Originally published in 2002 by now defunct Reynolds & Hearn publishing this new updated edition includes coverage of Sherlock Holmes film and television programs released up to and including early 2011. The second Downey film SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS and the second series of the BBC series SHERLOCK are mentioned, but do not have specific individual listings. Alan Barnes (with occasional assists from writers Jonathan Rigby and Andy Lane) manages to provide succinct synopses, cast lists, production notes and insightful commentary to well over 300 individual programs from around the globe that feature the Great Detective. While the book certainly notes areas of fidelity and deviation from Conan Doyle's stories in the various adaptations, this is more about judging the films on their own merits and levels of success in terms of entertainment value, in short, this is accessible to film buffs, not just Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.

Barnes has a witty, slightly amused tone that makes the book an engaging read even when covering some of the least inspiring entries. It's hard to just dip in to read a specific entry without carrying on to whatever follows. While an index is lacking, it's a minor complaint as this is easily the best written, most wide reaching, informative and entertaining book of its kind. I firmly agree with the comment emblazoned across the top of the cover by writer/producer of the BBC's SHERLOCK - "I love this book." If you only buy one book on the film and television representations of Sherlock Holmes, it should be this one. Highly recommended. ( )

There are no words which seem to adequately describe just how good SHERLOCK HOLMES ON SCREEN: THE COMPLETE FILM AND TV HISTORY by Alan Barnes is: The word "comprehensive," while accurate, just doesn't seem to go far enough.
A lifelong Sherlockian I purchased this handsome 288 page hardback updated edition with high hopes and I was not disappointed. Barnes decision to take an A to Z organizational approach may not be everyone's ideal, but he does provide a film and television chronology towards the end of the book to appease those of us who prefer that type of listing.
As the title indicates every film and television appearance by the Sherlock Holmes character including a number of which I was previously unaware. Barnes gives more behind the scenes production notes, details of the mysteries and the solutions and in some cases these are quite extensive. For example I found the details behind the Peter Cushing television series of Holmes adventures fascinating and entertaining and his notes on what it took to bring SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DEADLY NECKLACE to the screen, entertaining and revealing. Who knew that the movie had been intended to be the start of a franchise - with the script for the second planned movie eventually being filmed as A STUDY IN TERROR with John Neville in the Holmes role.
Barnes even includes movies and television episodes with more questionable ties to Sherlock Holmes. He gives high praise to Disney's animated THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE but the Spielberg produced YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES fares less well. In addition there are entries for the two STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION episodes that featured Prof. Moriarty and even THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN gets a mention for its Holmesian references.
With listings that include not only alternate titles for the movies, but also surprisingly in depth cast listings, running times and some very rare photo's, this volume is a must-own for any self respecting Sherlock Holmes fan, and anyone with even a mild curiosity about the character. ( )