Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes - Dr. Bell & Mr. Doyle

I had come to know about the "Murder Rooms" series made by BBC (but mysteriously abandoned by them, as it appears) thanks to an extremely informative article written by Lenny Picker in the Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine 3. And finally, after a long-wait, I got to view the episodes which have assumed somewhat Apocryphal value for all lovers of Sherlockiana. Yes, the episodes are utterly fascinating in terms of details and atmospherics. Yes, Ian Richardson would have made a terrific Holmes with his smouldering passion for justice working in tandem with his analytical mind. Yes, the story is very well crafted, and the film is one of the all-time best Sherlock Holmes-pastiches that has been made. My only regret is, this excellent film is devoid of subtitles, which often act as an invaluable tool for us, the non-English admirers of Holmes who are not used to hearing and comprehending even the "British" English when it is spoken fast & colloquially. Nevertheless, a superb & very-very dark film for all lovers of anything to do with Holmes. Recommended.

This is a fascinating movie about the British author who created the much loved private detective, Sherlock Hoklmes. According to lore (much if spawned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself in a 1927 sound film in which he discusses his creation & psychic beliefs) a Dr. William Bell inspired Doyle. Dr. Bell would often observe people and tell them which route they'd taken, or what they'd eaten, or --well, if you have read Sherlock Holmes, you know all those deductions. They started with Bell.The odd thing is we now know Bell may have actually aided authorities deal with some criminal matters in a way not dissimilar to Doyle's imaginative detective. This movie is more than entertainment; it may actually have some basis in fact! And one of those facts deals with one of the most notorious criminals of Victorian Society!A clever, must see film for anyone who loved the character of Sherlock Holmes!

Well not as interesting as I hoped. Without Dr. Watson its not such a good story either. I was kinda disappointed

This is an interesting tale of a friendship between Arthur Conan Doyle and his medical professor, Dr. Bell. Bell uses much of Sherlock Holmes deductive logic to solve mysteries for the police, and we are led to believe that Dr. Bell was the prototype for Holmes. At least one Holmes tale is used in the exposition of this DVD, that is, The Blue Carbunkle. There may be other tales spread out in this story, but I m not expert enough to identify them. Sherlock Holmes fans will like this. The only drawback is the funny curly wig they put on Ian Richardson, who, nonetheless, does very well in the role of Dr. Bell.

Stunning series!!! I wish that all of the episodes were available over here (US). What an incredible actor Sir Ian is. Just as intense in person! I love this series! The English are still light years ahead of us when it comes to television entertainment. I am so tired of the "dummying down" that Hollywood and Madison Avenue have pursued for a younger audience's $$$ and attention! Great acting and writing still exist in this world!! "Dr. Bell and Mr. Doyle" are the very proof that they exist! A must-have in your collection! And pray the rest of the series becomes available to its U.S. audience soon!

This is not a Sherlock Holmes movie, but it is a top-pick for any Sherlock Holmes fan. In fact, I would go as far as saying it is the best Sherlock Holmes movie I ever saw, even though Holmes is hardly mentioned.Basically, the movie shows the early life of A.C. Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, who apparently met a professor at the university that inspired him to write his novels. This movie shows a case Doyle and Dr. Bell solved and clearly, it is a story one could describe as a "best of Sherlock Holmes". Apparently it is based on fact. Whether that is true or not, I do not know.This movie represents what I like best about Sherlock Holmes and it in many way is what I wanted other Sherlock Holmes movies to be.

Written from the literary perspective of Conan Doyle (Author of Sherlock Holes) when he was a Medical Student of Dr. Joseph Bell played by Ian Richardson. Well written and well acted and well scripted. Companion to Murder Rooms - The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes. Wikipedia: Joseph Bell (2 December 1837 – 4 October 1911) was a Scottish surgeon and lecturer at the medical school of the University of Edinburgh in the 19th century. He is best known as an inspiration for the literary character Sherlock Holmes.

On its own, or combined with the follow-up series Murder Rooms, 'Dr. Bell and Mr. Doyle' is well worth the price. While I was already familiar with the follow up series, I was sadly unaware of the telefilm that started it all. I'm very pleased with the purchase.Fine sound and video quality, though lacking in other features. You get what you pay for, it seems. I recommend it as I recommended the Murder Rooms DVD. If you like Holmes and Victoriana, it's a sure bet. If not, look elsewhere.

All can say is I wish there were more episodes where Dr. Bell and Doyle work together to not only entertain but eduucat us to the prelude of 'the gret Sherlock'.

Viewed as a prequel to the series Murders Rooms,or as a stand alone film,this is excellent drama.Mr Doyle and Doctor Bell meet at medical school and Doyle is soon involved with Bell in a testing murder mystery,with tragic consequences for Doyle.Very compelling viewing ,not to be missed.