A Brief History of Sherlock Holmes

Coming Attraction
Opening Christmas Day 2009, the latest version of Sherlock Holmes is helmed by Guy Ritchie and stars Robert Downey Jr., right, in the lead role alongside Jude Law as Watson. Holmes battles as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country. Expect thrills, spills and the words "the game's afoot" to crop up as a new generation gets introduced to one of literature's most famous creations.

• TIME's Sherlock Holmes Video