Case File: The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Episode description
Join us to delve into a Holmes film like no other. "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes," directed by Billy Wilder, was released in 1970 with mixed results. Fifty years later, it retains a certain cult status. Narrated by Dr. Watson, it covers a scandalous untold case with international implications. But it’s also a personal look into Holmes—what was the famous consulting detective really like without the veneer of Watson’s storytelling?
Sarah and Marisa talk about the film's merits as an unusual adaption, how it positions Holmes's sexuality, and what it means for queer detective fiction lovers to recognize that Sherlock Holmes might actually be gay.
Content warning: Our discussion of this film includes frank conversations about homophobia, as well as discussions of drug addiction, blackmail and murder.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.howeverimprobablepodcast.com/transcripts
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