The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax

This story is well adapted and is one of the best episodes in the "Casebook" volume of the series. Sherlock Holmes and Watson investigate the disappearance of a woman who has been kidnapped by a con artist with a murderous history. Unlike most filmed adaptations in this series this one ends on a dark note adding a degree of ambiguity. John Madden does a solid job of directing it as T. R. Bowen does of scripting it. As usual for Granada the production values are wonderfully meticulous capturing the flavor of the time period. The cast is excellent with Cheryl Campbell giving a strong performance as the eccentric Lady Frances Carfax and Jeremy Brett still proves why he is the best actor to play the role of Arthur Conan Doyle's master detective.

Because Brett's health was so visibly in decline. Despite that, I think he fully inhabits the role of Sherlock Holmes in the later seasons even more than at the superb beginning. Cumberbatch is not 1/10 the Sherlock Holmes that Brett was-- and that even accounts for the wretched writing in Sherlock.

Watson is on vacation in the Lake District and he's corresponding with Holmes about his every little observation. In particular, Watson seems very preoccupied with the actions of a very progressive woman...one who seems to be quite the feminist. Watson thinks the woman might be in danger...and based on what Holmes reads in the letters, he, too, thinks the woman is not safe. So, when she disappears, Holmes rushes to help in the investigation.

While I think this case involves a LOT of guesswork and isn't among the best mysteries, it is interesting and the ending is pretty scary and eventful. Well worth seeing.

This is another episode featuring the "new" woman in England. Sadly for Lady Carfax, there are those who would do her harm. Rather than seek out help, she decides she can go it alone. Fortunately, Watson has become an observer, fascinated with this strong woman, and he lets Holmes know that something is amiss. This sets the wheels in motion since a mysterious character and much talk of money has entered the mix. Ultimately, the men end up at a hotel where Lady Carfax supposedly is hidden. This is where it gets really dicey but it has a really satisfying conclusion. I really liked the episodes where Watson, a very complex character, though he lacks Holmes' acumen, is the one who recognizes when a lady is in danger. Edward Hardwicke is front and center here and does a really fine job. After you have seen the conclusion, try to remember if you have run across it in the past in other mystery settings. Also, do a little history of the mortuary business, particularly when it came to poorer clients.

When it comes to The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, the best adaptation and episode of this series is still for me The Master Black Mailer. The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax though is still very good and solid with only one or two scenes being a little stodgily paced being its only flaw. The ending is different, but also quite refreshing I feel. The deviations didn't bother me, the storytelling was solid and compelling enough on its own terms. As always, the production values are as wonderfully meticulous as always with lovely location shooting in the Lake District, the music is still hauntingly beautiful, the script is thoughtful and John Madden's direction is skillful. Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke are superb, while Cheryl Campbell and Julian Curry also impress. In conclusion, a solid adaptation and very good episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox