The Real 'Holmes'

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Dr. Joseph Bell, the man who inspired Sir Arthur to create Holmes

The real man behind the creation of one of the history’s most celebrated fictional character, Sherlock Holmes is Dr.Joseph Bell (1837-1911). He was a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. His father Benjamin Bell was also a forensic surgeon.

Dr. bell used to give extraordinary emphasis to careful observation while diagnosing a patient. Often he demonstrated remarkable deductive skills when revealed the occupation and recent activities of a person by merely looking at him.

Sir Arthur Conan doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, met Dr. joseph Bell in 1877 and served under him as a clerk at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Conan Doyle got extremely impressed by the abilities of Dr. Bell and based Sherlock holmes on him. Doyle himself admitted that he had based the fictional character loosely upon Dr. Bell and the later was also aware of this inspiration.

Joseph Bell died on 4 October, 1911 and is buried at Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh with other family members.

Financial Affairs of Sherlock Holmes

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Sherlock Holmes digging for some papers

Sherlock Holmes mainly persued this profession just for the sake of it and not for any monetary rewards. Although, no set amount has been mentioned in any of the stories as his standard fee but he does mentions in ‘The Problem of Thor Bridge’ that his charges are fixed, when his client offers to double the fees.

It is to be remembered that the cause of the first meeting between Homles and Dr. Watson in ‘A Study In Scarlet’ was due to financial problems as both were looking for a room mate to share the rent expenses. But Dr. Watson mentions in ‘The Adventure of the Dying Detective’, that the amount Holmes paid to acquire an apartment in Baker Street, was enough to actually buy it.

Holmes throughout his career serves for many famous and influential personalities and families who alos in return rewarded him, sometimes much more than his standard fee. In ‘The Adventure of the Final Problem’ Holmes mentions that his services to the French government had earned him enough to live a comfortable life.

Dr. Watson states about Holmes in ‘The Adventure of the Black Peter’ that it was Holmes norm to refuse trivial cases from wealthy clients while he often devoted himself to cases in which he had no hopes for any reward. But he does ask his clients to recompense the cost which he had to bear during investigation in ‘The Adventure of the Speckled Band’, ‘The Red-headed League’ and ‘The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet’.

Despite Holmes aversion for rewards, he rather takes his old friend Dr. Watson by surprise when he ‘rubs his hands in glee’ and pats the cheque from the Duke of Holdernesses, saying ‘I am a poor man’. But this incident can be taken as Holmes’ habit of creating ironic humor.

Among the many expensive momentos that he received from his many illustrious clients a golden snuff box from the King of Bohemia, a ring from the Dutch Royal family, an emerald tie-pin from Queen Victoria and a gold soverign from Irene Adler stand out. Holmes also received the Legion of Honor and a letter of thanks from the French premiere for catching a dangerous criminal.

Baker Street Irregulars

Holmes apart from using his extraordinary deductive reasoning, also employed a small group of street lads known as ‘The Baker Street Irregulars’ to get to vital clues. The Baker Street Irregulars feature in many of the stories, and Holmes realized their effectiveness as they instigated least of suspicion.

They were first featuerd in the novel ‘A Study In Scarlet’. The leader of this group was called ‘Wiggins’ and Holmes paid them a shilling a day including any expenses. Holmes also rewarded them with a guinea, worth one pound and one shilling, for vital information on an important case.

Baker Street Irregulars, The Organization

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FDR, Former US Presidet and a member of 'The Baker Street Irregulars'

There is also a worldwide organization named ‘The Baker Street Irregulars’ founded in 1934 by Christopher Morley for Holmes’ enthusiasts and fans. This organization has members from all around the world who love and admire the great fictional character of Sherlock Holmes.

Prominent members include Rex Stout, Banesh Hoffman, Issac Asimov and former United States presidents Frankiln Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. The present leader of this organization is Michael Whelan. The members gather in New York every year in January for a dinner and to discuss organizational matters.

Shelock Holmes - The Movie

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The Official logo of the Movie

The legendary fictional character of Sherlock Holmes has inspired many movies and TV dramas as well. The most recent movie named ‘Sherlock Holmes’ is still under production and is expected to be released next year. In March 2007, Warner Brothers Studio decided to start this project intended to give a new life to the character of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ just as the ‘Batman’ has got recent uplift. The movie is based on the unpublished comic book of Lionel Wigram. The film is intended to emphasize on the largely ignored characteristics in the personality of Holmes.

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Robert Downey Jr. playing the role of Holmes

The film is directed by Guy Ritchie, who has a history of directing crime-investigation movies. Joel Silver is the producer while it is co-written by Lional Wigram and Michael Johnson. Robert Downey Jr. is playing the character of Sherlock Holmes, Ritchie says that he initially felt that Downey was too old to play this role, but later he agreed to casting him. Downey wit hhis flawless accent and his focus on martial arts intends to portray the Detective immaculately.

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Jude Law appearing as Dr. Watson

Famous actor Jude Law will be playing Dr. Watson while Rachel McAdams plays ‘Irene Adler’. Other cast includes Mark Strong, Kelly Rielly and Eddie Marson. The planned locations of the movie include Freemason’s Hall and Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London. The story of the movie involves Holmes and Watson trying to avert a scheme to destroy Britain.

Although, many Holmes movies have been produced in the past, but this movie set to be released to the public in 2009 is expected to revamp the character of Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes In Trouble!

Recently there has been much excitememnt about the new movie being made on the legendary character of Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. But due to many unforeseen interruptions, the shooting has been slow.

Robert Downey, playing the famous detective has faced many dangerous accidents on the set of this film. First he got injured by a co actor in what was a fighting scene in the film. Robert Downey Jr. was nearly unconscious after being hit by Robert Maillet. He had to get six sticthes on his face after being hit by a hook unexpectedly.

The director Guy Ritchie and Jude Law playing ‘Dr. Watson’ also had to run from the shhoting as a petrol tanker exploded. After these uncalled for incidents the progress in shooting has been rather slow and our ‘Sherlock Holmes’ seems to be in trouble!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/

New Statue For Holmes!

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London remembers Sherlock Holmes as his statue stands tall

The legendary character of Sherlock Holmes, which has captivated the imagination of millions, was commemorated after the completion of the 100 years since his birth. Detective Shelock Holmes was first featured in ‘A Study In Scarlet’ which is among the most famous and cherished works of literature written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

London is one of the biggest tourist resorts in the world, and among several landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world, many Holmes’ fans also visit the famous residence of the detective. Apartment 221 B in Baker Street has been turned into a museum and in the close vicinity a memorable statue of the Holmes has been erected.The statue closely resembles the illustrations of Holmes made by Sideny Pagot in the earliest published stories.