Arthur & George
Ed Whitmore
Miniseries
2015
Crime, Drama
PBS (ITV)
TV-PG
Sherlock Holmes has been a beloved character for over a century. But what about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author who created him?
“Arthur & George,” an ITV miniseries airing as part of PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery! series in this country, attempts to answer that question. Its focus is on Doyle’s involvement in the Great Wyrley Outrages during the early 20th century. George Edalji (Arsher Ali), an Anglo-Indian solicitor, was convicted of killing animals (a horse is killed at the beginning of the first part) and writing obscene letters. He served three years in prison. Sir Arthur’s interest in his case comes after Edalji’s release.
All of this actually happened, but “Arthur & George” is fiction based on true events. Its source material is Julian Barnes’ book of the same name. So, this miniseries will take liberties with the truth. This is entertainment, after all, folks.
Stylistically, “Arthur & George” alternates between suspense and typical period-piece drama. At its beginning, it’s nighttime, and we witness the aforementioned crime. Mist and clouds provide the atmosphere, and the music and sounds are ominous. There are even a few slow-motion shots.
After that sequence, the story shifts to Doyle’s personal life. His wife is sick, and she dies shortly after appearing onscreen. Of course, Sir Arthur (played by an effortlessly thoughtful Martin Clunes) regrets how he treated her when she was alive. He doesn’t think that he was as faithful to her as he could have been.
During this time, George’s case comes to the attention of Alfred Wood (Charles Edwards), Doyle’s secretary and the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick, Dr. John Watson. He brings the case to Doyle’s attention. So, instead of Holmes and Watson, we have Doyle and Wood.
In addition, throughout this section, we’re treated to soft, natural lighting, a deliberate and leisurely pace, and the instrumental music to match. These are typical British period-piece techniques.
In “Arthur & George,” everything’s properly done … of course. But it really shines when Sir Arthur is challenged because of his interest in George’s case. The writing and acting come alive at that moment, and the series gains a pulse, as a result. The music reflects this shortly thereafter. That kind of moment provides a nice contrast to this miniseries’ use of the traditional hallmarks of a whodunit.
“Arthur & George” is familiar yet watchable, especially for fans of this genre. Also, the decision to present its story in only three parts is a smart one. It won’t overstay its welcome.
Verdict: Good
About: (Source: Arthur & George)
Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) stars as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, in a three-part MASTERPIECE Mystery! adaptation of the novel by Julian Barnes. Outraged by injustice to an Anglo-Indian solicitor, the famed author uses the methods of his own fictional detective to get at the truth. Co-starring are Arsher Ali (The Missing) as George Edalji; and Charles Edwards (Downton Abbey) as Alfred Wood, Sir Arthur’s real-life “Dr. Watson.”
The Sunday Telegraph (London) proclaimed that Arthur & George is, “thoroughly enjoyable … Clunes proves exceptionally winning as the widowed writer and sometime crusader for justice, Arthur Conan Doyle.”
Based on true events, Arthur & George is adapted from the acclaimed novel of the same name, which was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize.
