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Yes, last year—erm, I mean in 2020—the Doyle estate sued Netflix for creating a movie in which Holmes shows emotion… they claimed: “Among other copied elements
by anjbe 5y ago
Yes, last year—erm, I mean in 2020—the Doyle estate sued Netflix for creating a movie in which Holmes shows emotion… they claimed:
“Among other copied elements, the Springer novels [on which Netflix’s film is based] make extensive infringing use of Conan Doyle’s transformation of Holmes from cold and critical to warm, respectful, and kind in his relationships.” [1]
This is essentially the entire substance of the lawsuit: that creating a new sister character that Holmes felt affection for infringed on their copyright of a single passage in one of the later Doyle stories where Holmes expressed concern for Watson who had gotten shot.
Netflix settled.
[1] https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6956021-Sherlock.html https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6956021-Sherlock.htm...
- unbanned 5y agoI wonder... Is tax paid on these settlements?
- vmilner 5y agoThe complaint reads: "When Conan Doyle came back to Holmes in the Copyrighted Stories between 1923 and 1927, it was no longer enough that the Holmes character was the most brilliant rational and analytical mind. Holmes needed to be human. The character needed to develop human connection and empathy." This seems surprising given: "I fear that it is at a cost which will give pain to my friends, and especially, my dear Watson, to you." - The Final Problem (1894) "“My dear Watson,” said the well-remembered voice, “I owe you a thousand apologies. I had no idea that you would be so affected.” - The Empty House (1903) “Upon my word, Watson!” said Holmes at last with an unsteady voice, “I owe you both my thanks and an apology. It was an unjustifiable experiment even for one’s self, and doubly so for a friend. I am really very sorry.”“You know,” I answered with some emotion, for I have never seen so much of Holmes’s heart before, “that it is my greatest joy and privilege to help you.” - The Devil's Foot (1910)