SHERLOCK HOLMES THIS CHRISTMAS...

Although this may not be one for the purists, the VV is VERY VERY excited when it comes to the new Sherlock Holmes film. Directed by Guy Ritchie, its UK release is this Boxing day.

Jude Law as Watson and Robert Downey Junior as Sherlock Holmes

Just take a look at this trailer. What a marvellous, steampunk vision of London, with Holmes as we've never seen him before. I may well have a fit of the vapours!

But, for those who prefer a more traditional Victorian rendition of Conan Doyle's famous character, I don't think the actor Jeremy Brett has ever been surpassed in his television portrayal of Holmes. I have to thank another Victorian sleuth, the splendid Lord Likely (http://www.lordlikely.com/) who reminded me of this video clip in which Holmes demonstrates the Queensbury rules of boxing. Watch out for that fancy footwork and those whirling windmill fists!

Here he is inspecting The Blue Carbuncle - the subject of a short story first published in the Strand Magazine in 1892.

Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes

Set at Christmas-time, the story opens with the lines: "I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the compliments of the season."

From the opening scene of The Blue Carbuncle

An innocent social visit finds Watson learning about the theft of a precious jewel, stuffed in the neck of a goose, with Holmes - quite literally - embarking upon a wild goose chase as he tracks down the bird's origins. And, if you would like to read more, the story is available as a free download here.

So, this Christmas, why not sit by a fire with your pipe and slippers and enjoy Conan Doyle's wit and elegant prose. After all, Holmes' first outing was a festive one when the short story A Study in Scarlet was published in Beeton's Christmas Annual of 1887.