Customer Reviews

In and Out of Character

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Written at the age of 70, Basil Rathbone's autobiography is as eloquent, thoughtful, and sophisticated as he appeared to be on-screen. He describes in detail his childhood, army life during WWI, and early stage experience before coming to Hollywood to make movies, but more than anything it is a tender tribute to his beloved wife and soul mate, Ouida.

Having read the reviews here, I knew there wouldn't be much detail or insight into the Sherlock Holmes movies (my favorite Rathbone role), but I was still disappointed and amazed at the hatred he felt for the character. After 16 movies, he became so identified with Holmes that his serious movie career was effectively over. He felt the role was cartoonish and common compared to the many classical and literate roles he played and much preferred acting in challenging parts on the stage.

He sometimes writes in agonizing detail about people I didn't know and those sections were a challenge to finish, but overall, I found the book quite interesting, an intimate look at a passionate man whose work I have long enjoyed.

Unlike many more modern "autobiographies" that are written "with" such and such an author that "helps" the celebrity write his or her book, it appears that this was written pretty much solo by Rathbone himself. And it is superbly written ... in fact, some readers may find the grammar and language somewhat different than books written more recently. And that is part of it's greatness; I could practically 'see' Mr. Rathbone speaking the words as I read the book. The author assumes that the reader will be familiar with some Shakespearian plays and roles as he describes when and why he took on such parts in plays ... I found that to be just a bit vague because of my unfamiliarity with Shakespeare, but that does not detract much from my enjoyment of the book. I would have liked to see more details of his friendship with some better known Hollywood stars, especially Nigel Bruce, whose work I admired. In fact, Bruce gets hardly any mention in the book, and considering that it was written in the early 60's, I'm surprised the Bruce's death (in 1953, I think) is not mentioned at all. This may be due to Rathbone's eventual disenchantment with the Holmes character in general, but still, it's a shame that there isn't a bit more about the Holmes years and the actors that made them. I was tempted to give the book 4 stars because of these omissions, but hey: It's Rathbone's story to tell, and if he wanted to say little about these events, I can respect that. Still, it's one of the best written and most enjoyable biographies I have ever read.

This is just a PERFECT autobiography. If only everyone could write as personal and moving a testimonil. If you like Rathbone, even just a LITTLE bit you MUST buy this book. A more intimate and wonderful autobiography I can't imagine

I read Basil Rathbone's autobiography over 25 years ago because one of the local libraries just happened to have it. I have since been trying to obtain a copy of this book and have been unsuccessful until now. Basil Rathbone was one of the best actors around and after reading his autobiography I was very impressed with his career and life. If it were not for old motion pictures however these great actors would be virtually unknown. His wrote his autobiography so well that I remember I could not put the book down until I finished it.

Of the many actors who have played me on screen, Basil Rathbone is unquestionably the most famous. He's also the most loved among the general public, though some of my more fanatical admirers (the ones who belong to clubs devoted to my legend) have been known to sneer at ol' Basil, perhaps because many of his films updated the stories that my agent, Arthur, wrote about my adventures, or tend to dislike Nigel Bruce's essentially comic portrayal of old Conan Doyle, I mean Watson (I assure you they are one and the same).

Well, what can I say? Rathbone is my favorite, too, even though he did tend to frown on his association with me in later years (not surprisingly, since many people insisted he WAS me). Rathbone was a better man than me in many respects, and I delighted in reading his autobiography, even the sections that did not involve his portrayal of yours truly (the bulk of the book, in fact). Basil was not only a brilliant actor, but a fine human being with an intense love of man's best friend (in fact, he seemed more devoted to his dogs than to his own family).

This is an exceptionally good read. I recommend it highly.

Great book full of fun, interesting, and sometimes downright fact-is-stranger-than-fiction antedotes of this dedicated stage and screen actor who led a full and varied life without sleeping around with everyone in Hollywood. Imagine that, a guy who loved and was devoted to his wife, wasn't a drug addict, and still was able to handle fame and have fun!

I always enjoyed Basil's performances in his movies. His autobiography gives so much insight into a brilliant man. He also had a high moral character, even though he was portrayed as a villian in many of his "motion pictures". I regret I never saw him perform liveon stage, I'm sure he was brilliant. His reflections on his life, stage and movie career are very interesting. I especially enjoyed his remarks on some of the greats that new and performed with on stage and in Hollywood.