Jeremy Brett - Playing A Part

by Maureen Whittaker

“Holmes could be rude, impatient, abrupt, and his intolerance of fools was legendary. I tried to show all this, all of the man’s incredible brilliance. But there are some cracks in Holmes’s marble, as in an almost-perfect Rodin statue. And I tried to show that, too. It’s difficult for me to say what I may have given to the image of Holmes. Faithful to Conan Doyle’s text, certainly. Also, I’ve tried to bring out the emotion that is there in Holmes. On the surface he seems a cold, sometimes dark, rather off-putting figure. But deeper down, I think, he’s a man of feeling.” Jeremy Jeremy Brett is still recognised as the most celebrated incarnation of Sherlock Holmes which he presented for ten years. Jeremy delighted viewers with his dashing, arrogant, moody interpretation of the most popular famous detective he brought a brooding intensity to his finest role - one of disturbing power. He is still called the definitive Sherlock Holmes. Covering a forty year period from first leaving Central School of Speech and Drama until his early death at the age of 61, Playing a Part is a full career book of “a very fine actor” who would delight audiences as a sensitive lover or as a haunted murderer. Talented, loved and admired by the theatrical world at the birth of the National Theatre led by Laurence Olivier, Robert Stephens and Maggie Smith. Beginning and ending his career in Manchester he would transfer his talents to the American culture of the 70s as he settled into his new life with his American wife but was enticed back with some of the best classical roles for television and the stage. Jeremy’s own words are used whenever they are available to present his story and his approach to playing the parts. His unfailing enthusiasm for a new project and the degree of commitment comes through. Illustrated with original photographs covering his life and career it is the first detailed record of all his performances on the stage, film or television.

Genres: Nonfiction

466 pages, Hardcover

Published September 12, 2020

Reviews

[Gypsy Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read pretty much every book about Jeremy Brett and this one is a must have addition to my previous collection. It's an encyclopedia of his entire career with personal quotes from Jeremy himself, his co-workers, and wonderfully rare family photos and publicity stills. Very well written and quite obviously compiled with love in remembrance of this most beloved screen idol.

[Gretchen Altabef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like no other actor, or series before this, Mr. Brett spoke Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s dialogue and acted in the original stories surrounded by the incomparable style of Granada’s superbly crafted and historically accurate shows.

A comprehensive performance biography of the incomparable Shakespearean actor, Jeremy Brett, by Maureen Whittaker. It covers the years 1954 – 1995 and is a singular view of the history of theatre, film and TV of this time period. For the fan it is chock full of hundreds of rarely seen and exclusive photographs. For the researcher, it is a treasure trove of knowledge.

For millions of viewers Jeremy Brett was, and remains, the quintessential Sherlock Holmes. The star of the number one Granada TV series, a co-production with WGBH Mystery for Independent Television Network and PBS for its ten year run. One of the shows that built the “delicate bridge” between UK and US TV. Following a spectacular thirty year career in Film, TV, and Theatre, this was the role that brought Mr. Brett to a much deserved international stardom. His outstanding success as the remarkable genius detective would forever link him with the role much as Basil Rathbone had been fifty years earlier. You will also find The Secret of Sherlock Holmes play and it's one year run here, too.

The superb research in this volume places it on every book shelf next to Lesley Klinger’s The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes and Mattias Bostrom’s From Holmes to Sherlock.

[Dave Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1985 I had just finished being a teenager. Somewhere in the preceding few years I had read a few of Conan Doyle's stories and whilst enjoyable, they were, to me, just good crime stories. That all changed when Granada Television screened these new interpretations of the stories. I watched them all, eyes glued to the screen every episode, for ten years. I was also fortunate enough to be taken to the west end to see the play, which underscored the chemistry of the two lead actors and the genius of Jeremy Brett.

From time to time the topic arises of who is the best Sherlock Holmes. No contest, past, present, or future. That accolade has been awarded, for eternity.

This book, which I read over several months, savouring a few pages at a time, chronicles his life and sets his most notable role in context with his many other successes. It also clears up a stunning misconception I am truly embarrassed to admit regarding the cause of his death.

The overpowering theme of this book for me however is not the stellar performances, the relentless work ethic, or his commitment to authenticity, it is the care he had for his fellow humans. He is a study in leadership. He cared for everyone and, as you will find when you read the book, he showed it in so many ways. His kindness shines through on almost every page.

I highly commend this book to you, savour it, save it, and re-visit it from time to time. It shines a light on a special human being that we should all be inspired by...."onward and upward"

[The Baskerville Pups · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I haven’t had the opportunity to see or experience any other performances by Jeremy Brett. However, upon such admiration, I was inevitably interested in the person responsible for bringing Sherlock Holmes to life, on screen."
This book is perfect for the Jeremy Brett admirer and Sherlockian at heart.

https://baskervillepups.com/2022/03/1...

~Monique Boodram