The Mazarin Stone

Oh Dear. This one was a misfire. With Jeremy Brett ill, the producers brought back Charles Gray as Mycroft Holmes. They then saddled the actor with a weak story and over arty direction.

Two short stories are combined, the Mazarin Stone and the Three Garridebs with Sherlock gone to the Highlands.

Dr Watson is visited by two eccentric sisters.Their brother was formerly Dr Watson's tutor. It is a case of an American looking for males named Garrideb who could be coming to a huge fortune.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister wants Sherlock Holmes to find the stolen Mazarin Stone, a valuable diamond intended to be a gift to the French people. The loss of which would now create a diplomatic incident.

With Sherlock away, Mycroft steps into the breach and his main suspect is Count Sylvius. He was there just before the stone was stolen and Mycroft thinks that the stone will be cut up before it leaves the country.

Inevitably both stories become linked, the shady American is in league with the villain in the Mazarin Stone.

There is not much mystery here, not much sleuthing. The only standouts are the two eccentric Garrideb sisters. The direction is so over elaborate it becomes off putting such as Mycroft walking purposely in the direction of firing bullets.