The Problem of Thor Bridge

J. Neil GIbson is a man who is used to having his way. After all, he's a super-rich American who can buy and sell practically anyone! So, when he comes to see Holmes about taking a case, he is not surprisingly, haughty and demanding...and Holmes won't have any part of this and tells him he won't take the case! Gibson seemed nearly apoplectic...but has no choice but to leave.

Later, Watson convinces Holmes to look into the case. After all, the person accused of the crime ISN'T Gibson but his childrens' governess. But the particulars of the case sure make it seem as if she shot and killed Mrs. Gibson and try as he might, Holmes can't get past this...until he remembers the chipped railing on the bridge. What does this mean? See the show.

This is a very good mystery and despite Gibson being about as likable as a putrifying scab, the story works very well. One of the better mysteries.

I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan from childhood. I even used to think Holmes & Watson were as real as my own family.

Jeremy Brett's Sherlock was brilliant. The Problem of Thor Bridge was an excellent example of how well the producers, directors & all involved created the world of Sherlock Holmes to perfection. Edward Hardwicke as Dr. Watson plays the part with seriousness & humor. Lots of twists & turns & red herrings.

Neil Gibson (Daniel Massey) is an American tycoon who made his fortune in Brazil.

He asks Holmes to investigate the murder of his estranged Brazilian wife Maria. The accused is his children's governess, Grace Dunbar, a woman Gibson has fallen in love with.

Holmes dislikes the volatile Gibson. However he does want to help Miss Dunbar. The marriage to Maria was an unhappy one for him. Gibson had simply ceased to lover her and he treated her badly. Maria always loved him passionately and still hoped to be reconciled.

There is some intense hostility between Brett and Massey. It could be good acting or the fact that Brett was once married to Massey's sister.

What makes this mystery a good one is the solution. A variation of this has been repeated since in other books and crime adaptations. The viewer is left with a small band of suspects with the cruel Gibson being the likely murderer if it is not Muss Dunbar.

Yet Miss Dunbar describes Gibson as someone who has shown kindness and has done good things. Eventually Holmes deduces that their can only be one person responsible for Maria's death.

As some may be aware already, I am a big fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories and Granada adaptations. The Problem of Thor Bridge is one of the better adaptations/episodes of The Case-book of Sherlock Holmes. The pace is very solid on the whole, but there are one or two scenes with perhaps one too many pauses between each action. The story is very interesting with a solution that is clever and not too obvious. The production values are wonderful and very evocative costumes and sets wise while the photography is lovely. As always, the music is hauntingly beautiful, the writing thoughtful, the direction impressive and the acting outstanding not just the note-perfect performances from Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke but also Daniel Massey. In conclusion, very enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox

The story is a fine adaptation of the original story, but the best part is the background music in the opening. It's an excellent reworking of the theme, giving an additional air of suspense. Patrick Gowers surpassed himself on this episode!