The Master Blackmailer (1992)

This third Sherlock Holmes film from Granada is not as good as "The Sign of Four" or "The Hound of the Baskervilles". However, it is a very enjoyable and well-made production nevertheless. It is an overextended version of what was originally only a short story but making it into a feature-length film only improves it rather ruining it. This Peter Hammond directed- Jeremy Paul scripted adaptation is one of the darkest entries in the Granada series.It's plot is compelling and dramatic. It does not have much mystery, as we know who the perpetrator clearly is but the drama comes from Holmes's effort to bring down Charles Augustus Milverton from his ruthless blackmailing. Like so many Holmes stories, it exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian society where these so-called "Noblemen" carry their own flaws and dirty secrets. This film is dark and mournful but it has a good share of humor and humanity as well. The most amusing scenes are between Holmes (in disguise) and Agatha (Milverton's housemaid) suggesting a possible romance. I think she loved Holmes but I don't think Holmes cared for her. As Holmes himself is rather asexual, the only true love for him is his work.The acting by its cast is solid. Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke continue to be perfect as the classic duo of Holmes and Watson. Serena Gordon and Sophie Thompson are good as well. However, it is Robert Hardy performance as Charles Augustus Milverton that steals the show. C.A.M. manages to be a villain far more chilling and despicable than Professor Moriarty. Holmes always had admiration for his former arch-nemesis yet with Milverton he brings out nothing but pure disdain.Riveting from start to finish with superb cinematography, costumes, music, and attention to periodic detail. If "The Master Blackmailer" isn't one of the best Sherlock Holmes films ever made, it is certainly among the better ones.

As a big fan of Jeremy Brett's Holmes, I really liked this Sherlock Holmes adaptation. I have liked a lot of the feature length adaptations, this, Hound of the Baskervilles and my personal favourite Sign of Four being the best in my opinion.I agree it is slow at times, but I still liked it because it was well acted, had an interesting story and had excellent period detail. The story it is based on isn't a favourite admittedly, but it was a good enough read, however I do think I prefer this adaptation. As you would expect the period detail, sets, photography, costumes and scenery are exceptional and the music is haunting and beautiful. The story is an interesting and involving one with a touch of regret and melancholy about it, the script is well written and sophisticated, the direction is good and the acting is very good.Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke are brilliant as Holmes and Watson, no surprise they always are, Serena Gordon is a beautiful, alluring and sympathetic Eva, Sophie Thompson is lovely as Agatha and Robert Hardy is truly excellent as the villain of the piece, and a notorious villain he is too. Overall, excellent in almost every aspect, definitely recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox

An earlier comment of mine was deleted by a complaint from a blackmailing reader, who threatened me to go more lightly on his pet world.This was never a great Holmes story. It is of the "take action and disguise self" branch of the Conan Doyle tree. I much prefer the scientist who deduces, ideally deducing what's going on the master criminal's mind.Here, the story structure has four women whose lives are touched by the bad guy. They are the center of the thing, these four, not Holmes, and every sequence is set up to illuminate them not the detective. Two are women who have been successfully blackmailed. One (the redhead) not yet. The fourth sets a kind of symmetry as she is employed by the criminal and exploited emotionally not by him, but by Holmes. These four are mirrored by other women and men dressed as women in a portrayal of a sort of survivalist London underground.Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

The stand-out sequences from 'The Master Blackmailer', for me, are the ones between the brilliant Jeremy Brett (in disguise, naturally), and Sophie Thompson. Could it be the great detective has actually fallen for a lady?This aside, there's a intricate blackmail plot involving Robert Hardy (excellent), and plenty of opportunities for Holmes and Watson to get themselves in awkward situations before solving the mystery.Probably the best of the feature-length episodes, and a fine example of the work Brett and Hardwicke did to immortalise Conan Doyle's characters for the small screen.