This long episode packs a lot of astounding of surprises, thriller, mystery and concerns a battle of wits between Sherlock against Charles Augustus Milverton , a master blackmailer . This is an excellent as well as overlong runtime of Jeremy Brett-Holmes series. In the film appears usual Holmes's cannon as Inspector Lestrade and Mrs Hudson, though no Moriarty, however there is a greatest villain , Charles Augustus.

It's a genuine ripping yarn with intrigue , thrills, and suspense, including an exciting final twist . This is a particular Sherlock movie but we find to Holmes falling in love with a servant , kissing , crying and even robbing . This time along with the episode ¨Scandal in Boheme¨ with Irene Adler, result to be the only ones which Holmes is enamored . Top-notch Brett performance, he alongside Peter Cushing are the best Sherlock TV , while in the cinema is forever Basil Rathbone . Brett performs as a resolutive , headstrong , impetuous sleuth . Here Doctor Watson isn't a comical , botcher, and clumsy pal personified by Nigel Bruce , but is an astute and cunning partner well incarnated by Edward Hardwicke, a perfect counterpoint to Brett. Casting is frankly magnificent , special mention to Robert Hardy as crafty nasty . Hardy, today famous for his role as Cornelius Fudge in Harry Potter , is a veteran actor with forty years of career and several successes such as , ¨The 10th kingdom¨ and ¨Winston Churchill¨. Furthermore , there appear secondary actors with terrific performances : Nickolas Grace, Sophie Gordon, Serena Gordon , among others. The movie gets a colorful atmosphere , the London streets and 221 Baker Street's house are well designed . The motion picture was well directed by Peter Hammond, director of various episodes. It's a must see for the Arthur Conan Doyle novels fans.

As a big fan of Jeremy Brett's Holmes, I really liked this Sherlock Holmes adaptation. I have liked a lot of the feature length adaptations, this, Hound of the Baskervilles and my personal favourite Sign of Four being the best in my opinion.

I agree it is slow at times, but I still liked it because it was well acted, had an interesting story and had excellent period detail. The story it is based on isn't a favourite admittedly, but it was a good enough read, however I do think I prefer this adaptation. As you would expect the period detail, sets, photography, costumes and scenery are exceptional and the music is haunting and beautiful. The story is an interesting and involving one with a touch of regret and melancholy about it, the script is well written and sophisticated, the direction is good and the acting is very good.

Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke are brilliant as Holmes and Watson, no surprise they always are, Serena Gordon is a beautiful, alluring and sympathetic Eva, Sophie Thompson is lovely as Agatha and Robert Hardy is truly excellent as the villain of the piece, and a notorious villain he is too. Overall, excellent in almost every aspect, definitely recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox

"The Case of Charles Augustus Milverton" is the basis for this entry in the Holmes saga. In it a master blackmailer with no sense of compassion uses young women by buying up incriminating letters and documents from disreputable, money grubbing people. He pays a healthy fee, but gains recompense at a future time. Usually, these are young women with marriage prospects, who have done something that will either destroy any possibility of matrimony or cause embarrassment to their upper crust husbands. A young military man takes his own life and this leads to a series events, including one where Holmes and Watson risk their careers to do what is right. Milverton is one of the slimiest villains in the history of literature, having almost no redeeming qualities. His portrayal is subtle and quiet, like a cobra lying in the bush. But he is the most evil kind of cad with no qualms about engaging his psychotic plans. He considers himself a shrewd businessman and carnage is his business.