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The Shoals chapter of the Baker Street Irregulars, the American society of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts, will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, in the conference room of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, 350 N. Wood Ave., downtown Florence.

The Disreputable Little Scarecrows – the Shoals scion society of the BSI – will view and discuss Billy Wilder’s critically acclaimed feature film THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1970), starring Robert Stephens as Holmes and Colin Blakely as his loyal associate, Dr. Watson.

Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary tales of the Victorian-era British supersleuth, Wilder’s interpretation places Holmes and Watson on the case of a beautiful woman whose husband has vanished. The investigation proves strange indeed, involving six missing midgets, villainous monks, a Scottish castle, covert government experiments and the Loch Ness monster.

The supporting cast includes Christopher Lee as Holmes’ older brother Mycroft, plus Genevieve Page, Clive Revill, Stanley Holloway and Catherine Lacey.

BSI gatherings are free and open to the public. New members and visitors are welcome. For details, call (256) 366-4512 or e-mail pillaroffire@bellsouth.net.

“I don’t dislike women. I merely distrust them. The twinkle in the eye and the arsenic in the soup.” – Sherlock Holmes (Robert Stephens) in THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1970)
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In this particular film, Holmes actually uses that scenario to wiggle his way (somewhat gracefully) out of an offer for an "arranged" marriage to a Russian ballerina.

Holmes thinking rather quickly on his feet, but he neglects to warn Watson, who is NOT amused once the rumor spreads through the dance company.

In the original stories, Watson is quite a ladies' man and Holmes is obviously smitten (against his better jdugment) with "THE Woman," Irene Adler.

Wilder's film doesn't feature Irene Adler, but it does take Holmes into a rather dangerous emotional attachment with a certain femme fatale.

This film was considered "controversial" for some years because of the humorous suggestion of a gay Holmes/Watson.

How times have changed ...

Terry Pace
pillaroffire@bellsouth.net

"God, here and there, makes madness a calling." -- Ray Bradbury

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