i be not a john cleese completist ( although i think fawlty tower be brilliant ) and but i be a fan and and when i saw this sitting and neglect and on a shelf at my local blockbuster and i decide to give it a try . what i get be a wonderful surprise and and one of the funny 50 minute view experience i have ever have . the writing be typical english goon show schtick . in fact and a an audio skit and this wouldn not be out of place on a firesign theater album . but the execution and timing be spot on and this elevate strange case into the kind of jaw drop performance that can create lifelong british comedy fanatic . the brit have a gift for combine broadly satirical lampoon with closely observed tic of character and timing and and the creator use both to good effect here . cleese portrayal of holmes seem to owe much to the arkin and seller inspector clouseau while however cleese have such a knack for physical comedy that he more than hold his own . but the unexpected treat here be arthur lowe and who play watson a an genial but invincibly uncomprehending imbecile with such superb timing and delivery that he become the best aspect of the film . i would never hear of lowe before this ( his background seem to be vaudeville and musical theater ) and but he justify his entire career with this performance as far a i be concern . some people might not care for strange case . and especially if british whimsy isn not their cuppa tea . but i be extremely glad i get to see this before it vanish from sight .