The Copper Beeches

Money seemed to talk pretty well in this day. Several of the Holmes stories involved men or women who would normally have said no but who were offered substantial financial incentives. "The Red Headed League" and "The Solitary Cyclist" come immediately to mind. In this one, however, the young woman is asked to do some pretty bizarre things, one being to cut her hair a certain way. She also works for a couple of pretty weird folk and their incorrigible child. She is also asked to sit a certain way near an open window and to wear clothing chosen by her employers. This odd arrangement finally is laid at the feet of Sherlock Holmes. There is something even stranger going on in this house and that's where the mystery lies. This offering in the Granada series works quite well. I learned a lesson a while back in an American history course I was taking. One must separate current mores and motivations from the historical setting. The more of these stories one reads, we can see the effects of the class system in England near the turn of the Nineteenth Century. Stay with this. It is quite well done.

I've re-watched Jeremy Brett's entire time as Sherlock Holmes, and this was the episode I had to watch more then once. I disagree with some of the other reviewers saying they don't feel that Copper Beeches was one of the best scripts, personally I do, there is something very dark, sinister and nasty about this one. The whole build up of the storyline is very intriguing. Natasha Richardson who I just watched in 'Ghosts' is so delicate as Violet. It is however two simple words that make this a standout episode, 'Joss Ackland,' he is unbelievably good as Jephro Rucastle, his huge performance is larger then life without being hammy. The scene when Violet runs from the upper level of the house, down the stairs and into him is so good. I don't think I've seen Lottie Ward in anything else, but I like her performance as Mrs Rucastle, played with a vacant yet sinister standing. 'Ladies fancies,' sends a cold chill.

I have made no secret in loving this series, and The Copper Beeches is no exception. The episode is not as zestily paced and other entries in the series, and the story is not the most colourful and compelling. However, I did enjoy the spooky atmosphere that The Copper Beeches had, while the production values are stunning and as evocative as ever and the music haunting and beautiful at the same time. The script is playful and thoughtfully written. But it was the acting that really stood out. Jeremy Brett is superb as Holmes and David Burke contrasts him very well(though I have a slight soft spot more for Edward Hardwicke). The late Natasha Richardson is beguiling, but acting honours in my view belong to the creepy and truly unforgettable performance of Joss Ackland. Overall, the episode is good with enough suspenseful and unsettling moments to savour as well as great production and musical values but it was the acting that really made the episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Sherlock Holmes is approached by Violet Hunter. She has been offered the role of governess at an estate in Hampshire but the employer, Mr Rucastle, has some strange conditions. In particular, she will be obliged to cut her hair short! Ms Hunter is taken aback and very reluctant to cut her hair but the salary is very good. Her perturbation causes her to seek Sherlock Holmes's advice.

A very intriguing episode of Sherlock Holmes. No crime has apparently been committed but the actions of Mr Rucastle are very strange, and inexplicably so. Quite creepy and chilling. It is this perverseness with lack of apparent motive that drives the tone and plot.

Helping this eerie tone is the performance of Jos Ackland as Mr Rucastle. He is perfectly cast: creepy horror-drama type roles suit him perfectly. We also have Natasha Richardson in one of her early-career roles.

The Copper Beeches benefits from a very creepy turn from Joss Ackland. His phrasing of 'ladies fancies' is certainly memorable in a sinister fashion.

The performance gets creepier when later we see him bumbling around telling comic tales.

The episode also has an early appearance from Natasha Richardson, part of the Redgrave dynasty. Although both her parents were Oscar winners.

She plays Violet Hunter who has been offered a lucrative job as a governess in the country with a few strange conditions. This includes cutting off her flowing red hair and sometimes sitting with her back turned towards the window wearing an electric blue dress.

She consults Sherlock Holmes but also tells him that she is minded to take the offer of employment. Holmes tells Watson that he would not let a sister of his take such a position. Holmes is even more worried because of the location, somewhere miles away in the country.

Violet finds that the gothic mansion she is living in is strange and daunting, rather like the family she is working for. There is a stranger hanging outside of the property. She sends for Holmes and Watson.

Like The Solitary Cyclist, the mystery is about the inheritance of wealth. However I did find this story somewhat flat. If it was not for Joss Ackland it would had been somewhat bland.