Basil Rathbone etched himself into cinematic history as the definitive Sherlock Holmes. But just how many times did he don the deerstalker and bring Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective to life on the silver screen? Rathbone starred as Sherlock Holmes in fourteen feature films.
Rathbone’s Reign as Holmes: A Deep Dive
Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, alongside Nigel Bruce as the ever-faithful Dr. Watson, remains arguably the most iconic iteration of the detective team on film. While many actors have taken on the mantle, Rathbone’s sharp intellect, commanding presence, and distinctive profile created a lasting impression that continues to resonate with audiences today. His portrayal wasn’t just an acting job; it was a cultural phenomenon. He embodied the very essence of Holmes for a generation. The films themselves, initially set in Victorian England, were later updated to contemporary settings during World War II, adding a layer of patriotic appeal to the detective’s already considerable charm.
Unraveling the Filmography: A Complete List
Here is a complete list of the fourteen films starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes:
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)
- Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942)
- Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943)
- Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943)
- Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1943)
- The Spider Woman (1944)
- The Scarlet Claw (1944)
- The Pearl of Death (1944)
- The House of Fear (1945)
- The Woman in Green (1945)
- Pursuit to Algiers (1945)
- Terror by Night (1946)
- Dressed to Kill (1946)
Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes
Here are twelve frequently asked questions to further illuminate Basil Rathbone’s tenure as Sherlock Holmes:
What was the first Sherlock Holmes movie starring Basil Rathbone?
The first film was The Hound of the Baskervilles, released in 1939. This film is considered by many to be one of the best adaptations of the original Arthur Conan Doyle novel.
Who played Dr. Watson alongside Basil Rathbone in the Sherlock Holmes films?
Nigel Bruce played Dr. Watson in all fourteen of the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films. While Bruce’s portrayal sometimes leaned towards the bumbling, he and Rathbone formed a dynamic duo that audiences adored.
Why did the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone transition from Victorian England to contemporary settings?
The change in setting, primarily after 1942, was largely due to World War II. Universal Pictures, who took over production, wanted to capitalize on the patriotic fervor and place Holmes in a contemporary context fighting Nazi spies and saboteurs.
Were the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone based directly on Arthur Conan Doyle stories?
While the first two films, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, were largely faithful adaptations, many of the subsequent films only loosely incorporated elements of Doyle’s original stories, or were entirely original screenplays using the Holmes and Watson characters.
Which Sherlock Holmes movie starring Basil Rathbone is considered the best?
Opinions vary, but The Hound of the Baskervilles is often cited as the best, due to its fidelity to the source material and its atmosphere. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is also highly regarded.
What was the public’s reaction to Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes?
The public overwhelmingly embraced Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes. He became synonymous with the character, and his performances were widely praised for their intelligence, wit, and intensity.
Besides movies, did Basil Rathbone play Sherlock Holmes in other media?
Yes, Basil Rathbone also starred as Sherlock Holmes in a popular radio series, The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, which ran from 1939 to 1946, further solidifying his image as the definitive Holmes.
Why did Basil Rathbone eventually tire of playing Sherlock Holmes?
While grateful for the fame the role brought him, Rathbone reportedly grew tired of being typecast as Sherlock Holmes. He felt it limited his opportunities to play other types of roles and showcase his range as an actor.
Who directed the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone?
Several directors worked on the series. The first two, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, were directed by Sidney Lanfield. Later films saw directors like John Rawlins, Roy William Neill, and Alfred L. Werker take the helm.
What studio originally produced the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films?
20th Century Fox produced the first two films, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The remaining twelve were produced by Universal Pictures.
Are the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies available on DVD and streaming services?
Yes, the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies are widely available on DVD, Blu-ray, and various streaming services. They remain popular with fans of classic cinema and Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.
Did Basil Rathbone ever act alongside other famous actors in his Sherlock Holmes films?
Yes, aside from Nigel Bruce, Rathbone acted alongside notable actors such as George Zucco, Lionel Atwill, and Mary Gordon (as Mrs. Hudson), who appeared in multiple films of the series, contributing to the continuity and familiarity that audiences enjoyed. The consistent presence of supporting actors helped to solidify the ensemble cast and create a believable world around Holmes and Watson.