregulars Manuscript Series, which covers "The Adventure of the Dancing Men." Ray tells us about his budding interest in Sherlock Holmes and how it began with his discovery of Vincent Starrett — and a twice-failed driving test. And he continues with the origin story of this long-unseen manuscript, the choice of authors and topics — from an authority in ciphers to the first BSI to see the manuscript, to the role of sound, to the "manuscript police" — and an admiration for the ingenuity, creativity and expertise for their work. But it goes deeper than that: Ray shares his misgivings about this story, which is one that it is actually a failure for Sh

"their celebrated colleague" [VALL]    It's 2017 and we're back from the BSI Weekend, with tales of friends, listeners, authors and more. Things we learned included Bonnie MacBird's next Sherlock Holmes novel that involves whisky; a future edition of a Sherlock Holmes companion from Cambridge University Press; the Society of Illustrators has a wonderful cafe, where we held the annual meeting of the Three Hours for Lunch Club, and subsequently, we'll be recommending Frederic Dorr Steele as a future Hall of Fame Member at the Society. We debate the possibility of or need for regular electronic updates of the eBSJ archives — or even a concurrent digital option of the Journal — leading to a broader discussion of print versus digital publications.   And of course we touch on the latest goings-on with Sherlock.   The Gas-Lamp this time is made up of the lyrics of the Harvey Officer song "On the Road to Baker Street," with abject apologies to Rudyard Kipling, Frank Sinatra, and anyone with a musical ear.      Sponso

"Yes, Mr. Holmes, I teach music." [SOLI]    It's our final show of 2016, we welcome Karen Wilson to the program to discuss a variety of musical associations of hers with Sherlock Holmes. From teaching to composing to performing, she does it all, and incorporates that into her Sherlockian pursuits.   We're treated to one of the best toasts of the year, "Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street," performed for us by Karen. It was inspired by "Alexander Hamilton" from the hit musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it does not disappoint.   Karen shares with us her muse, the creative process, her other inspirations and more in this memorable interview. Plus, a solution for getting kids to put down those pesky electronic devices. Burt and Scott mention some Sherlockian resolutions for 2017; what are yours? And do you have suggestions for guests for 2017? Let us know with a call, a comment, or an email.       And please consider becoming a regular supporter of ours on . Your support helps us to meet production cost

"It is for the convenience of these that the Diogenes Club was started" [GREE]  Sherlockian societies are literally everywhere.  — we'll wait. And just as there are many things that make them unique, there are just as many that bind them together. Whether it's traditions, geography, frequency, or program style, Sherlock Holmes is at the center of it all. And while Sherlock and his brother Mycroft felt right at home at the Diogenes Club, which was created for the most unsociable and unclubbable men around, Sherlockian gatherings exist for just the opposite reason. We band together because we're gregarious people and we have a common love of all things related to the Sherlock Holmes stories. Burt's recent travels have taken him to a number of Sherlock Holmes groups, and he reflects on what's special about each. You might find some confluence with groups you belong to; or perhaps there are stark differences. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think other interested Sherlockians should know about your lo

"Holmes crouched down behind the screen" [HOUN]   Every four years, the Baker Street Irregulars host a conference of sorts. We shared with you some of our impressions from the Chautauqua conference in .   This time, we step back to the conference immediately preceding it - Behind the Canonical Screen, which took place in Los Angeles at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television in 2012. We're joined by Lyndsay Faye, BSI ("Kitty Winter"), ASH and Ashley Polasek, ASH, who co-edited the book containing the papers and presentations from the conference, , published by the BSI Press.   They tell us about the goings-on at the conference, of watching the screenings while attending an academic symposium, the power of symbolism, costume and more. We have two sponsors, plus a bonus Sherlock Holmes Brand ad, for your listening pleasure.   Please consider becoming a regular supporter of ours on . Your support helps us to meet production costs.   Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please supp

"If a man has a hobby, he follows it up" [ILLU]  One of the perennially favorite sets of episodes is the Sherlockian 101 series we did (originally Episode 4 and Episode 5). Many of our longtime listeners may have heard these, but some may not have listened to them in a while. And we recognize that we may have new listeners who may not have gone through our extensive back catalog. Therefore, we decided to resurrect and combine these episodes into one larger show to help you understand just what goes in to this little hobby of ours. From the original stories, to the advent of Sherlock Holmes as a pop culture figure, our love of all things Victorian and just getting started, you'll get a good grounding in the language and customs of our hobby. Then, we'll help you understand the community of people that we call Sherlockians (or is that Holmesians?) who have been at this for over 100 years. From the publications they produce to the meetings they hold, we'll give you a grounding of the language, names and even tra

"Excellent, Watson! You scintillate today." [ILLU]  In 2017, we'll celebrate the 10th anniversary of , appropriately called "a family reunion for Sherlockians." In this episode, we're fortunate to be able to speak with the founder of the event, Jacquelynn Morris, BSI ("The Lion's Mane"). From an AOL discussion board to membership in one of Maryland's finest Sherlockian societies, we hear about Jacquelynn's first meeting with Sherlock Holmes and the many people who have influenced her along the way. Hers is a story that typifies the magnificent power of friendship and colleagues as one finds one's way into the world of Sherlock Holmes fans. It includes the encouragement of outsiders and younger individuals, a fine tradition which Jacquelynn herself carries on today. We also touch on topics such as Undershaw and 's latest publication . Much like an onion, the more layers we peel back from Jacquelynn, the more we discover — and she's fascinating! Listen in to find out what a wedding, a swordfight, Vincent Wright

"now bright, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned" [TWIS] After nearly 130 years in print, it seems like the phenomenon of Sherlock Holmes may have peaked. And yet, it's likely that every generation may have thought that - including the one in which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was still writing the original stories.   We've often said that every generation has its Sherlock Holmes, and when we move beyond the printed page, it's quite true. From William Gillette to Eille Norwood, Arthur Wontner to Basil Rathbone, Ronald Howard to Douglas Wilmer and Peter Cushing, not to mention Robert Stephenson, Nicol Williamson, Jeremy Brett, Robert Downey, Jr., Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch. These are just a handful of names from two forms of media.   Sherlock Holmes fades but manages to come back, with no sign of abatement. Each time, the fandom receives a shot in the arm and there's a high-water mark left when the tide recedes. Then, it happens again, perhaps increasing slightly. But the interest in the c

"The detectives and I must have echoed it" [VALL]    Laurie R. King, BSI ("The Red Circle") and Leslie S. Klinger, BSI ("The Abbey Grange") are no strangers to the mystery genre. Laurie is probably best known for her Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes stories, and Les has annotated the Sherlock Holmes stories, Dracula, Sandman and H.P. Lovecraft.   Together, the two have edited two anthologies of stories inspired by Sherlock Holmes: and . They're back at it again with a third volume, , and we sit down with them to discuss what it's like pulling together the work from a wide variety of mystery writers.   If you'd like to see Laurie and Les in person, they'll be at the in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 1 at 2:00 pm; and at in Corte Madera, California on October 8 at 5:00 pm. And there will be a celebration of the publication of Echoes of Sherlock Holmes via the in Los Angeles on October 9 at 3:00 pm.      

"I had never heard of the institution" [GREE]    Every four years, the Baker Street Irregulars, the New York-based literary society dedicated to studying Sherlock Holmes, arranges an excursion somewhere in the United States. These events happen outside of the usual BSI Weekend, and like the weekend itself, are open to all interested Sherlockians.   The first in 2004 took the group to Salt Lake City on the trail of A Study in Scarlet; then in 2008, the group went to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania to the locales that inspired The Valley of Fear; in 2012, Los Angeles played host to a film-related conference. And in 2016, the group headed to the for "The Mind and Art of Sherlock Holmes."   And this time, we were there! We managed to not only listen to and see some wonderful presentations, but we gave one of our own on the future of our little publication. But in the meantime, we nabbed a few of the speakers and got their stories — stories that went beyond the presentations. We even have some audio (and video clips bel

"they were said to be a most united couple" [DANC] You might call them the first couple of the Baker Street Irregulars. Albert ("Inspector Bradstreet") and Julia ("Mrs. Turner") Rosenblatt have graced the Sherlockian scenes as a couple since the early 1970s. We had a chance to visit them at their home in New York, where we heard about a little girl named Margie and an unrelated trip to Meiringen were responsible for sparking the interest that led to so many amazing things. From arranging the quinquennial Sherlockian dinners at the Culinary Institute of America with Master Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt, BSI ("Simpson's") to writing Dining with Sherlock Holmes, and providing us with the BSI year-in-review in verse and a second generation Sherlockian, Al and Julie have been sparking plugs for many others.   Join us to hear why this hobby is about more than the collective events and publications; it's about relationships.   Notes 1:36 Intro 2:55 Listener comments 7:33 Your comments, please 9:35 Sponsor: The Wessex Pr