Movie · 1916
Is Sherlock Holmes based on a book?
Quick answer
Yes. Sherlock Holmes is based on the works Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette and A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle (1887) and The Final Problem by Arthur Conan Doyle (1893) and A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892) and The Adventure of the Copper Beeches by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892).
The movie was released in 1916.
The book behind Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
by Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette
Four-act play written by William Gillette and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
A Study in Scarlet
by Arthur Conan Doyle · first published 1887 · crime fiction, mystery fiction, detective fiction
First Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The Final Problem
by Arthur Conan Doyle · first published 1893 · detective fiction, crime fiction
Short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
A Scandal in Bohemia
by Arthur Conan Doyle · first published 1892 · detective fiction, crime fiction
1891 short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
by Arthur Conan Doyle · first published 1892 · crime fiction, detective fiction
Short story by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Other adaptations of Sherlock Holmes
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (film, 1939)
- Sherlock Holmes (film, 1922)
- A Study in Pink (film, 2010)
- Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (TV, 1980)
- A Study in Scarlet (film, 1933)
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (TV, 1980)
Common questions
Is Sherlock Holmes based on a book?
Yes. Sherlock Holmes is based on the works Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette and A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle (1887) and The Final Problem by Arthur Conan Doyle (1893) and A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892) and The Adventure of the Copper Beeches by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892).
Who wrote the book Sherlock Holmes is based on?
Sherlock Holmes was written by Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette.
Should I read the book before watching?
If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read Sherlock Holmes before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the movie.
More screen adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle's books
- Sherlock (TV, 2010)
- Sherlock Holmes (film, 2009)
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (film, 2011)
- Elementary (TV, 2012)
- Gnomeo and Juliet 2: Sherlock Gnomes (film, 2018)
- The Lost World (film, 1925)