It falls on Sherlock Holmes to take out Charles Augusts Milverton, The Master Blackmailer who sits like a spider in the middle of a web, a particularly nasty and deceitful individual who uses spies to obtain the dirt on his wealthy victims.

The book is a good one, but the out and out brilliance of Robert Hardy makes Milverton one of the best remembered villains from the Jeremy Brett era of Sherlock Holmes. He plays him with truth, and a degree of downright villainy seldom seen. He is cold and chilling. Brett and Hardwicke combine beautifully, there is a sense of tension and urgency in their performances. Holmes's romancing with Aggie are well worth a look, as are his disguises. Worth noting that The Dowager, played by Gwen Ffrangcon Davies was over 100 years old when this was made.

Beautifully produced, the surroundings are glorious, and the costumes are first rate, it looks exquisite.

Full of suspense, mystery and villainy. This is a slick production, one of the very best, an ending you cannot help but enjoy, love it. 9/10