Arthur Conan Doyle’s Opinion on Basil Rathbone's Portrayal of Sherlock Holmes: A Thoughtful Analysis
Arthur Conan Doyle, the renowned creator of Sherlock Holmes, was alive during the formative years of the character's adaptation to film and radio. However, his opinion on Basil Rathbone's portrayal has long been a subject of speculation. Given that Doyle died in 1930, almost a decade before Rathbone took on the role in 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' (1939), his direct thoughts are unfortunately unavailable to us. This article explores the possibilities of what Doyle might have thought about Rathbone's interpretation.
Direct Statements from Doyle
Doyle did not have much to say on the subject before his passing in 1930. In fact, he died just a few years shy of Rathbone's first portrayal of Holmes in film and radio. Because of this, it is impossible to find direct quotes or statements from Doyle regarding Rathbone's performance.
The Evolution of the Character
One of the key figures in Doyle’s original stories is Dr. Watson, who has often been seen as a representation of Doyle himself. In Basil Rathbone's portrayal, Dr. Watson was played by Nigel Bruce, who depicted an incompetent Watson that often made mistakes or appeared foolish. It is likely that Doyle would have disapproved of this interpretation, as it diverges from Watson's character in the original works, which traditionally served as a contrast to Holmes's analytical expertise.
The Occult and the Future
Doyle was known for his interest in the occult and paranormal phenomena, and he explored these aspects in his later works and writings. It is plausible that Doyle had visions or ideas regarding the future, and these might have influenced his opinion on the character interpretations made by subsequent actors like Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. However, without concrete evidence, these speculations remain just that—speculations. Doyle's fascination with the supernatural does suggest that he might have had a more complex and nuanced view of his own works.
The Question of Opinion
Given Doyle's departure in 1930, it is highly probable that, even if he had any thoughts on Rathbone's portrayal, they would not have been documented or known to the public. Doyle died on July 7, 1930, and 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' was released on December 28, 1939, several years after his passing. This temporal gap makes it uncertain whether Doyle had any specific reaction to Rathbone's version of Holmes.
The Legacy of Doyle and Rathbone
The legacy of Arthur Conan Doyle and Basil Rathbone continues to fascinate scholars, historians, and Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts. While Doyle might not have directly commented on Rathbone's portrayal, his foundational stories and the evolution of the Holmes character in various adaptations provide a rich tapestry of cultural and literary impact. The discussions and speculations surrounding Doyle's potential opinion on Rathbone’s portrayal not only enrich our understanding of the character but also highlight the enduring relevance of Doyle’s creation in the world of fiction and entertainment.