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.

This is one of the very best performances by Mr. Jeremy Brett. We usually see Sherlock Holmes cold as ice with no emotions to the persons involved in any case and merely treats them as subjects. However, human side of Holmes surfaces at the end of this episode when Inspector Lestrade Played nicely by Mr. Colin Jeavons admires him from the bottom of his heart that moves Holmes almost to watery eyes. Many have played Sherlock Holmes ; but Mr. Brett lived Sherlock Holmes with equal contribution by Mr. Edward Hardwicke as Dr. Watson and their on screen chemistry was flawless. I understand in real life too, they were good friends.

This is a fine episode in which the oft dim-witted Lestrade gives us a rare glimpse of his and the police's admiration of and cooperation with the master sleuth. In response, Holmes demonstrates, in a momentary but wholly rewarding scene, how this unaffected, genuine praise deeply moves him.

It is an illustration of Mr. Brett's particular talent of how, within a few seconds of barely perceptible eye and facial transformations, he is able to convey the degree to which the respect of the police touches him as if he has longed for the acknowledgment. Just as briefly, Brett switches back to the colder, ruder Holmes. I replayed the scene over and over to fully capture an accomplished thespian showing us how it's done.

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.

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