This exploration of movie series detectives began with a mention of the best known and most loved of detectives, Sherlock Holmes, and that’s also a good place to finish. Holmes was the first detective to appear in ‘cinemas’ back in 1900, though not on celluloid and not on a big screen.
The use of the Mutoscope, a precursor to modern film projectors, emphasises the innovative and evolving nature of storytelling through visual media.
Cinema, from its humble beginnings, has always pushed the boundaries of technology and narrative. The evolution of detective films, mirroring the development of cinema itself, demonstrates the enduring appeal of mystery and intrigue on screen.
Maurice Costello never played Sherlock Holmes, it was Gilbert M. Anderson who played the role in
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes aka Held For Ransom (1905), which btw was not based on The Sign of the Four.
1905 -The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, or Held For Ransom (UK)
Gilbert M. Anderson (1880 - 1971) as Sherlock Holmes, No Dr. Watson in film.
The Vitagraph Company
725 feet. 9 Minutes. 7 October 1905.
Dir.: Gilbert M. Anderson
Plot: A group of bandits, who sign their ransom note 'The Sign of the Four', kidnap a millionaire's daughter. The panicking father visits the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and pleads for help. Sherlock Holmes meets the bandits at the rendezvous location, and after a number of adventures with narrow escapes, he rescues the child, returning him to 221B Baker Street for the joyful reunion with the father.
Cast: Gilbert M. Anderson, others unknown (likely Paul Panzer and J. Barney Sherry are some of the villains)
Odds and Ends: The Library of Congress has a copyright strip of 35mm paper print (236 frames).
The use of the Mutoscope, a precursor to modern film projectors, emphasises the innovative and evolving nature of storytelling through visual media.
Cinema, from its humble beginnings, has always pushed the boundaries of technology and narrative. The evolution of detective films, mirroring the development of cinema itself, demonstrates the enduring appeal of mystery and intrigue on screen.
Maurice Costello never played Sherlock Holmes, it was Gilbert M. Anderson who played the role in
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes aka Held For Ransom (1905), which btw was not based on The Sign of the Four.
1905 -The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, or Held For Ransom (UK)
Gilbert M. Anderson (1880 - 1971) as Sherlock Holmes, No Dr. Watson in film.
The Vitagraph Company
725 feet. 9 Minutes. 7 October 1905.
Dir.: Gilbert M. Anderson
Plot: A group of bandits, who sign their ransom note 'The Sign of the Four', kidnap a millionaire's daughter. The panicking father visits the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and pleads for help. Sherlock Holmes meets the bandits at the rendezvous location, and after a number of adventures with narrow escapes, he rescues the child, returning him to 221B Baker Street for the joyful reunion with the father.
Cast: Gilbert M. Anderson, others unknown (likely Paul Panzer and J. Barney Sherry are some of the villains)
Odds and Ends: The Library of Congress has a copyright strip of 35mm paper print (236 frames).
Thanks Howard.