March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
''Sherlock Holmes'' actor Basil Rathbone autograph letter signed, dated 11 November 1952, from New York City. In this exceptionally rare letter referencing his famous alter ego, Rathbone urges a colleague to join him in producing a stage adaptation of ''Sherlock Holmes.'' Letter, in blue ink, reads in full: ''Dear Gilbert, I would be most grateful for your reaction to the Sherlock Holmes play, as time is now of the essence, if the play is to reach Broadway this season in time to establish itself for the summer. Peter Lawrence, who produced Peter Pan (and has thereby & since!) has $25,000 that he will bring to the play as producer or, he is willing to be with you or anyone else as co-producer (in association with Peter Lawrence). He wants his name up! Including Lawrence's $25,000 we now have $44,250. There is a young director, I am seeing this afternoon, who is 'Well spoken of' everywhere who wants to direct. His name is Edward Ludlum & if he directs he will bring $20,000 with him! Stewart Cheyney is very enthusiastic about his 'unit set with variations' -- he said on the phone this morning he can reduce stagehands to 12 & possibly 9. If you are not interested I am seriously considering Peter Lawrence alone. But believe me Gilbert, and you know this, you would add infinite stature to the presentation - & until I get a positive 'no' from you I can consider nothing else. I cannot proceed in any direction, professionally under present circumstances. You may not want to say 'yet' -- but you might first wish to meet with Lawrence, Ludlum & Cheyney, 'figure it out' & then say 'yes' or 'no.' I do hope you are feeling better. Yours, Basil''. One page letter, front and verso, measures 6.75'' x 10'', with folds from mailing and staple mark to top left. Also includes a 5.5'' x 8.5'' typed copy of Rathbone's letter. Near fine.
Basil Rathbone Autograph Letter Signed -- "…I would be most grateful for your reaction to the Sherlock Holmes play, as time is now of the essence, if the play is to reach Broadway this season…"
Click above for larger image.