Like many, I usually lean towards reading the book before seeing the movie adaptation. Immersing oneself in a book takes time and effort, and if the story isn’t captivating, it can feel like a real slog. However, the primary reason for my preference is the desire to form my own interpretations of characters and settings, which can be disrupted by film adaptations. Yet, when it comes to The Great Mouse Detective (1986), these concerns simply vanish. As a children’s book, “Basil Of Baker Street” is a quick and delightful read. Furthermore, the animated nature of the movie, featuring animal characters, makes any discrepancies between book and film feel less jarring.
The movie, in fact, holds a special place as one of my all-time favorite animations. Even as a child, I was captivated and slightly spooked by its atmosphere. The menacing bat with a wooden leg, the deliciously villainous Ratigan (voiced by the iconic Vincent Price), and the thrilling climax within Big Ben – these elements created a vivid and memorable experience. The foggy, Victorian London setting was particularly enchanting; it’s quite possible this film sparked my enduring fascination with the Victorian era.
Delving into the book, “Basil of Baker Street,” I found it less dark in tone than the movie, which initially surprised me. However, I appreciate the author, Eve Titus’, choice to maintain a lighter atmosphere suitable for younger readers. This difference didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book, but it did catch me off guard. Notably, the book omits the bat character and the Moriarty-esque villain, Ratigan (who appears later in the book series). Instead, Basil faces off against less remarkable criminals. In truth, beyond Basil and Dawson, the book features a completely different cast of characters and plotline compared to the film adaptation, making a detailed comparison of every alteration impractical.
One of the most fascinating divergences lies in the depiction of Basil’s dwelling, Holmestead, located in the cellar of 221B Baker Street. While the movie subtly hints at parallels between Basil and Sherlock Holmes, the book explicitly emphasizes this connection. Basil deeply admires Sherlock Holmes, even harboring a touch of inferiority due to his idol’s brilliance. Adding to his perceived shortcomings, Basil also laments his inability to play the violin with the same skill as Holmes!
Ultimately, these variations between “Basil of Baker Street” and The Great Mouse Detective served to enrich the experience rather than detract from it. While the movie remains my preferred version, “Basil of Baker Street” stands on its own as a charming and well-written children’s book. Written in 1958 but set in the 1800s, it possesses a remarkably modern feel in its prose. I’m confident that contemporary children would find just as much delight in Basil’s adventures. The illustrations are undeniably charming and enhance the story’s appeal. The allure of Victorian London is strong, though I’m uncertain if I’ll explore further books in the series, as they venture into settings like Mexico and Switzerland.
For now, I’ll continue to cherish The Great Mouse Detective. And I firmly believe the world would undoubtedly be a more joyous place if everyone embraced life with the same infectious enthusiasm as Vincent Price’s unforgettable portrayal of Ratigan.
