Episode 25: The Man With The Twisted Lip
In this installment, Watson forgoes sleep to help Holmes unmask the The Man with the Twisted Lip, we are introduced to director Patrick Lau, and we hear from Neville St. Clair himself, Mr. Clive Francis. Also, Luke and Gus examine numerous trifles, including dressing gowns, recent Sherlockian purchases, and the true identity of Dr. James Watson. And listener telegrams!
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This story is so interesting in a circular way–a woman whose husband becomes a stranger to her when he is under the influence of opium (and who disappears) leads Watson to Holmes and an even more puzzling disappearance of a man also leading a double life, unbeknownst to his wife. Add to it Watson searching out and saving an addict, even though he can’t save Holmes (I love how the Granada highlights this irony even more than the original story). There’s also irony in Mrs. St. Clair’s insistence how she has a strong bond with her husband and knows he is alive, although she has no idea of what he does in city and how he makes the money that pays for their lovely house.
I enjoy this episode so much, although I think the story sort of works more believably in print. On one hand, it seems crazy that someone could practice such a deception. On the other hand, especially in a world so divided by markers and neighborhoods of class and status, the eye sees what it expects to see (and unlike a TV mystery show viewer, people in real life aren’t always looking for a line of makeup or a false mustache).
I also agree that the treatment of the lascar is SO much less cringey than in the written text. Doyle wasn’t always great in terms of transcending detective story racial stereotypes, but the lascar in the show is charming and a genuine friend to St. Clair.
When I first read and saw this tale, I just thought it was interesting. Now, noting that St. Clair was a journalist/writer needing money, let’s just say, I relate to his plight HARD. This is like the original OnlyFans account.
Mary,
Totally agree, as usual. 🙂 In many ways, this episode transcends the story – which is always a great feather for Granada’s cap. It’s hard to go so far as to put it in the top echelon of all the episodes, but its certainly solid.
Speaking of…. I am already looking forward to the Six Napoleons. 🙂
Gus
Hello Mssrs Gus and Luke,
Thank you, most appreciatively, for these meticulous disquisitions on the Granada Sherlock Holmes series.
As a composer/orchestrator who worked in films during that late 1980’s era, I have always had great admiration and respect for Patrick Gowers. I especially enjoy your comments on his artistic contribution to this great Granada series.
Perhaps you will, hopefully, interview someone directly involved with his work, for your podcast about his wonderful music? And, if I may respectfully suggest, where you find the music inappropriately set – I.e. those blatant grating “stingers” when the sheet is pulled up and Mr. Adair’s body is revealed – are possibly the work of post-production and not the input of any self-respecting composer? You allowed for that, I believe, and in my experience, unless a composer is in the room for the final mix, strange things can and do happen….
What’s particularly striking, is how Mr Gowers evokes the classical repertoire in a subliminal way in his music for the Holmes series. For instance, in “The Illustrious Client” there are echoes of Mozart’s vile, unrepentant Don Giovanni, which only heighten our evil apprehension of the wicked villain, played by Mr. Valentine. These are subtle, but most effective musical moments that only a talented composer such as Mr Gowers could employ so successfully.
Thanks again for your thoughtful, detailed analyses of all these episodes.
Cheers, and looking forward to your future podcasts.
Nancy Beach
Pacific Palisades, California
Nancy,
Thank you for those incredible insights! We have actually been working on a special tribute episode for Mr. Gowers for many months now. Collecting interviews, etc. We are still hoping for the holy grail to come our way (a conversation with his daughter, who played on the show). And while we have been in contact with her, we are still waiting for the stars to align. But we could not agree more that Mr. Gowers deserves a very special tribute. Hopefully, someday soon, we will bring that to fruition.
Thanks again for listening,
Gus (& Luke)
Hi Luke & Gus,
You two make every part of each podcast so very entertaining for us. Every time you both give us such delightful labors of love, thank you!
I especially enjoy your ending with listener telegrams (an ongoing fav of mine).
Muchos! Do keep them coming and soon, my friends!
Many, many thanks, my friend!
Hi Gus & Luke, Enjoyed the latest podcast today. My thoughts on Boon seeing someone who he recognises in the opening scene is just to link him to the opium den, to maybe make the astute viewer think he was an addict but he is found to be only using the place to get changed. Everything in this episode seems to be drawing you away from the possibility that Boon is a gentleman. Just my thoughts. Love the podcast, thanks for putting in the time and effort.
Hey Neil. Great observation! We’ve heard a handful of new perspectives lately. Need to watch again and reassess. 🙂
A great episode of the podcast, on a great episode of the show. “THE MAN WITH THE TWISTEDLIP” is a particular favourite, as it was filmed less than mile from my house. Many of the location sequences are in parts of the town that have barely changed and still highly recognisable. I have in the past, also visited the UP Hall location from the episode (the home of the St. Clairs), although it was 25 years ago now, as I visited with my father, who was a delivery driver.
You are indeed correct that King’s Staithe Lane was used as the home Lascar and Hugh Boone. The white building on the right side is (and has been for many years) the Old Granary Antiques Centre.
Great information! Thanks Greg!