Classic and James Bond films unite
I want to thank every blogger who dedicated their time to taking part in this Blogathon which honoured such an amazing performer, who deserves to be better remembered today. I cannot wait to read everyone’s entries, which are so wonderfully varied! I would love to make this an annual event if there is an interest… Continue reading A Big Basil Thank You
Rathbone, Bruce and Brookes perviously starred in Sherlock Holmes Faces Death together Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce's third last outing in the series of films they made as Holmes and Watson between 1939 and 1946, is one of the best. Atmospheric, cerebral and quite disturbing in some ways, it's a film that is saved from… Continue reading Hypnotic Pools: The Woman in Green (1945)
It's difficult to say why I find A Notorious Affair so enjoyable. Basil Rathbone has an abysmal Italian (I think) accent, Billie Dove isn't terribly charismatic, and the characterisation isn't exactly hugely well rounded for anyone. Basil really could play the violin, even if he looks a trifle nervous in this screenshot But what I… Continue reading Many-a-melodrama: A Notorious Affair (1930)
I am thrilled to say that The Suave Swordsman: Basil Rathbone Blogathon has finally arrived! I am so excited to share this event with all of you and the wonderful bloggers (of which there are happily many) who have generously donated their swashbuckling time to writing entries! First up is Maddy, who shares her thoughts… Continue reading The Suave Swordsman has arrived!
A few months ago I undertook the task of watching all fourteen of the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes movies. I am very glad to say that I was successful in my little quest. Like most classic film fans, my feelings about the series are mixed. I feel that the majority of the… Continue reading A Glowing Mist: Sherlock Holmes and The Scarlet Claw (1944)
Basil Rathbone is one of the greatest film and stage actors of the Golden era. Although he's largely fallen into obscurity now, he created timeless roles and is probably the most famous screen Sherlock Holmes. Born in Johannesburg in 1892, he was only a baby when his parents immigrated to England due to the Jameson… Continue reading Announcing The Suave Swordsman: Basil Rathbone Blogathon
I so wanted to adore Frenchman's Creek, especially after the languid, idyll that is du Maurier's novel. But despite Joan Fontaine looking like a queen and giving an utterly wonderful performance, I am sad to report that I did not adore it. This is a story of a woman's desire versus her duty. A not… Continue reading Too much Romance: Frenchman’s Creek (1940)
Pale Writer 