The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (TV Series) The Problem of Thor Bridge (1991) User Reviews

Excellent case, full of intrigue and passion.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 18 August 2016]

A wonderfully dramatic and theatrical start sees Holmes called in to investigate an intriguing mystery which sees governess Miss Dunbar accused of the murder of Brazilian woman and wife of wealthy Mr Gibson, found shot dead at Thor Bridge, a note clasped in her hand.

Conan Doyle had a definite interest in the passion and colour of South America. His South American characters are always good, big characters. It's a very dramatic and clever mystery, one which is fast paced, managing to hold your attention through to the rather unexpected conclusion.

The characters are excellent, Brett is at his very best, there's a wonderful scene in which he dismisses Gibson, greatly played by Daniel Massey, excellent throughout. Top notch production values of course, it looks incredibly authentic.

Full of intrigue, this is an excellent episode. 9/10

Another very enjoyable Sherlock Holmes adaptation

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 29 June 2011]

As some may be aware already, I am a big fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories and Granada adaptations. The Problem of Thor Bridge is one of the better adaptations/episodes of The Case-book of Sherlock Holmes. The pace is very solid on the whole, but there are one or two scenes with perhaps one too many pauses between each action. The story is very interesting with a solution that is clever and not too obvious. The production values are wonderful and very evocative costumes and sets wise while the photography is lovely. As always, the music is hauntingly beautiful, the writing thoughtful, the direction impressive and the acting outstanding not just the note-perfect performances from Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke but also Daniel Massey. In conclusion, very enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox

The Ultimate Revenge

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 15 February 2014]

A woman swears revenge against a governess, whom she claims alienated the affections of her children and her husband. Be that as it may, this woman is found murdered on the titled bridge with a bullet in her head. Because a gun of the caliber of murder weapon is found in the governess's drawer, she is arrested for the murder. She finds herself in prison and Holmes and Watson are called in. They must figure out how what appears to be murder may be anything but. The bridge, itself, becomes a bit of a character in the process of unraveling the facts. I really like this story and the methodology as become a bit of a staple for future mysteries. I have to say that when this concluded, I was reminded of the type of mystery that Peter Falk's "Columbo" may have faced.

A terrific series & episode

[moongoddess-25488 · 10/10 · 6 March 2020]

I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan from childhood. I even used to think Holmes & Watson were as real as my own family.

Jeremy Brett's Sherlock was brilliant. The Problem of Thor Bridge was an excellent example of how well the producers, directors & all involved created the world of Sherlock Holmes to perfection. Edward Hardwicke as Dr. Watson plays the part with seriousness & humor. Lots of twists & turns & red herrings.

A fine adaptation, but the best part is...

[pfr1685 · 8/10 · 31 March 2022]

The story is a fine adaptation of the original story, but the best part is the background music in the opening. It's an excellent reworking of the theme, giving an additional air of suspense. Patrick Gowers surpassed himself on this episode!

Excellent episode: intriguing and original

[grantss · 9/10 · 26 December 2022]

Sherlock Holmes is approached by Mr. J. Neil Gibson, an American mining magnate. His wife has been murdered and the governess, Grace Dunbar, arrested for her murder. There is a large weight of evidence against Ms Dunbar but Mr Gibson is convinced of her innocence and wants Holmes to ensure that she is exonerated.

A very intriguing episode. The evidence against Ms Dunbar is too substantial to ignore but she does not appear to be the murderer. What is the connection between Mr Gibson and Ms Dunbar? If Ms Dunbar didn't do it then surely Mr Gibson did? But why would he hire Holmes then as if he is guilty surely Holmes will figure that out, and Gibson knows this?

The solution is one of the more original ones in the Sherlock Holmes canon.

Mark Twain Gone Bad

[bhoover247 · 10/10 · 9 September 2022]

In this episode a grouchy American who looks like Mark Twain having a rough day, tries to bully Holmes while wanting to free his governess. This is a great episode. It has everything from the hot blooded Brazilian wife to the young beautiful innocent governess accused of killing the wife. The only thing unbelievable is that the two women would fall so hard for such a rude grouch. Of course he is the gold king so I guess that has something to do with his magnetism.

I also found it humorous that the ugly American had been a senator of some western state. I guess those states out west aren't very discriminating when it comes to electing senators. Present day Missouri comes to mind.

Rich Americans Tote Too Many Guns in England.

[rmax304823 · 6/10 · 12 March 2010]

One of the stories I admired most as a child. It's simple -- not too many shady characters crowding the panels -- and yet not a mystery with an obvious solution.

Brett and Hardwicke are their usual competent selves. Brett must have been a true professional because he was just in rebound from a major mood disorder. Hardwicke provides the stability that Holmes, the character, seems sometimes to lack. But Holmes' quirkiness is built into him and it translates well onto the screen. Example: The snarling, rich, contemptuous, passionate, American, Daniel Massey, charges in on Holmes and Watson. Holmes is seated at his desk looking down. "Just what do you want of me?", demands Massey.

Holmes thumps his elbow forcibly on the desk top. (Pause.) He abruptly looks up. (Pause.) His raised hand flips open. (Pause.) "The truth." I enjoyed it, as I do most of the episodes. I appreciate the effort to which the producers have gone to cast good actors rather than merely beautiful or ugly people who fit their characters' spiritual templates.

Most of the locations are impressive and carefully tuned to the period. Some are better than that. This one has a few very attractive flower gardens in addition to the usual country manse.

The Problem of Thor Bridge

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 14 December 2019]

Neil Gibson (Daniel Massey) is an American tycoon who made his fortune in Brazil.

He asks Holmes to investigate the murder of his estranged Brazilian wife Maria. The accused is his children's governess, Grace Dunbar, a woman Gibson has fallen in love with.

Holmes dislikes the volatile Gibson. However he does want to help Miss Dunbar. The marriage to Maria was an unhappy one for him. Gibson had simply ceased to lover her and he treated her badly. Maria always loved him passionately and still hoped to be reconciled.

There is some intense hostility between Brett and Massey. It could be good acting or the fact that Brett was once married to Massey's sister.

What makes this mystery a good one is the solution. A variation of this has been repeated since in other books and crime adaptations. The viewer is left with a small band of suspects with the cruel Gibson being the likely murderer if it is not Muss Dunbar.

Yet Miss Dunbar describes Gibson as someone who has shown kindness and has done good things. Eventually Holmes deduces that their can only be one person responsible for Maria's death.