Why Basil Rathbone HATED His Sherlock Holmes?

[@BeverlyLedbetter-cb1971]

He was the best Sherlock Holmes in my opinion. No one played him as well!✌️

[@Insipid42]

There's a strange correlation between A Conan Doyle and Rathbone. Both of them grew to hate the character and both thought it was stifling their careers. Doyle thought his legacy would be in his histories and that Holmes would soon be forgotten. That's why he kept killing off the character. However, he was always given a big enough bagful of money to convince him to revive the character. It's strange that his writing quality never suffered. The obvious "solution" is to put out bad Holmes stories, but he never did that. Just as Rathbone never gave a bad performance.

[@Geese-farting-in-the-wind]

I'd be very surprised if Jeremy Brett didn't feel exactly the same.

[@SallySallySallySally]

If an actor can so perfectly portray a character that he, himself, loathes, then they are a truly-talented actor of the first order.

[@moehoward01]

Or just professional.

[@susanannsmith5566]

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce were my most favourite Holmes and Watson.

[@marina_via]

So many people agree with you, there's definitely a reason for that!

[@DoubleMrE]

Count me in on that! 😊👍

[@garycarpenter6433]

I agree with that Peter Cushing was a fair Holmes too

[@johnw.fordphotography4268]

Best Yet , Basil is Sherlock

[@haha-kq6rz]

Basil Rathbone hated Sherlock Holmes and Christopher Lee hated Dracula but both characters gave their actors an undisputed place in cinema history. The irony, it burns.

[@mikeyates7931]

My father was a very literary fellow - and I inherited his affinities - my personal favorite being , Sherlock Holmes - and , Basil Rathbone being the finest cinematic example of the character , he is my favorite ❤

[@Jasonbfv]

When Catholics receive confirmation they pick a saints name to be their Confirmation name. I picked Basil when I was 13 even though it was not a common name in the US at the time. It was due in large part to me being such a fan of Basil Rathbone, his Sherlock Holmes portrayal and his other movies

[@kevincooper8666]

For me he still is Sherlock Holmes a genius actor

[@NeilRossHistoryComedyPoetry]

"His personal Reichenbach . . ." Brilliant! Thank you for this. What can we say of Holmes, arguably one of the greatest fictional characters in literature -- hated by his creator and the actor who created the definitive interpretation? (Add to that that the films with the exception of the Hound are all set in the Second World War, denying us the visual experience of Holmes solving the Red Headed League, Scandal in Bohemia, etc. although he did encounter most of the canon on radio. The one thing that the films did provide was the strangely apt device of Holmes quoting Churchill -- a meeting of iconic British lions.)

[@marina_via]

Thank you for your kind words and such a thoughtful comment!

[@donaldreynolds6857]

Basil Rathbone's last movie was 1967's "Hillbillys In A Haunted House." There are some movies where you can judge their quality just by reading the title.

[@tj7870]

BR and NB were the best!

[@robertkeefer1552]

Basil Rathbone was an excellent Holmes. Jeremy Brett was also excellent.

[@nuthin2chere]

If only Rathbone knew he was creating a character that would become one of the finest characters of all time.

[@phonecallsarejustoverquali1556]

Not so sure he didn't know or at least suspect. He might have dreaded it, but even so. In the later age of telvesion, Jeremy brett at least, totallly was aware that he was typecasting himself for life.

[@gracehowell.]

I recently binged all 14 films with my mother, since I hadn't watched them in so long and she'd never seen them. We enjoyed them greatly, and I'd forgotten the ones I'd only seen once, so it was wonderful. I also have BR's autobiography, which I'd asked for as a Christmas (or birthday?) present back when I was a teenager.

[@marina_via]

How curious! Any particular thing that struck you while reading or watching the movies?

[@gracehowell.]

@@marina_via I'd forgotten that the first couple were actually set during the Victorian era. You see, I had some initially on VHS which were from the WW2 set movies, and they had actually been slightly cut; for example, saying that the butler in one of the films had written the name of his murderer on the floor... but it was cut before Holmes said 'in his own blood', which was present on the DVD. So I'd always wondered, when I was younger, why Rathbone's voice hadn't gone down at the end of the sentence there. But when you get the FULL, uncensored sentence, his voice does go down appropriately, just like it should with an experienced actor.

[@marina_via]

@@gracehowell. wow! That's strange! Perhaps, back in the day they thought that it might be too much with all this blood for the viewers?

[@gracehowell.]

@@marina_via It's not like they showed it, and it was in black and white. Maybe it was just for the VHS release? To keep it at the same rating with Australian censorship laws at the time? I don't know, but it was definitely a crazy moment when I realised what had been cut.

[@doug6259]

Nice presentation. Yet he was one of the most well known actors to portray Holmes. I have seen every one of his Holmes movies but none of the other ones.

[@simonleib1992]

Rathbone was Sherlock Holmes a role that immortalised a superb actor. He and Jeremy Brett, are the Definitive Holmes IMHO.

[@AScrapOfKindness]

I am a fan of anything Sherlock Holmes and am saddened that Basil Rathbone grew to hate the character. Moving forward, I am sure this information will somewhat alter how I view the later performances. Thank you for another wonderful video.

[@marina_via]

I'm so happy that you found it interesting!

[@garycarpenter6433]

I don't think he hates it I thought 🤔 he loved it

[@BeverlyLedbetter-cb1971]

Conan Doyle is one of my favorite writers, and Sherlock Holmes was genius!🫡

[@fredflintstone1485]

Jeremy Brett was the quintessential Holmes. Rathbone was excellent but I hated his partner Watson. Rathbone's partner Watson played it like a fool and Watson was no fool in the books.Also the Brett stories were almost perfect replications of the books. Rathbones Holmes kept the flavor of the books but the stories were mostly not faithful to the books.

[@dzonbrodi514]

Brett was way too camp for Holmes, he played him like a preening prat

[@RFED2O]

Sherlock Holmes played the greatest Basil Rathbone 💯 !!!

[@jenssylvesterwesemann7980]

Thank you for this video. I have always been a fan of Basil Rathbone's art.

[@marina_via]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dallasbrunson3677]

I urge everyone to listen to Beyond the Green Door… more proof Rathbone had one of the finest speaking voices of all time

[@marina_via]

Thanks for this addition!

[@yvonnepeltier9815]

Very true! I do think, however, that he and John Carradine sounded remarkably similar

[@rickyb5499]

Basil Rathbone was a very talented actor, intelligent and gifted. He was a two time fencing champion whilst serving in the British Army. During WW1 he saw active service and was deeply affected at the loss of his younger brother Cpt John Rathbone, Dorsetshire Regiment killed in 1918. Basil was awarded the Military Cross for his brave actions. In my opinion he was thee ‘Sherlock Holmes’, many actors have played the role very well, Benedict Cumberbatch brought a fantastic Holmes into the 21 century, but Rathbone is my all time favourite 🙏

[@PaulPheby-y3f]

I agree with you trillion percent dude 👍

[@davidsworld5837]

BUT we loved it he was one of the best holmes there has been he played it so well and t he movies he made were better than many new movies there is

[@stephenschroeder6567]

Excellent presentation! The title of "best" of anything is usually a subjective choice and can be argued round and round. All we can hope for is to express what we favor and _accept_ that everyone has their own favorite. Mr. Rathbone's Holmes is certain a strong favorite for many and the standard others are often compared against. It is sad though, that despite his success and kingly sums made, he was inept with planning and building his fortune. He *_should_* have had a very secure financial life. A lesson for all of us. I enjoyed your video. I am new to your channel and thank the algorithm for placing it in my favorites. You have a new subscriber! May Karma Always smile upon you.

[@marina_via]

So happy to read your comment! Thank you for these kind words. Regarding his finances - I read, that his wife was an insatiable party beast and their family's mansion often hosted the most extravagant and expensive parties and gatherings. To sustain this lifestyle they constantly needed a substantial influx of money, which inevitably evaporated with his refusal to play Sherlock any longer...

[@stephenschroeder6567]

@@marina_via Thank you for your reply. 🙂 I have also heard those stories and there is even a bit in an Abbott and Costello movie scene where a loud rumble of thunder is heard and Costello jokes: "Listen. Basil Rathbone must be throwing another party!" Those must have been epic parties if they are mentioned in a movie scene! 😲 I have read stories of Rathbone also being the best swordsman on the movie lot and he is reported to have been the fencing teacher to many other actors. What a shame all that talent and excellence ended shall we say poorly because it was not also applied to his personal finances. Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@ArchieThomas3seesea]

Elvis wanted to play serious roles. Sean Connery stopped playing James Bond. Toby Mcquire stopped playing Spiderman.

[@mariovaccarella6854]

Great Video. While it's true that Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce had been typecast as the duo of Holmes/Watson, I enjoyed them in many other Roles that they were in. Rathbone was in so many good movies, other than the ones you mentioned, including David Copperfield, as A Maniacal/Sadistic/Twisted Step-Father to David. Bruce was in Movies, such as two of Alfred Hitchcock's best, in the Rebecca & Suspicion movies, and many more roles, but, as you said, they were the best of the Holmes/Watson pairings. Let me know what you think

[@marina_via]

Thank you! I, of course agree in regards to Rathbone's talent! As for the pair - I think, it is a nice topic for a whole video

[@mariovaccarella6854]

@marina_via Thank You for your comment/response. I think, while contrary to many views, that both were, Individually & As A Duo, The Best Holmes/Watson. Let me know what you think

[@garycarpenter6433]

Lady this is a lie Basil Rathbone loved to play Sherlock Holmes and he never gave a bad performance he's THE essential Holmes and he was born to play him IF Holmes were a real person he'd be it I was drawn to him and Batman 🦇 and any other detective because they were smart enough to stop the bad guys both had great partners (Robin and Dr.Watson) I don't see WHY they would hate this character I've always wanted to write a book 📚 myself but I'd have to do a lot of research but he's a popular person and Basil was born to play him like ADAM West was born to be Batman 🦇

[@garycarpenter6433]

I love the Hound of the Baskervilles it's my favorite movie and story I've always wanted to see the Sherlock Holmes museum in London the other MOVIES 🎥 I like are The Secret Weapon, The Black 🐈‍⬛ Cat, The Adventures of Robin Hood The Hillbillies in the Haunted House 🏘️ Comedy of Terrors,Tales of Terror and Pearl of Death ☠️

[@MichealSeaghdha]

I think the later ridiculous flag waving WW2 based stories were more of a problem than the Holmes character. Neither Jeremy Brett (TV) or Clive Merrison (radio) showed signs of flagging at all and practically all of their many excellent performances were based on authentic Conan Doyle literature. The films should probably have done the same, but Hollywood propaganda won the day.

[@markwarren250]

Personally, for me, Jeremy Brett was the ultimate Holmes with Rathbone 2nd.

[@jjbeersydney]

I watched these and enjoyed them as a kid! 😊🎥 Born in 1994, and familiar with the more contemporary Jeremy Brett portrayal, Rathbone’s movies had a classic, bygone era feel to them, which made them all the more magical 😊

[@RussellJamesStevens]

In my humble opinion , British actor, JEREMY BRETT was the very best SHERLOCK HOLMES.

[@angloaust1575]

He didnt mind the money though actors should be Thankful for what comes Along !

[@therealmr.incredible3179]

Can I just Say, Your Voice makes me go Crazy. That’s all, Have a Nice Day ❤

[@TheLookingOne]

Rathbone had to put up with a sanitized hero version of Sherlock, a goofy incompetent Watson, and plots crippled by British neo-victorianism. These condemned this version of Sherlock. Jeremy Brett's version is much better.

[@patrickshannon4854]

I’ve always considered the Rathbone portrayal of Holmes as something of a children’s show. Similar to Weissmuller doing Tarzan or Richard Green’s Robin Hood. Instead of Cheeta, you had the hapless Dr. Watson for comic relief. I wondered why they didn’t have Watson play a banjo or a harmonica.

[@mrdanforth3744]

I too think Dr Watson was shabbily treated in the movies. In the stories he is an average man, reasonably intelligent but not used to close observation or reasoning. Therefore he thinks the way an average man of common sense might think. In the movies he is practically a half wit.