MovieChat Forums > The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1985) Discussion > Burke vs Hardwicke!

Burke vs Hardwicke!

posted 9 years ago by JMichaletos
5 replies | jump to latest

I re-watched the whole series recently! The first episode that I watched when I first discovered the series (I'm Greek) in 2006, was "Silver Blaze". As you can understand, I watched the whole "Return" set and then the "Casebook" and "Memoirs" set. So Hardwicke was the only Watson for me. Back in the day, I didn't know that David Burke was replaced!

So when I watched the first episode from the "Adventures", I was fascinated by Burke's performance! I think that the chemistry between Brett and Burke was amazing! I loved the younger version of Watson! Having read all the books, it is clearly mentioned that Holmes is in his mid-30s and Watson a little older. I know that both actors where much older but, I loved the looks of them! And of course, Burke's acting was superb! Don't get me wrong, Hardwicke is great but if I had to choose only one, I'd go with Burke!

What about you? Who did you enjoy most as Watson?

(Answers like "I love both, I cannot pick one" don't count :p )

[–] Marmadukebagelhole 9 years ago

Hardwicke. Easily.

Glasgow's FOREMOST authority Italics = irony. Infer the opposite please.

[–] janeofthewakinguniverse 8 years ago

I couldn't agree more about the special chemistry between Burke and Brett. I remember being quite upset at the change in casting when the second season began airing on PBS. I did eventually come to enjoy and appreciate Hardwicke as Watson, but it was a very different show after he took over. It just was.
Burke's portrayal was so energetic and exuberant, almost whimsical at times, and was a nice complement to Brett's stoic eccentric (and very true to the source material) Holmes.
I have loved these stories since I was a child and loved many different retellings on film including the Rathbone-Bruce movies. But the first series with Jeremy Brett will always be the ultimate filmed version for me.

Morse's Law: There's always time for one more pint.

[–] rujane 7 years ago

IMHO Burke was the best Watson ever. I can't even think of an actor who's a close second in the role - many good actors, but Burke WAS Watson.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

both were great. the edge to burke.

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 2 years ago

I think Edward Hardwicke gave a Watson who was more in rapport with Holmes. And that bears out when Richard Judy interviewed him and Jeremy Brett once.