There have been many who have played, quite well, Holmes and Watson since, but to me it is Nigel Rathbone and Nigel Bruce that I truly enjoy.
Very melodramatic they were, but that was the way they made movies in those days.
Have read the stories many times (you can read on them on the web for free, by the way, just Google), and as with any works they are subject to many interpretations.
Do not feel the portrayal of Holmes and Watson by Rathbone and Bruce were those envisioned by Conan Doyle. Just my take.
But I saw that film version before I ever read a word of the stories, yet I still love those movies.
Hearing that the game is afoot will always give me a smile and let me settle down for an hour or two of sheer enjoyment.