The Six Napoleons

In passing, Inspector Lestrade mentions to Holmes a series of minor vandalisms that have taken place: three busts of Napoleon have been destroyed for no apparent reason. Holmes is initially disinterested but his interest is piqued when the next vandalism involves a murder.

An excellent episode of The Return of Sherlock Holmes, probably the best in the series thus far (The Musgrave Ritual being the only other contender for that title). Quite intriguing: why would anyone want to smash small busts of Napoleon?

The opening few scenes do give a clue of the Italian connection but this still doesn't explain much. We then get to see Holmes put the puzzle together, piece by piece.

Speaking of the opening scenes, that would be the only negative: the overacting in those scenes. For a moment I thought those scenes were some sort of overblown, over-animated theatrical play within the episode.

The Six Napoleans is one of the best known Sherlock Holmes stories, possibly because it is an exquisitely clever work. It has been made many times, and this, by far and away is the best version. The acting is sublime, particularly the serious performance by Eric Sykes, who shines through, not just a comic actor. The Italian side of the story is fantastic, adding a wonderful tone of theatre and drama, it adds to the story. I've read it many times, and in my mind's eye, this is exactly how I picture it. I love the touches of humour throughout, there is a great mixture of humour and drama. I love the scene where Holmes, Watson and Lestrade are waiting to catch the killer, it is very humorous. I love the whole idea of the black Borgia pearl too, such a great story.

Wonderfully theatrical, the quintessential version. 9/10

This is one of the better known stories. A number of plaster figures of Napoleon have been smashed by someone. It would appear to be burglary, but nothing much has been taken. It's not a fetish. No one has been harmed until one day that ends with a murder. The best part of this offering is the byplay between Holmes and Inspector LeStrade who plays Hamilton Burger to Holmes' Perry Mason. He's always wrong, but he has the best of intentions. Holmes is perpetually disappointed by the police and their ineptness, but not as bad in the original stories as they are in the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce Holmes episodes. In this, while LeStrade comes up with some pretty preposterous theories, Holmes doesn't overtly abuse him. They actually work together well and LeStrade actually pays him a great compliment, telling him how significant his contributions are to Scotland Yard. The problem at this time, of course, is that the fine points of detection had not been really used. Scotland Yard was as much a political entity as a police force. That aside, Holmes suspect that the Napoleon bust must have some existence beyond the mere acts of vandalism. Apparently, LeStrade all but disappears from the canon after this story. He is a much more human character in the Granada series (as is Watson) and as a true fan, I really appreciate that.

The Six Napoleons is one of my favorite from the Return cases, the others are The Empty House and Devil's Foot. I like this episode especially because of its lighter and funnier atmosphere.Holmes, Watson and Lestrade make such a cool trio!I love their conversation besides the fire, it makes me laugh every time I see it.All three actors are awesome in it, and it shines through that they enjoy each other's company so much. I think Colin Jeavons was an excellent choice for the role of Inspector Lestrade, he does such a wonderful job!My opinion is that he gives his best in this episode and in The Norwood Builder.Jeremy Brett told in an interview he loved to work with Colin Jeavons and they liked each other. Another thing I like in this episode is the tablecloth trick of Holmes.It is not easy at all!

The Six Napoleons is highly recommended to cheer up one's day and have a good laugh in addition to the exciting investigation.

I can hardly believe it. I actually guessed where the end solution was going before Holmes announced it to Watson and Lestrade, suspecting all along the reason for the smashing of the six Napoleons.

All the proper atmosphere is here, and of course the acting is top notch. Particularly enjoyable in this episode is the relationship between Lestrade and Holmes, each playing cat-and-mouse games with each other with Holmes always coming out ahead.

The back story is interesting too--all the mayhem that was involved before the Napoleons began being smashed. Jeremy Brett seems to be enjoying himself immensely as the great detective.

I wonder how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would feel about his works being done on this TV series.