Sherlock Holmes

Ben Mankiewicz introduces Sherlock Holmes, 1916.

Robert Osborne introduces Sherlock Holmes, 1916.

Theatrical star William Gillette, in the title role based on his own play, is visiting incognito in the house where Miss Faulkner (Marjorie Kay) is being held by the evil Larrabees (Mario Majeroni, Grace Reals), but refusing to hand over her valuable letters, in Sherlock Holmes, 1916.

No reference to 221-B Baker Street, though the film was sanctioned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, William Gillette in the title role receives his trusted friend Doctor Watson (Edward Fielding), as he embarks on his case, in the Chicago-made 1916 adaptation of Gillette’s own play, Sherlock Holmes.

An elaborate prologue based on the original release, then actual pyrotechnics in the introduction of William Gillette, the renowned stage performer, in his only film, in his signature role as the hero, opening the TCM restoration of the 1916 Essanay Company production, Sherlock Holmes, 1916.