Arthur & George

Arthur and George was both a surprise and a delight to watch. Not only did it draw on several real events from Conan Doyle's life, it brought the era to life, the prejudice of superiority, the rules of class society, manners, dress, questionable law enforcement of the day, and yet another insight into the English school system. What most impressed us, in addition to a mystery to be solved and a "who-dunnit", was Doyle's real-life attempt at challenging the English criminal system. Very satisfying, educational in a fun way, and wonderful acting. Kudos also to the director and producers--another fine Masterpiece Theater presentation.

Okay, this will never win an Emmy, or even receive a nomination, but while I was sick in bed it provided fun entertainment. I binge watched it. And Martin Clunes is always a pleasure.

Recently I watched this ITV mini-series and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is based on the novel by Julian Barnes. I haven't read it, so I cannot say how closely to the book it was written, but I did read ACD's autobiography "Memories and Adventures", a collection of his correspondence "Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters", and a biography by Daniel Stashower "Teller of Tales: The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle".

Judging by what I gathered from these three sources, the mini-series is quite historically accurate, describing the period of ACD's life when he suffered depression after the passing of his first wife and how the Edalji case helped him to cope by giving him a purpose. In the series, just as in real life, ACD dedicated a lot of energy to investigating the case of a wrongly accused half-Parsi half-English solicitor George Edalji and launched a high-profile media campaign to clear Edalji's name. And while the series has a fictional side to it, with pursuits and fights, it was great to see the real life aspects covered, like Arthur's relationship with Jean Leckie, his wife-to-be, and the disapproval from his sister Connie and her husband E. W. Hornung (albeit this aspect was somewhat different in real life). The series even includes the small detail that George Edalji was invited to Arthur and Jean's wedding.

There is a distinct Holmes-Watson dynamic between ACD and his secretary major Alfred H. Wood as they run around investigating, which was an endearing touch. All in all, I think the series is a nice blend of fact and fiction. Even though Martin Clunes seems a bit long in the tooth for the role, it doesn't matter much. He bears a striking resemblance to ACD in Doyle's older years. I wonder why, though, the series turns the Edalji case into a story of personal feud rather than racial prejudice as it was in real life. Otherwise it's a very well-made period drama.

Recently widowed, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle takes a personal interest in a very bizarre case, the son of a Vicar is believed to have carried out a series of animal killings, Doyle strongly believes the flimsy case against Analji is racially motivated.

It plays out very much like an episode of Sherlock Holmes, only this time the case is a real life one, The Wyrley Outrages, and The Detectives, Doyle and Woodie are also real, although they are very much in the guise of Holmes and Watson here.

It's such a strange story, filled with baffling events and oddities, but it is an engaging story, and definitely one to hold your attention.

Set over three parts, it's well paced, very well made, and boasts some terrific acting, Clunes really is the standout as Doyle, a fascinating character, a man with progressive attitudes in his day.

Very atmospheric, very moody, it's well worth watching. 8/10.

I couldn't follow it at first when I discovered it on YouTube. Looked it up on Prime and found it on PBS Masterpiece. Watched it and became delighted. Well shot. A bit dark in nature and scenery. However, once I discovered it as truth, I became deeply invested and all the more pleased with the retelling of history.

Well done to the producers and crew. Well done to the actors. And well done to PBS, yet again, for finding valuable ways to produce historical learning in an engaging and entertaining manner. Indeed, I highly recommend higher level teenage educational institutions subscribe this piece as a learning assignment for those interested in historical legislation.