The Curse of Sherlock Holmes: The Basil Rathbone Story

by David Clayton

Basil Rathbone is synonymous with Sherlock Holmes. He played the Victorian sleuth in the fourteen Fox/Universal films of the 1930s and '40s, as well as on stage and radio. For many people, he is the Holmes. Basil Rathbone grew to hate Sherlock Holmes. The character placed restrictions on his before Holmes he was an esteemed theatre actor, appearing in Broadway plays such as The Captive and The Swan, the latter of which became his launchpad to greater stardom. But he never, ever escaped his most famous role. Basil Rathbone was not Sherlock Holmes. In The Curse of Sherlock Holmes, celebrated biographer David Clayton looks at the behind-the-camera life of a remarkable man who deserved so much more than to be relegated to just one role.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2020

Reviews

[Mark Redman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curse of Sherlock Holmes: The Basil Rathbone story, is a fascinating insight into the life of a Hollywood great. To my mind the greatest actor to play Holmes.

This is a short book (200) pages. It charts Basil’s rise to Holmes fame and his ultimate dislike of the character towards to end of his Hollywood career. In part, his dislike was due to his Holmes portrayal on the radio over 150 times as well as the 14 films he made.

I can understand why he became so sick of him. That and the fact Holmes became a ball and chain for Basil Rathbone. Basically typecasting him for the remainder of his career.

Really interesting, I would have liked more sight from people, actors who knew him. That said, this was an interesting book that shines a light on a once-great English actor.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and comprehensive biography of one of the finest and most versatile actors of stage and screen. First found success portraying some of the best villains in thrilling adventures then became famous for being the quintessential consulting detective in film. This book is not a detailed account of his life but provides a lot of information that made me sympathize and admire Rathbone’s life and career.

[Eve Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of Basil Rathbone. This is not a tell-all, thank goodness. The book is solidly rated G and I’m very, very grateful for that.
Unlike his autobiography, this book is a bit more frank about Mr. Rathbone’s shortcomings as a person without lambasting him or dragging his character through the mud.
It’s a very quick and interesting read for those of us who truly enjoy watching anything with Basil Rathbone in it.

[Linda Rhudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Sherlock Holmes Ever.

It is sad to learn that one of my favorite actors of all time, had so much strife in his life. He seemed to love Ouida very much, but she finally is shown to have been a drain on him, treating him like a workhorse, whose job it was to finance the damaging effect of her mental illness. She ultimately tore his family apart.

[Michael John Paul McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I never realised how much Basil Rathbone came to hate playing the great detective. A great and at times sad read. We'll written and researched. I now want to read his autobiography.