Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 791
EAN num: 9781899562183
ISBN number: 1899562184
Label: Ash Tree Pr
Manufacturer: Ash Tree Pr
Page Count: 192
Printing Date: 1996-12
Publishing house: Ash Tree Pr
Sale Popularity Level: 2029069
Studio: Ash Tree Pr
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Product Description:
Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective is widely recognised as the best yet seen. Before his untimely death in 1995, Brett had made the part his own, all the time battling against the manic depression which had plagued him for many years. Bending the Willow' examines how this brilliant actor channelled the demons of his debilitating illness into his iridescent portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. In this fascinating and perceptive study, David Stuart Davies draws on the many conversations he had with Jeremy Brett and key people involved with the Granada Television series and the stage play The Secret of Sherlock Holmes'. The result is the very first detailed assessment of all of Jeremy Brett's performances as Sherlock Holmes. Fully illustrated with more than fifty photographs, some never before published, Bending the Willow' is an important addition to the libraries of Sherlock Holmes followers, and Jeremy Brett fans alike.
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Rated by buyers 
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I was fortunate to be able to get Bending The Willow through my Library as I can't afford the $100 it's being sold for. My review is for fellow fans wondering if this book is worth them shelling out their hard earned money for it:).
As a big fan of both Jeremy Brett the actor as well as his masterful portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, I was anxious to read this book. The book, for the most part, was very well written and informative as to the years the Grenada production was being filmed, as well as Brett, Burke, Hardwicke and co feelings, thoughts and memories on the production. The photos alone are fantastic.
I have a few minor foibles with the book-and they are few. Mainly-the length-166 pages-I feel that it should have been a little bit longer, and more descriptive. I felt the author, like many fans, thought that the last three seasons were inferior and he therefore glossed over them, where as Davies went into quite a bit of depth with season one.
As a biography-Davies one on one insight into Jeremy Bretts personal life and actions were delightful and mostly insightful, but I do feel the author repeatedly kept focusing too much on Jeremy's weight gain. While the weight gain was an issue (for the actor, the show and some fans)-too much is made of it as Mr Brett was such a phenomenal actor that his brilliance shone through-even at his lowest times of illness.
Therefore-I would recommend the book to the diehard Jeremy Brett fan, though I only wish there was a little more for the money.
4.5 stars!
Rated by buyers 
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Ever wonder about the man who portrayed the Great Detective so well on the Granada series of Sherlock Holmes - who was Jeremy Brett?
'Bending the Willow' addresses these questions by telling us about Jeremy Brett - his background and influences - and most particularly by focussing on his years spent on the television series and the difficulties he had then, and throughout his career, with debilitating bouts of manic depression and poor health which continued until his death in 1995.
Rated by buyers -
This book gives the reader an unique perspective into Jeremy Brett's talent and genius. His portrayal of the master sleuth is one of the best in the world even though his own nature was the sort to never "cross the street" to meet Sherlock Holmes if he were a real person. Brett's acting abilities are partially displayed to its true immensity in this book. Finally, a book that gives Jeremy Brett the credit he so rightfully deserved and deserves.
Rated by buyers -
Calabash Press will be reissuing BENDING THE WILLOW in a new and updated edition in January, 2001. This book is a moving and informative account of the making of the landmark television series and also describes the difficulties of keeping the quality of the series consistent over ten years through management changes (always the bane of film production) and the declining health of star Jeremy Brett.
Television is still considered a 'second class' medium, so this wonderful series has not received the praise it deserves. Not a single one of the filmmakers were ever awarded for their work, an amazing omission. The best episodes of this show are fine films in their own right, and one does not have to be a Sherlock Holmes fan to enjoy them.
BENDING THE WILLOW is well worth adding to any library of film production books and is also of great human interest.
Rated by buyers -
The author captures Brett as few Sherlockians (people who study the Holmes stories) knew him. His brilliant early performances contrast his later portrayals as his manic depression (and the mis-prescribed medications destroys his body) takes over his mind. The book covers every aspect of Brett as Sherlock Holmes but does not delve into his earlier life or roles. A MUST HAVE for all Sherlockians everywhere, I re-read it often. Photos provide a record of the struggle Jeremy had with his weight, depression and the dangerous drugs used to manage his mental state. More like Holmes than he probably realized in the beginning, the two men became intertwined forever. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
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