In and Out of Character [Paperback]

Basil Rathbone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

Long out of print and virtually impossible to find even in the rare book market, this autobiography recalls to life one of the most eminent actors of his time. Sherlock Holmes fans will be much interested in Basil Rathbone's remarks on the character with whom he has been so closely identified.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Basil Rathbone's book about himself...is better written than most books by or about actors and is more intellectually vigorous...Sherlock Holmes fans will be much interested in his remarks on the character with whom he has been so closely identified." -Library Journal "Quite naturally full of memories, full of names, full of glimpses of stars of stage and screen of yesterday and today." -New York Times Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Limelight Editions (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879101199
• ISBN-13: 978-0879101190
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dear Old Bazz, April 12, 2000

By 

"laddie5" - See all my reviews

This review is from: In and Out of Character (Paperback)

Though Basil Rathbone's autobiography is enjoyable and well-written, it may disappoint you since he talks very little about specific films and plays he performed in. The Sherlock Holmes section is brief, and mainly captures the horror of a classically trained British actor being reduced to a caricature. Rathbone was a wonderful, theatrical actor capable of reaching greatness, but who instead frequently sold out -- and this dreamy memoir suggests some of the reasons. He was known in Hollywood mainly for the lavish parties he and his wife gave, and in fact he writes like a well-bred dinner guest amusing a stranger with anecdotes about co-workers, half-forgotten friends and lovers, and odd experiences. And while son Rodion and daughter Cynthia get almost no mention, there is a vivid and moving portrait of Basil's dog Moritz. That seems to sum up the charm and the limitations of this sweet little book.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very thoughtful and sensitive man of letters, December 25, 2000

By 

fwedo (Just a little north of Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In and Out of Character (Paperback)

I have always enjoyed Mr. Rathbone's performances as Sherlock Holmes. To relish this enjoyment, I have collected the forteen motion pictures and all of the radio plays by Mressrs. Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Watson. None of this familiarity, however, prepared me personally for the reading of "In and Out of Character" by Basil Rathbone.

For a number of years, I had attempted to obtain a copy of the book and only recently was successful through "Amazon.com". I'm not entirely sure what I expected in reading the autobiography by Mr. Rathbone. Perhaps seeing "movie stars" and actors interviewed on television, the terms vanity and shallowness became synonymous with the profession.

To those of you reading these frightfully inadequate words..I urge you to read this insightful and sensitive work of a truly gifted man. To quote Mr. Rathbone's reference about a fellow thespian in the book, "He had a fine, flexible, inquisitive mind and a beautiful poetic command of the English language."

A very refreshing read.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just Sherlock Holmes, December 22, 1999

By 

Joy M. Sienkiewicz "joykeaton" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In and Out of Character (Paperback)

This is a well written, insightful autobiography filled with warmth, humor and anecdotes of a life in the theatre. Basil Rathbone was a truly wonderful actor who is known to most people today for his consumate portayal of Sherlock Holmes on film, but who was much more than that singular character. He served in World War I, he was related to Henry and Clara Rathbone - the couple in the booth with Lincoln when he was assasinated. Basil Rathbone was also a dog-lover, and his stories about his dogs are touching, and heart warming. A great read for anyone interested in the man himself, or in the 'behind the scenes' life of an actor in general. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.