The Madness of Sherlock Holmes: Conan Doyle and the Realm of the Faeries

Synopsis

"The Madness of Sherlock Holmes: Conan Doyle and the Realm of the Faeries" is a 2007 documentary that delves into the intriguing correlation between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the famed author of the Sherlock Holmes series, and his spiritualist beliefs, particularly his fascination with faeries. Through an exploration of historical footage, interviews, and expert commentary including insights from Philip Gardiner, the film examines how Conan Doyle’s conviction in the supernatural influenced his life and work. The documentary provides a unique look at the intersection of literary genius and mystical belief, revealing a less-known side of the celebrated writer and inviting viewers into the enigmatic world where fact and folklore intertwine.

Cast

• Philip Gardiner

  Narrator

Reviews

Critical reception of "The Madness of Sherlock Holmes: Conan Doyle and the Realm of the Faeries" has been largely unfavorable. On IMDb, the film holds a low rating of 1.8 out of 10, reflecting a general consensus of disappointment among viewers. Critics have cited issues such as lackluster production quality, unconvincing narrative structure, and inadequate depth in exploring the subject matter. Many reviews point out that while the topic itself is fascinating, the documentary fails to engage the audience effectively, often coming across as a speculative and somewhat disorganized presentation. For example, some reviewers on IMDb have described the pacing as slow and the documentary as "more confusing than enlightening." Similarly, there are no ratings or significant endorsements from major critics or review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, suggesting the film was met with limited attention and unfavorable reception in mainstream media. Overall, it is seen as a niche piece likely to interest only those deeply invested in spiritualism or Conan Doyle’s personal beliefs rather than a broader audience.

See also

Jarhead: Law of Return

Slayers Return

Bonanza: The Return

The Return