Mr. Sherlock Holmes the Theorist

"a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend possessed" [FIVE]

Curtis Armstrong, BSI ("An Actor, and a Rare One") is known by many names. Miles Dalby, Charles De Mar, Herbert Viola, Scooter, Metatron, and of course, Booger. But around these parts, he is known as a keen Sherlockian who has been part of our little corner of the universe since his grade school days. His memoir Revenge of the Nerd: Or...the Singular Adventures of the Man Who Would Be Booger tells a series of tales that will be of interest to those who only know him through his remarkable career in show business. But we wanted to get behind all of that and delve into the intersection with his many other interests, such as Sherlock Holmes and P.G. Wodehouse, among others. From Detroit to Geneva and back again, from the stage to the big screen and small screen, we explore the intricacies of nerd culture — particularly when it comes to the Victorian misfit Sherlock Holmes. Early influences of Curtis still have an impact today, and he leaves us with lessons that should have every Sherlockian embracing their inner nerd.  

Show notes: https://ihose.co/ihose125

Episode 125: Revenge of the Sherlockian Nerd

"Beacons of the future!" [NAVA]&nbsp; Sherlock Holmes appreciated education. He admired the "[c]apsules with hundreds of bright little seeds in each" as he and Watson passed by the board-schools on the way out to Briarbrae in "The Naval Treaty." And he famously said, "Education never ends. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last," in "The Red Circle." &nbsp; So it is entirely appropriate the The Beacon Society, the Sherlockian group that recognizes and supports exemplary efforts of bringing Sherlock Holmes to children, would create a new branch especially for children. It is the Junior Sherlockian Society, and it is headed up by Shannon Carlisle, a previous winner of the Beacon Award. &nbsp; Through her efforts with her own classes of fourth graders, Shannon has ingeniously introduced them to Sherlock Holmes, and now it is codified so that children across the world can take part in Junior Sherlockian Training. She joined us to tell us all about the program was developed and how kids can get involved. &nbsp; Is your child, grandchild, or student even remotely interested in Sherlock Holmes? Or maybe they're struggling with reading or some other skill. Then the Junior Sherlockian Society is just what they need. The game's afoot!  And please consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services. &nbsp; &nbsp; Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors, plus a new addition. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:  Wessex Press The Baker Street Journal   &nbsp; Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here. &nbsp;  Notes 1:50 Proper attire is required for this episode 7:30 A visit to the Ancient, Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Wessex 9:30 Introducing Shannon Carlisle 15:25 Adaptations for younger readers 16:24 Avoiding blood, guts and weaponry 19:05 The Beacon Society 21:55 Beacon Award Winner 2014 23:35 It's always 1895 in this classroom 34:10 The Junior Sherlockian Society 41:20 The Society online 47:15 A word from the&nbsp;Baker Street Journal 50:05 An important message from John Rabe&nbsp; &nbsp; Links  Junior Sherlockian Society Junior Sherlockian Society Facebook Page The Beacon Society Shannon Carlisle, 2014 Beacon Award winner  I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud&nbsp;by William Wordsworth - a jocund poem     &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;   Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter. &nbsp; Please&nbsp;subscribe to us on iTunes,&nbsp;Google Play,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker—or the podcast player of your choice—and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).

Episode 134: The Junior Sherlockian Society

“at this conference” [MAZA]&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Steven Doyle, BSI ("Western Morning News") is many things, among them half of the publishing team at Wessex Press and the&nbsp;Baker Street Journal. But more importantly for our topic on this episode, he's one of the sparking plugs behind&nbsp;From Gillette to Brett V.&nbsp; &nbsp; We haven't been able to make it to the previous four installments, so we asked Steve all about this conference dedicated to Sherlock Holmes of the stage, screen and radio. He shared the foggy origins of the show, along with some of his favorite moments from throughout the years, and even a special preview of the exhibit that will be on display there.&nbsp; &nbsp; And don't forget to try your hand at the latest&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;and win a prize –&nbsp;now you don't need to be a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts&nbsp;–&nbsp;every&nbsp;listener is eligible to participate!&nbsp; &nbsp;   Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.&nbsp;  &nbsp;    &nbsp;   Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:&nbsp;  Wessex Press The Baker Street Journal   &nbsp; Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here.&nbsp;   &nbsp; &nbsp;  Notes  &nbsp; Links  This episode:&nbsp;ihose.co/ihose145 Episode 144: Historical Sherlock From Gillette to Brett V&nbsp;(register!) Wessex Press Facebook Page Les Klinger on&nbsp;Episode 31&nbsp;and&nbsp;Episode 32    Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter. &nbsp; Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing: iTunes,&nbsp;RadioPublic,&nbsp;GooglePlay,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;— or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).  &nbsp;   Transcript Despite not reaching&nbsp;the $100 per episode level on Patreon&nbsp;yet, we have transcripts available. We still need your help to fund this—please consider supporting us via&nbsp;Patreon&nbsp;or&nbsp;PayPal&nbsp;to make this process possible! &nbsp;  [Transcript for IHOSE #145 coming soon] &nbsp;  --

Episode 145: From Gillette to Brett

"no ordinary merit" [REDH]&nbsp; In 2014, the Sherlockian world was taken by complete and utter surprise when William Gillette's 1916 film&nbsp;Sherlock Holmes&nbsp;was discovered. It was the closest thing we'd ever have to seeing Gillette on stage, and Russell Merritt, BSI ("The Trepoff Murder") was part of the team that restored it. &nbsp; We carried the news on our site, but now we're pleased to share the backstory of how it came to be, thanks to an interview with Russell Merritt, a University of California Berkeley film professor and an expert on silent films. In this episode, Russell also discusses the impact of Eille Norwood and the whereabouts of his 45 movies, the recently rediscovered 1929 German film Der Hund von Baskerville, and how he is likely the last person to first read&nbsp;A Study in Scarlet&nbsp;in an original Beeton's. &nbsp; And don't forget to try your hand at the latest&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;and win a prize – you don't need to be a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts&nbsp;–&nbsp;now&nbsp;every&nbsp;listener is eligible to participate! (But we could still use your support.) &nbsp;   Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.   &nbsp; &nbsp; Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services. &nbsp; &nbsp; Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:  Wessex Press The Baker Street Journal   &nbsp; Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here.  &nbsp;  Links  This episode:&nbsp;ihose.co/ihose147 The Houghton Library Holmes and the Snake Skin Suits: Fighting for Survival on '50s Television Zacherle, the "Cool Ghoul"  The Scowrers and Molly Maguires of San Francisco The British Film Institute&nbsp;(BFI)  Eille Norwood's&nbsp;The Sign of Four&nbsp;at the SFSFF The BSI at Chautauqua Long Lost William Gillette Sherlock Holmes Film from 1916 Found   &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter. &nbsp; Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing: Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Google Podcasts,&nbsp;RadioPublic,&nbsp;GooglePlay,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;— or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).

Episode 147: Sherlock Holmes and Silent Films

“a most united couple" [DANC]&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Another episode in our Florin Society series, this time with Roger Johnson, BSI ("The Pall Mall Gazette") and Jean Upton ("Elsie Cubitt"). The Florin Society of course refers to spouses who each have received an investiture from the Baker Street Irregulars. &nbsp; Roger's and Jean's story was a fun one to explore, not the least of which was because they're deeply involved in the Sherlock Holmes Society of London. During our conversation, they shared some of the early history of the Society and its members and the secret behind how they're able to regularly access the legendary 221B Baker Street sitting room at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. &nbsp; Plus, we learn that Roger got an intro to the world of Sherlock Holmes in a Pontine manner, Jean grew up in a house once inhabited by a legendary Baker Street Irregular, and had her photos used as official documentation of the Granada set. It's a love story and a story of mutual affection for Sherlock Holmes&nbsp;— something we can all appreciate. &nbsp; And don't forget to try your hand at the latest&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;and win a prize – you don't need to be a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts&nbsp;–&nbsp;now&nbsp;every&nbsp;listener is eligible to participate! (But we could still use your support.) &nbsp;   Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.  &nbsp;  Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services. &nbsp; &nbsp; Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:  Wessex Press The Baker Street Journal   &nbsp; Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here. &nbsp; &nbsp; Links  This episode:&nbsp;ihose.co/ihose148 The Sherlock Holmes Society of London The SHSL Flickr Gallery The Popularity of Sherlock Holmes  Ken Ludwig's 'Baskerville' Previous IHOSE episodes related to this episode:   Al and Julie Rosenbatt (Episode 103) Tyke &amp; Teddie Niver (Episode&nbsp;126) The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes (Episode 89) Peter Blau (Episodes&nbsp;6&nbsp;and&nbsp;7) Ken Ludwig (Episode 73)     &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter. &nbsp; Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing: Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Google Podcasts,&nbsp;RadioPublic,&nbsp;GooglePlay,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;— or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).  &nbsp;   Transcript A transcript to this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on ihose.co/ihose148.  &nbsp;

Episode 148: Roger Johnson and Jean Upton

“requisitioned for the defense” [VALL]

Conan Doyle's real-life turn as Sherlock Holmes has typically been shared through the George Edalji case. But there was another case involving one Oscar Slater that has been more of a footnote than a feature. 

Author Margalit Fox set out to change that.  In Conan Doyle for the Defense: The True Story of a Sensational British Murder, a Quest for Justice, and the World's Most Famous Detective Writer, she has crafted a fascinating true-crime narrative thanks to her career as an explanatory writer (most notably as a senior writer for The New York Times). 

Our conversation with Ms. Fox ranges from the origin of her fascination with this story, to the societal prejudices and corruption that weighed on the victim and verdict, to Conan Doyle's own revulsion with the actions of the innocent man, and takes us from the streets of Glasgow to the barren north shore of Scotland, home of a gulag-like prison that held an innocent man for 18 years. 

It's a fascinating and tragic story that fully exposes the chinks in Sir Arthur's armor, the true nature of an accused criminal, and the elements that still stick with society today. 

And don't forget to try your hand at the latest Canonical Couplet and win a prize – you don't need to be a Patron of the Arts – every listener is eligible to participate! (But we could still use your support.) 

Please do consider becoming a Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.  https://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock

Full show notes: https://ihose.co/ihose149

Episode 149: Conan Doyle for the Defense

“"Excellent!" I cried. "Elementary," said he.” [CROO]&nbsp; &nbsp; We'll be honest. The CBS drama series&nbsp;Elementary, starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu doesn't get enough attention here on I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. &nbsp; It's largely because Scott and Burt haven't carved out the time to watch it. As a weekly series, there's much more to absorb than the three-episode series that the BBC produced every few years. &nbsp; Fortunately, James O'Leary, a regular contributor on the IHOSE site, has made it his business to watch, follow, and dissect Elementary on behalf of all Sherlockians. And we welcome him to the show to talk about its strengths, its longevity, and how the writers are doing a wonderful job of engaging Sherlock Holmes fans along the way. &nbsp; Please try your hand at the latest&nbsp;Canonical Couplet&nbsp;and try to win a prize – you don't need to be a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts&nbsp;–&nbsp;every&nbsp;listener is eligible to participate! (But we could still use your support.) &nbsp;   Please do consider becoming a&nbsp;Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services. &nbsp; Sponsors This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:  Wessex Press The Baker Street Journal   &nbsp; Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here. &nbsp;   &nbsp;   Links  This episode:&nbsp;ihose.co/ihose150 Elementary&nbsp;on CBS A Sherlockian Analyzes Some Early Episodes of&nbsp;Elementary Elementary and the Hound   &nbsp; Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard magazine at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Instagram, and&nbsp;Twitter. &nbsp; Please subscribe on the podcast provider of your choosing: Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Google Podcasts,&nbsp;RadioPublic,&nbsp;GooglePlay,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher,&nbsp;iHeartRadio&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;— or perhaps another we haven't listed here — and be kind enough to leave a rating and review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable. &nbsp; Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at (774) 221-READ (7323).  &nbsp;   Transcript We're still looking for your help to reach&nbsp;our goal of $100 per episode level on Patreon. That will allow us to fund transcripts of every episode.&nbsp;But we do need you to pitch in&nbsp;— please consider supporting us via&nbsp;Patreon&nbsp;or&nbsp;PayPal&nbsp;for any amount to make this process sustainable! &nbsp; --

Episode 150: Elementary!

“As to your dates, that is the biggest mystification of all.” [CREE]&nbsp;&nbsp; With Season 4, we're starting a new monthly series that we're calling "Mr. Sherlock Holmes the Theorist." Each month, we'll be taking a look at what some early Sherlockian scholars had to say about certain trifling elements in the Sherlock Holmes stories. In this case, we're looking at "The Date of&nbsp;The Sign of Four" from H.W. Bell's&nbsp;, first published in 1934.&nbsp; It's more than a trifle.   &nbsp; Have you left us a&nbsp;rating&nbsp;and&nbsp;review&nbsp;on&nbsp; yet? You don't need to own an Apple device, and every review helps more people find the show.&nbsp;   We're available everywhere you listen to podcasts, including&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;.   &nbsp;  And please consider supporting our efforts through&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;. &nbsp;  Links / Notes  This episode:&nbsp; &nbsp;by H.W. Bell &nbsp;from the BSI Press   &nbsp;  Sponsor       &nbsp;  Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC:&nbsp; Copyright:&nbsp;  &nbsp;   --   &nbsp;

The Date of the Sign of Four

“I saw the American stamp” [DANC]&nbsp; For all of his familiarity with American cities, American police forces, American language and attire, Sherlock Holmes may very well have been American. A number of scholars have taken up the argument, including Christopher Morley in his famous essay. Even President Franklin Roosevelt tried his hand at it. It's just a trifle.  &nbsp;    Have you left us a&nbsp;rating&nbsp;and&nbsp;review&nbsp;on&nbsp; yet? You don't need to own an Apple device, and every review helps more people find the show.&nbsp;   We're available everywhere you listen to podcasts, including&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;.   And please consider supporting&nbsp;our efforts through&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;.  &nbsp;  Links / Notes  This episode:&nbsp; &nbsp;(Abebooks.com)  &nbsp; Sponsor       &nbsp;  Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC:&nbsp; Copyright:&nbsp;  &nbsp;   --   &nbsp;

Was Sherlock Holmes an American?

“Watson, the fair sex is your department” [SECO]&nbsp;&nbsp; There was a scandal in Sherlockian circles in the early 1940s. Author Rex Stout, BSI ("The Boscombe Valley Mystery"), creator of Nero Wolfe, after careful research, determined that Watson was a woman. He presented his facts in the&nbsp;Saturday Review of Literature&nbsp;and let them sit. They didn't sit well with all Sherlockians, and Julian Wolff, BSI ("The Red-Headed League") took up his pen to offer a retort in "That Was No Lady." Both essays appeared in Edgar W. Smith's&nbsp;, and we discussed them in our monthly feature "Mr. Sherlock Holmes the Theorist" episode. It's just a Trifle.&nbsp; &nbsp;  Have you left us a rating&nbsp;and&nbsp;review&nbsp;on&nbsp;&nbsp;yet? You don't need to own an Apple device, and every review helps more people find the show.&nbsp; We're available everywhere you listen to podcasts, including ,&nbsp;,&nbsp;,&nbsp;, and&nbsp;.    And please consider supporting&nbsp;our efforts through&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;.       &nbsp;   Links / Notes  This episode:&nbsp;    &nbsp; Sponsor       &nbsp;  Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC:&nbsp; Copyright:&nbsp;  &nbsp;   --   &nbsp;

Watson Was a Woman

“Your hand stole towards your own old wound” [CARD]&nbsp; Watson returns from Afghanistan, recovering from a wound in the shoulder and the aftereffects of disease. But we later discover that he had a leg wound as well.&nbsp; Could it be the delirium that caused him to misstate his injuries? Or was there another reason for his error? Two old pieces of Sherlockian scholarship&nbsp;– one from the 1940s and another from the 1950s&nbsp;– each have a different theory. Which is correct? It's just a Trifle. &nbsp;   Have you left us a&nbsp;rating&nbsp;and&nbsp;review&nbsp;on&nbsp;&nbsp;yet? You don't need to own an Apple device, and every review helps more people find the show.&nbsp;  Find Trifles wherever you listen to podcasts:   &nbsp;  &nbsp;  And please consider&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;our efforts through&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;.     &nbsp;   Links / Notes  This episode:&nbsp;    &nbsp; Sponsor       &nbsp;  Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC:&nbsp; Copyright:&nbsp;  &nbsp;   --   &nbsp;

The Mystery of Watson's Second Wound

“Billy advanced and drew away” [MAZA]&nbsp;&nbsp; We're used to reading about Mrs. Hudson ushering clients in and out, and providing various domestic services for Sherlock Holmes. But now and again, we find ourselves in the presence of young Billy, the page. What was a page? And was Billy the only one at 221B Baker Street? In Vol. 2, No. 3 of&nbsp;The Sherlock Holmes Journal, G.B. Newton made an assessment of who served and when in his article "Billy the Page," and in our monthly "Mr. Sherlock Holmes the Theorist" feature, we test his hypothesis. It's just a Trifle. &nbsp;  Have you left us a&nbsp;rating&nbsp;and&nbsp;review&nbsp;on&nbsp;&nbsp;yet? You don't need to own an Apple device, and every review helps more people find the show.&nbsp;     Find Trifles wherever you listen to podcasts:   &nbsp;  &nbsp;  And please consider&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;our efforts through&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;.  &nbsp;  Links / Notes  This episode:&nbsp; &nbsp;- Wikipedia    &nbsp;  Sponsor       &nbsp;  Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC:&nbsp; Copyright:&nbsp;  &nbsp;   --   &nbsp;

Billy the Page

A weekly program about details in the Sherlock Holmes stories.

Billy the Page

Sherlock Holmes: Trifles

Related tracks