The Dancing Men

A gentleman goes to Holmes after he comes across a baffling series of stick figure drawings that terrify his American wife. This episode is not the best but it does make an ideal starting point for newcomers who have never watched this series before. The story is compelling offering a classical mixture of cipher and murder mystery that you would expect from a Sherlock Holmes tale. It is well-directed with pitch perfect pacing. The photography and period detail are splendid. The performances are great with Jeremy Brett as perfect as can be as Holmes and David Burke adding a sense of fun to Watson. One scene that stands out for me is when Holmes shows off his own methodical brilliance at crime scene which is enough to put today's CSI's to shame.

A wealthy man named Hilton Cubitt (Tenniel Evans, whom I remember from Yes, Minister) contacts Holmes and Watson. His American wife, who has kept her past a secret from him, has shown signs of great stress and fear upon finding drawings of some dancing men in their estate. Holmes gets on the case and solves the mystery, of course (which isn't too much of a mystery for today's viewers) but will he be able to prevent a tragedy?

Another nice episode where, even if you can guess what's coming a mile away, you still want to watch for the acting, the dialogue and the sets alone. The scenes where Sherlock nonchalantly shows the finer points of detection to the police inspector are a joy.

The story of The Dancing Men is one of my favorites - OK,as I am a huge fan of Jeremy Brett,I love all the episodes,but I like this one especially.The story is exciting and as time passes, the viewers may try to put together the meaning of the drawings themselves. But I like it mostly because of the excellent acting - Jeremy just looks gorgeous in that sexy dressing gown in the scene where he deduces that Watson did not invest in goldmines. His gestures and mimic are awesome, not to mention his wonderful diction. During the Adventures series he still was thin and quick and healthy - later, due to his illnesses and the loss of his wife his appearance changed, but his performance remained larger than life.And if I consider the fact that he was 50 when he first appeared as Sherlock Holmes, he made a miracle - for me at least, because he is absolutely convincing as Holmes somewhere in his thirties. David Burke is always great as Watson and the supporting cast did a fine job too.I recommend this episode to everyone as a fantastic introducing into the realm of my one and only Sherlock Holmes, the unforgettable Jeremy Brett.

Looking back it is wonderful to see a fit and healthy Jeremy Brett at full flow as Holmes. The way he pronounces 'Eldridges' or the theatrical way he rushes around in his room with his dressing gown on.

Hilton Cubitt visits Sherlock Holmes when a mysterious message in the form of drawings of little men in various positions that disturbs his younger American wife.

She receives further messages and Hilton knows that her wife might have had a murky past in America. Hilton will do anything to protect his wife.

Holmes manages to crack the code but is unable to prevent a tragedy.

Inspector Martin is grateful for any assistance that Holmes is able to provide.

The Dancing Men is just a very good but sad mystery.

Taking a break from "filler" loaded Endeavor. Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes is no "filler" to the point. No need to sillily stretch stories out to fill time. "Dancing Men" was truly satisfying. Brett displays his keen powers of observation in a quick paced pure old fashioned mystery. I'll only watch Sherlock Holmes if it's Jeremy Brett. Marvelous way to spend an hour. Vito S 9-5-20