T H E N O RW EG IAN E XPLORERS O F M INNESOTA , I N C . © 2 0 0 8 October 2008 EXPLORATIONS Issue #57 EXPLORATIONSEXPLORATIONS *** see special notice on page 6 *** from the president’s desk It has now been over one year since the July 2010. It is a great way for Sherlockians 2007 Sherlockian Conference, held at the (inexperienced and experienced) to learn, University of Minnesota., Immediately fol- absorb information and observe fellow ad- lowing the conference, we received accolades mirers of Sherlock Holmes. about the quality of our efforts. Since then, Inside this issue: For those who knew Richard Lancelyn at least two of the talks from that conference Green, To Keep the Memory Green , edited by TheInside this Red-Throated issue: League 2 have gone on to be published: Michael Steven Rothman and Nicholas Utechin ( The Explorers on the Move 2, 4 Dirda’s “A Case for Langdale The Red-Throated League 2 Quartering Press, 2007) provides a welcome The Final Adventure 3 Pike” ( Canadian Holmes, Summer 2007) ; and remembrance of a great man. For those who Explorers on the Move 2, 4 Cliff Goldfarb’s “Who wrote the Sherlockian Drama 4 did not have the pleasure of meeting Rich- The Final Adventure 3 Canon?” (Canadian Holmes, Summer 2008 . Sharing the Figures 5, 11 ard at one of our conferences, this homage Sherlockian Drama 4 These are in addition to Elaine McCafferty’s Canonical Quiz 11,9 gives you a sense of what he meant to the Sharing the Figures 5, 11 summary of the Conference (“Is Langdale Sherlockian world. In one chapter, R Dixon 2008 Awards Notice 6 Pike Off the Hook?”) that appeared in the Canonical Quiz 16, 9 Smith talks about meeting Richard for the Holmes on Film 7,8 Autumn 2007 issue of the Baker Street Jour- first time in St Paul, Minnesota. In another, 2008 Awards Notice 6 nal . The Conference Committee has started Holmes & Thursday Next 9 Andrew Malec reminisces about his time Holmes at the Movies 7 work on the next one for the summer of On the Printed Page 10 P 9 (Continued on page 2) SHolmes Sightings 10-1711 from the editor’s desk through silent film, radio, 1930s movies or As you peruse the pages of this issue of Masterpiece Theatre, we tend to embrace Explorations, you may see a certain pat- that version that first captured our imagina- tern. Holmes, the master of disguise, tion. Today’s young Explorers find their way appears in many forms. Of late, we find to Baker Street via electronic options: games, him not only on the printed page, but on blogs, e-zines — but they do find their way. stage, via film as well as other incarna- Whatever your era of discovery, we are tions. We share some recent discoveries. pleased that you remain involved in the Consider this reminder of what an inter- Game and a part of the Norwegian Explor- esting conversation ensues when you dis- ers. You are invited to partake of various William Gillette as Sherlock cuss how you and others first encoun- events noted herein, and encourage you to Holmes circa 1890 tered the Master. A famous hair dresser share your thoughts in Explorations. On that “...we tend to embrace that to the stars once claimed he could tell the note, we welcome Karen Murdock, who chal- version [of Holmes] that first captured our imagination.” year a woman graduated from high lenges us to consider Canonical grammatical school by her hairstyle and makeup. twists and turns. Enjoy these games as well! Similarly, you can often determine the Pj Doyle, ASH decade of one’s birth by how Holmes is first encountered. Be it on the page, PageP a g e 222 EXPLORATIONS from the president their modus operandi is to surreptitiously cover (Continued from page 1) the target bag with a large valise, pick it up and with Richard in Minnesota book collecting leave without being noticed. and searching through the University of Min- As with many of these dramas, the plot was nesota’s Sherlock Holmes collections. This not complicated, but the play was enthusiasti- later essay was based on Andrew's talk at the cally produced and presented — including the June 2004 Minnesota conference, “A River visible production of sound effects intended Runs by It.” (See what else you missed by not for a radio audience. These dramas were cre- attending a conference.) ated for an audience not used to sitting at the The Norwegian Explorers Study Group feet of the Master, and, thus (understandably) started up again Saturday, September 20 th , rely largely on sensational elements of his cases. discussing “The Speckled Band.” Where the program departed noticeably, how- The Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collec- ever, was the Nigel Bruce-ish characterization of tions at the University of Minnesota holds its Watson, who habitually failed to grasp the ob- annual meeting on Monday, October 26 th . vious and, worse yet, myopically dismissed The editor of the 9-volume “The Sherlock Holmes’ deductions as mere lucky guesses. Holmes Reference Library” and the 3-volume Despite these script flaws, the production was “The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes , Mr. Leslie enjoyable because of both realism of a live S. Klinger will in attendance and will be dis- “broadcast” and the enthusiasm of the period- cussing and signing his new book: The Anno- costumed cast. My nephew, Andy, whom I am tated Dracula . Minnesota’s Neil Gaimon has trying to entice in the world of Sherlockiana, contributed an introduction. I am sure Les enjoyed it thoroughly, as did the entire audi- will be happy to sign his Sherlockian books ence. I commend these plays to those of you too. Start researching vampires. who have not yet seen them. -Gary Thaden -Michael B Miller [email protected] or 612-377-2029 “the case of the explorers on the move accommodating valise” STUD Weekend in Chicago O n April 19, the Red-Throated League Julie McKuras reprised her presentation on broadcast its annual production of an Edith Meiser for a rapt audience at the 2008 Edith Meisner radio program of a Sherlock On the Air STUD Dinner and Watsonian Weekend (April Holmes drama. The day was cool and drizzly, 11-13.) Other highlights were the 49th Run- 1930s Style as it often is for these productions, done on ning of Silver Blaze at Hawthorne Race Course, the third Saturday in April each year. a Sherlockian pizza party hosted by the gracious The plays are done in the Pavek Museum of Susan Diamond and Al Devitt, and the Fortes- Braodcasting in St Louis Park, and each pro- cue Honours Brunch. Others in attendance duction re-enacts a radio broadcast for the were Dick Sveum and Pj Doyle. 1930s or 1940s, including commercials (here, Special Note : October 30 to November 1, the sponsor was Clipper Craft Clothes.) 2009, the 50th SILV will be a combined event This year’s program was “The Case of the with the Baker Street Irregulars. Watch for Accommodating Valise,” which was not based details and mark you calendars now! on a specific story from the Canon, but of- fered a few instructive points, nevertheless. Holmes is asked by a railroad official to solve ASH Spring Dinner the mystery of how travelers coming by train Pj Doyle represented the Norwegian Explor- to London after disembarking from an ocean ers at the Annual Spring Meeting of the Ad- liner, are victims of theft when small luggage venturesses of Sherlock Holmes, held May 31, containing their valuables disappears from the at Bill’s Gay 90s in New York City. platform. He quickly identifies the thieves (a married pair con artists and determined that (continued on page 4) PageP a g e 333 EXPLORATIONS Sherlock holmes: the final adventure A play by Steven Dietz—Performed at Park Square Theater, St Paul, May 30-June 22, 2008 W atching this play is a bit like taking a trip Bohemia, and Virginia Burke interpreted the with Alice through the Looking Glass. role of Irene Adler in a capable manner. There are moments when you think you know One could question a few plot devices. It where you are. But as soon as you hear a seems gratuitous and highly unlikely that knock on a door, or watch a wheel in the Step- Holmes would help himself to a seven percent ney Gas Chamber turn, you are somewhere solution on the verge of his greatest confronta- else. The play began and ended with a man tion with Moriarty Again, when loud knocking reading from a newspaper. In the first scene he is heard, Holmes and Watson shrink and cringe told us that Holmes had plunged to his death in by the fireplace, apparently fearing whoever is the company of Professor Moriarty. At the at the door. That cowering conduct is defi- end, the reader informed us that “there is noth- nitely unbecoming, for this intrepid duo always ing more deceptive than an obvious fact.” Be- faced and never fled any foe. On the other “NNNNothing is more tween the two press releases, a complex hand, the drama possessed a number of fine deceptive than an Holmesian pastiche unfolded, causing, nay, touches. For example, the dressing gown worn requiring the audience to pay close attention. by Holmes was more than impressive. In its obvious fact. ””” Watson, after hearing the initial news, color and tailoring it evoked the garment worn stepped into the familiar setting of 221B and by Gillette, as illustrated in Vanity Fair. led us into the familiar plot of The Final Prob- Holmes aficionados might wish to add such a lem .