The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes 1970

Madame Petrova's proposal reaches Holmes

In August 1887, Holmes is approached by Rogozhin on behalf of the famous Russian ballerina, Madame Petrova, who wishes to have a child. She proposes that Holmes be the father, hoping the child will inherit her beauty and his intellect. Holmes extricates himself by claiming that Watson is his lover, leaving the doctor embarrassed.

Watson confronts Holmes about rumours

Back at 221B Baker Street, Watson confronts Holmes about the reality of the rumours. Holmes responds ambiguously, saying Watson is 'being presumptuous' to ask about Holmes's relationships with women. The moment underscores the strain in their partnership.

Gabrielle Valladon seeks Holmes's help

Gabrielle Valladon is fished out of the River Thames and brought to Baker Street. She begs Holmes to find her missing engineer husband, launching the main plot. Holmes agrees to take the case, setting their investigation in motion.

Investigation leads to Loch Ness

Holmes's investigation takes them from London toward the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland. The journey introduces a sense of mystery as they follow the missing husband’s trail. The case blends adventure with evasive clues that hint at larger schemes.

Monks and dwarfs join the expedition; Nessie sighting

Along the way, they encounter a group of monks and some dwarfs who become part of the expedition crew. Watson also sights the legendary Loch Ness Monster, adding to the surreal nature of the voyage. The odd companionship underscores a world of danger and deception.

Canaries and sulphuric acid reveal a chemical signal

They witness canaries and sulphuric acid being carried into a castle undergoing renovation. The canaries are used to detect chlorine gas produced when sulphuric acid meets seawater, revealing a hidden chemical defense or weapon aspect to the plot. This clue points toward the submarine project’s dangerous edge.

Mycroft's submarine project with an air pump

Mycroft is involved in building a Royal Navy submersible, assisted by Valladon, who developed the air pump essential for the craft. The collaboration reveals the scale of the operation—and the spy network surrounding it. The project is central to the suspense and the chase.

The submarine is disguised as the Loch Ness Monster

When tested, the submersible is cunningly disguised as a monster to mislead observers. The crew includes dwarfs, chosen because they take up less space and require less air. Mycroft later confirms that Ilse von Hoffmanstal, a top German spy, is behind the client.

Queen Victoria arrives and halts the launch

Queen Victoria arrives to inspect and launch the vessel, but she objects to its unsportsmanlike nature. She orders Mycroft to destroy it, which leaves the vessel unguarded and vulnerable. The tension between science, politics, and espionage escalates.

Monks steal the submersible

With the vessel left unguarded, the 'monks'—German sailors in disguise—steal the craft to advance their plans. The theft intensifies the spy plot and the danger surrounding the operation. The British side realizes the magnitude of the espionage at play.

Fräulein von Hoffmanstal arrested for espionage

Fräulein von Hoffmanstal is arrested as a German spy in connection with the submarine project, to be exchanged for a British spy held elsewhere. The unraveling of the espionage network becomes public knowledge within the story. The arrest marks a turning point in the investigation.

Months later, von Hoffmanstal is executed in Japan

Months after the events, von Hoffmanstal is arrested as a spy in Japan and executed by firing squad. The news devastates Sherlock Holmes, who retreats to his room to seek solace in a 7% cocaine solution. The emotional toll underlines the personal cost of espionage and danger.