Douglas Wilmer recently made a cameo appearance in the BBC's triumphant second series of 'Sherlock.' But many younger viewers have not had the opportunity to view the great man at work because, for some reason, the BBC have chosen not to release what remains of their much-loved 60s Holmes on DVD.
Produced by David Goddard in 1964, the BBC production of 'The Speckled Band' was the first of Wilmer's appearances as Sherlock Holmes, with Nigel Stock as Watson. Wilmer and Stock were brought back in 1965 for twelve more episodes with a supporting cast that included Mary Holder as Mrs Hudson, Peter Madden as Lestrade and Derek Francis as Mycroft Holmes and guest stars such as Peter Wyngarde.
Not all of these episodes have survived, but what does remain has so far only been released on DVD in the US on Region 1. There is a French edition due in May this year, but as yet no plans announced for release in the UK. Come on, BBC, we want Wilmer!