Arthur & George
In 1906, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, having lost his first wife, was overcome with grief; even Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson refused his call. It was only when his secretary, Woodie, presented him with an apparent real-life miscarriage of justice, that he could be roused to action. The case in question was that of George Edalji, a Parsee solicitor, who was imprisoned for writing obscene letters and killing livestock in Great Wyrley, Staffordshire. George needed Arthur's help to clear his name. However, as the twists and turns of the case unfold, Arthur himself questions George's innocence. It is only by finding the true culprit, that Arthur can finally put the case, and his grief, to rest; whilst simultaneously becoming influential in a major reform to the English judicial system.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on Julian Barnes' novel, this miniseries follows Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, as he investigates a bizarre miscarriage of justice. When a man named George Edalji is convicted of a series of horse mutilations and other crimes, Arthur becomes convinced of his innocence and uses his deductive skills to uncover the real culprit. The series delves into the social prejudices and legal system of Edwardian England.
Critical Reception
Arthur & George received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Martin Clunes's performance as Arthur Conan Doyle and the atmospheric portrayal of the Edwardian era. Some found the pacing a bit slow at times, but the central mystery and Doyle's characterization were widely appreciated.
What Reviewers Say
- Martin Clunes delivers a compelling performance as Arthur Conan Doyle.
- The series excels in its period detail and atmospheric setting.
- The central mystery is engaging, though some found the pacing uneven.
Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this specific miniseries.
Fun Fact
The real Arthur Conan Doyle was knighted in 1902, partly due to his work as a volunteer doctor and his prominent public profile, not solely for his literary achievements.
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