Canonical Masquerade

If there were a list of holidays that typically inspire Holmesian celebration, Halloween would probably not be on it. At Christmastime one is naturally compelled to reread BLUE, perhaps even to dine on roast goose. A rereading of HOUN is the only way to celebrate Michaelmas (it was September 29, for the those who weren't paying attention). There is the Master's birthday, of course, and our own Hansom holiday on the date of that famous ride. But Halloween is likely to be mentally filed away with the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving as a holiday to be celebrated as an ordinary person rather than as a Sherlockian.

Needless to say, that is the wrong approach to All Hallow's Eve. What could be more Sherlockian than a holiday celebrated by dressing in costume? In fact, Halloween represents a rare opportunity to try one's hand at emulating the Master in the art of disguise. On any other day of the year one might hesitate to make the attempt. But Halloween provides a ready-made alibi if the disguise proves transparent.

The possibilities are endless . . . the challenge rewarding. But true disguise in the Sherlockian tradition is not for everyone. It is definitely not recommended for those whose plans include a costume party, for example. A successful disguise, unless it is particularly outre, will only make the wearer look like someone who forgot to dress in costume. The disguise approach also requires a fair amount of skill and advance preparation, to say nothing of the pain that may be involved. (Taking a foot off one's stature, and all that.)

Fortunately, there are other ways to have a Canonical Halloween. Simply dressing as a Canonical character isn't a bad try, but seems a bit unimaginative. Instead, why not draw upon an actual instance of a costume in the Canon? The choice is not limited to disguises donned by Holmes, nor are theatrical skill and elaborate props required. Even those who have put off the selection of a costume until this late date should be able to trick-or-treat in Canonical style. Here are a few suggestions:

- Your usual clothing makes a fine costume with the addition of a black vizard mask. Also known as the King of Bohemia special.

- For those interested in masks but with a little more to spend, a full-face model as found in YELL would be appropriate. Of course, those whose faces are already of a strange livid tint and absolutely devoid of expression do not need a mask at all.

- The Nonconformist clergyman disguise. At first this might seem to be a fairly elaborate costume, but it is actually quite easy . The trick is to remember that no one in this country knows what a Nonconformist clergyman is, let alone what one looks like. A sympathetic smile and a simple-minded air should be sufficient to satisfy canonical requirements.

- A heavy veil is used by several canonical characters. To avoid confusion, you will need a few extra props for your costume. For example, a heavy veil and a rent receipt make a costume a la Eugenia Ronder. Substitute half a railway ticket for the rent receipt, and you have the Helen Stoner look.

- Finally, a personal favourite: the Ordinary Theatre-goer costume. For this you will need your dress clothes, a great coat, a black silk mask, and rubber-soled tennis shoes. The tennis shoes are mandatory, as they enable you to execute the Appledore Towers High Hurdle should you run into trouble at a late-night party.

After trying one of these simple suggestions this year, you may feel able to put a little more advance planning into next year's outfit. Soon you'll be able to costume yourself in the s manner of Hugh Boone, Escott, Hosmer Angel, Altamont, or a dying detective.

Now if only there were a Sherlockian way to celebrate Washington's Birthday . . .

(Printed in Plugs & Dottles, November 1983)