MovieChat Forums > The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1985) Discussion > Burke vs Hardwicke!

Burke vs Hardwicke!

posted 10 years ago by JMichaletos
12 replies | jump to latest

I re-watched the whole series recently! The first episode that I watched when I first discovered the series (I'm Greek) in 2006, was "Silver Blaze". As you can understand, I watched the whole "Return" set and then the "Casebook" and "Memoirs" set. So Hardwicke was the only Watson for me. Back in the day, I didn't know that David Burke was replaced!

So when I watched the first episode from the "Adventures", I was fascinated by Burke's performance! I think that the chemistry between Brett and Burke was amazing! I loved the younger version of Watson! Having read all the books, it is clearly mentioned that Holmes is in his mid-30s and Watson a little older. I know that both actors where much older but, I loved the looks of them! And of course, Burke's acting was superb! Don't get me wrong, Hardwicke is great but if I had to choose only one, I'd go with Burke!

What about you? Who did you enjoy most as Watson?

(Answers like "I love both, I cannot pick one" don't count :p )

[–] Marmadukebagelhole 10 years ago

Burke

Glasgow's FOREMOST authority Italics = irony. Infer the opposite please.

[–] Rueiro 9 years ago

Burke and Hardwicke both have their own qualities that bring character to Watson. Burke is a little foolish, while Hardwicke is more self-composed and dignified. I find Burke hilarious at times, while Hardwicke looks more like Burke's dad version. To me both actors had a great chemistry with Brett and I love them both, depending on the particular episode and circumstances.

[–] bo7047 9 years ago

Definite Burke, I was sad to see him leave the series.

[–] gollumsmeagolrocks 8 years ago

Does anyone even know why they did something as foolish as replace Burke?

~NW~

[–] JaneBingley 8 years ago

I think they realised that Edward Hardwicke was much better than Burke, so they replaced Burke with the amazing Hardwicke.

[–] AdmiralTugBenson 8 years ago

Does anyone even know why they did something as foolish as replace Burke?

It wasn't their "foolish" idea to replace Burke, he wanted to leave the show. Burke and his wife were invited to join the Royal Shakespeare Company. He thought it would be better for him, his wife and their child if they worked together. Plus working with her was just something he wanted to do. Hardwicke was actually working with Burke's wife at the time and Burke visited him to ask if he would be interested in taking over as Watson, after which he recommended Hardwicke to the producers. So it was really Burke who replaced himself with Hardwicke.

"Dan Marino should die of gonorrhea and rot in hell. Would you like a cookie son?"

[–] Princess_Rosedove 9 years ago

I liked them both equally

I highly recommend the books S.O.S., Rosedove, and Zombie Squirrel

[–] cicerodiello 9 years ago

Absolutely. David Burke was fabulous. His performance in THE FINAL PROBLEM was truly touching. He was heartbroken about Holmes.

I thought Edward Hardwicke was a worthy successor and wonderful friend to Jeremy Brett away from the production. However, the magic is vital in those first 13 episodes which were treasures.

I love THE GREEK INTERPRETER. Particularly the final ten minutes on the train. The sequence is as good as that you'll find in any first rate film production made for the big screen.

[–] crlnrgbrght5 9 years ago

Hardwicke, because he plays Watson with some intelligence. He's a very understated actor, I like him better than Brett, who's all over the place.

[–] Sleepin_Dragon 8 years ago

I genuinely like each actor equally, both have great qualities, I feel Burke was better at being in awe of Holmes brilliance, whereas Hardwicke was more up to him, maybe age?

When he said Mr Leeman was dead i thought he said he's still in bed

[–] DurakSuka 8 years ago

Burke all the way.

Hama cheez ba-Beer behtar meshawad!

[–] thousandflowers 8 years ago

I love them both as Watson, but have a slight preference for Hardwicke. His Watson has a calmness that is a great match for Holmes' drama and intensity.