The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Madame Petrova's proposal reaches Holmes

   In August 1887, Holmes is approached by Rogozhin on behalf of the famous Russian ballerina, Madame Petrova, who wishes to have a child. She proposes that Holmes be the father, hoping the child will inherit her beauty and his intellect. Holmes extricates himself by claiming that Watson is his lover, leaving the doctor embarrassed.

   When

   August 1887

   Where

   London

2. 2

   Watson confronts Holmes about rumours

   Back at 221B Baker Street, Watson confronts Holmes about the reality of the rumours. Holmes responds ambiguously, saying Watson is 'being presumptuous' to ask about Holmes's relationships with women. The moment underscores the strain in their partnership.

   When

   August 1887

   Where

   221B Baker Street, London

3. 3

   Gabrielle Valladon seeks Holmes's help

   Gabrielle Valladon is fished out of the River Thames and brought to Baker Street. She begs Holmes to find her missing engineer husband, launching the main plot. Holmes agrees to take the case, setting their investigation in motion.

   When

   Late 1880s

   Where

   River Thames; Baker Street, London

4. 4

   Investigation leads to Loch Ness

   Holmes's investigation takes them from London toward the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland. The journey introduces a sense of mystery as they follow the missing husband’s trail. The case blends adventure with evasive clues that hint at larger schemes.

   When

   Late 1880s

   Where

   Loch Ness, Scotland

5. 5

   Monks and dwarfs join the expedition; Nessie sighting

   Along the way, they encounter a group of monks and some dwarfs who become part of the expedition crew. Watson also sights the legendary Loch Ness Monster, adding to the surreal nature of the voyage. The odd companionship underscores a world of danger and deception.

   When

   During the voyage

   Where

   Loch Ness, Scotland

6. 6

   Canaries and sulphuric acid reveal a chemical signal

   They witness canaries and sulphuric acid being carried into a castle undergoing renovation. The canaries are used to detect chlorine gas produced when sulphuric acid meets seawater, revealing a hidden chemical defense or weapon aspect to the plot. This clue points toward the submarine project’s dangerous edge.

   When

   During renovation observations

   Where

   Castle near Loch Ness area

7. 7

   Mycroft's submarine project with an air pump

   Mycroft is involved in building a Royal Navy submersible, assisted by Valladon, who developed the air pump essential for the craft. The collaboration reveals the scale of the operation—and the spy network surrounding it. The project is central to the suspense and the chase.

   When

   During the main plot

   Where

   London and naval facilities

8. 8

   The submarine is disguised as the Loch Ness Monster

   When tested, the submersible is cunningly disguised as a monster to mislead observers. The crew includes dwarfs, chosen because they take up less space and require less air. Mycroft later confirms that Ilse von Hoffmanstal, a top German spy, is behind the client.

   When

   During testing phase

   Where

   Testing site near Loch Ness; London

9. 9

   Queen Victoria arrives and halts the launch

   Queen Victoria arrives to inspect and launch the vessel, but she objects to its unsportsmanlike nature. She orders Mycroft to destroy it, which leaves the vessel unguarded and vulnerable. The tension between science, politics, and espionage escalates.

   When

   Launch day

   Where

   Royal Navy facility, London

10. 10

    Monks steal the submersible

    With the vessel left unguarded, the 'monks'—German sailors in disguise—steal the craft to advance their plans. The theft intensifies the spy plot and the danger surrounding the operation. The British side realizes the magnitude of the espionage at play.

    When

    After launch attempt

    Where

    Loch Ness area / facility

11. 11

    Fräulein von Hoffmanstal arrested for espionage

    Fräulein von Hoffmanstal is arrested as a German spy in connection with the submarine project, to be exchanged for a British spy held elsewhere. The unraveling of the espionage network becomes public knowledge within the story. The arrest marks a turning point in the investigation.

    When

    After the launch attempt

    Where

    London

12. 12

    Months later, von Hoffmanstal is executed in Japan

    Months after the events, von Hoffmanstal is arrested as a spy in Japan and executed by firing squad. The news devastates Sherlock Holmes, who retreats to his room to seek solace in a 7% cocaine solution. The emotional toll underlines the personal cost of espionage and danger.

    When

    Months later

    Where

    Japan

13. 13

    Holmes spirals into cocaine after the news

    The news of von Hoffmanstal's execution hits Holmes hard, and he retreats to his room seeking solace in a 7% cocaine solution. Watson notices the detective's altered demeanor and the toll of the espionage ordeal on their partnership.

    When

    Months after the execution

    Where

    221B Baker Street, London