Beyond my daily work this Holmes and Brett issue has begun to keep me happily busy, that is for sure. I have set up such a large agenda for myself, so that I surely will not have to bother about boredom for the next months.
Sept. 12 (JB died that day in 1995) and Nov. 3 (his birthday) are approaching, which, I assume, will lead to increasing activity on the internet on that account. I am not quite sure yet what to do with Sept. 12 (more reaction than action for me, I dare say), but I will certainly do a tribute regarding his birthday. If all works out well I will do a “Happy Birthday”-Song with some fellow youtubers (No, girls, I have NOT forgotten about those plans!).
I must not forget to write that letter to Edward Hardwicke till then. I am determined to thank him (strange as that may sound) for his support he had given to JB during his illness, and I must do some thinking how to put those words right, so that Edward can understand, why that should concern ME! Anyway, after having performed some research I phoned up his agent, and a nice assistant there agreed that she would forward my mail to him, so the logistic problem is solved.
I have also returned to being a rather frequent ebayer again, spending my money on Sherlock Holmes literature, memorabilia etc. (By the way, readers, if you have something to offer, just let me know.) I also used this way to get a little present for one of my favourite youtubers to send to her London home, and I am really excited that she actually seems to like it. With some of these girls it is like being a huge family (yes, I KNOW that this sounds like a cliché!)
Ah, and speaking of families, a very special thanks to ladyinred2014, who has done some magic with her photoshop software to create a very nice would-be or “What-if” family portrait:
The idea for this photo seems to have emerged from a still ongoing discussion within the JB group. Well… *ahem*… let’s just say, we got a bit carried away *lol*… Imagination running wild seduced me to post, rather jokingly, a little fan fiction challenge. Okay, lafemdilletante obviously took me by my word, so the next thing I saw was her brilliant (!!!) entry on fanfiction.net:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4452932/1/Moriarty_Nightshirts_and_Oysters
I tried to back off… but after having created a rather emotional and pensive tribute vid (you know, the “Recovering” one) I had to do something more light-hearted. So I spent a half-sleepless night and jotted down some random sentences, which, brought into proper order, make for a beginning of a little weird attempt for satire with JB consulting Holmes and Watson on the issue of madly stalking fans and Holmes being a little nutty himself… Well, I did not dare to publish this onto fanfiction.net, but I sent it to lafem with the humble request not to kill me on that one, as satire is not really my writing genre (especially when Jeremy Brett is involved). Hah! Strangely enough, she has replied, politely (?) indicating that she liked it!!
Hm.
Okay, so I have made up my mind to at least publish a little excerpt … (I think you’ll have to know some background stuff if you want to find it funny… but anyway… here we go:
* * *
(…)
A face, very indignantly, appears above the edge of the couch’s backrest.
Holmes: MRS. ORINOCO!! I wonder if you would do me the very great kindness of considering the possibility… the heck with it, just GO AWAY!
JB: Orinoco? No, my name is Huggins, and I am generally considered to be a MISTER. Beyond that I really do need your advice, Mr. Holmes!! I am in serious trouble, as you might already know.
A sudden flash of daylight as Dr. Watson dramatically pulls back the curtains from the window.
Holmes: (apparently having slept on the couch and looking rather wrinkled up, mumbling something about the theatrical part usually being HIS department) Oh, should I, indeed? I do not think so. I am sorry, my dear Sir. I can assure you, apart from the obvious facts that you are an actor and that you do a lot of meditation, I know nothing about you.
JB: (looking utterly taken aback) So you DO know me after all?
Holmes: (yawning) Not in the least, it was a simple deduction: Only an actor could be eccentric enough to wear such bright red socks to a semi-formal morning suit. (…) in which way we may be of your assistance? (…)
JB: I am being stal- (suddenly interrupting himself) How could you have possibly guessed that I am practicing meditation?
Holmes: I NEVER guess, Mr. Huggins.
JB: But how do you know…?
Watson steps forward and points at Jeremy’s feet.
Watson: Levitation, Sir. Your shoes do not even touch our Persian carpet.
Holmes: Quite so. Mrs. Orinoco will be quite obliged to you on that account.
JB: Mrs. Orinoco?
Holmes: Yes, our good housekeeper.
Watson: (frowning) That’s Mrs. HUDSON, Holmes!
Holmes: Oh, really? Well, I knew at least it had something to do with the name of a river… Never mind, who could possibly keep up with all those names? There is this guy, Conan the Barber…
JB: I beg your pardon?
Holmes: No, I mean, Conan… (tentatively) the Barbarian…?
Watson: I assume you are referring to Conan DOYLE!
Holmes: Ah, Doyle, of course! This Conan, anyway, he has difficulties in remembering her name, too. He sometimes calls her “Turner”… (suddenly turning impatient) But if you would condescend to tell us about your problem, I shall be better able to advise you. I recall you claiming the matter an urgent one!
JB: Yes, that is true. Mr. Holmes, they’re after me! Have you not read the latest news on the internet?
Holmes: No, not this morning. So, let us at least consult my index!
Watson: (searching) I can not find any “Huggins” in here, Holmes…
JB: Oh! I am sorry I forgot, you’ll have to look under “B” for “Brett”. That is my stage name.
Holmes: Brett, indeed! I believe I we used to have a tailor with that name… right, Johnny?
Watson: Pray, Holmes! Would you please stop calling me that way?
Holmes: Oh, come on, we’ve been sharing these rooms for decades, now. You even know how I look in a nightie! Why don’t you allow me to call you by your first name?
Watson: My first name is “John”, Holmes! And that is such a common name! Everybody is called “John” these days.
Holmes: No, not me, they call me “Sherlock”.
Watson: No, Holmes, they call you “Holmes”!
Holmes: Hm. How about “Bosey”?
Watson: WHAT?
Holmes: Well, as a nickname. For Boswell.
Watson: Are you trying to be funny?
Holmes: Funny? No, that’s supposed to be your part.
Watson: (now getting somehow upset) No, it’s NOT! You’re talking about this other guy, Nigel Whatshisname! I AM A MEDICAL MAN! I AM TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!!
(…)
Cheers,
Susa
