Captain Basil
@rathbone2pick.bsky.social
Maine's leading detective for all things Sherlockian.
Casablanca, The Invisible Man, Lawrence of Arabia. What a filmography! What a life! Claude Rains was born on this day in 1889. He played Prof. Challenger in The Lost World and costarred with Basil Rathbone in The Adventures of Robin Hood. Not a Sherlockian career, but Sherlock adjacent.
November 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Casablanca, The Invisible Man, Lawrence of Arabia. What a filmography! What a life! Claude Rains was born on this day in 1889. He played Prof. Challenger in The Lost World and costarred with Basil Rathbone in The Adventures of Robin Hood. Not a Sherlockian career, but Sherlock adjacent.
Just as the Christmas season extends to Epiphany, so too should the Halloween season continue until the birthday of "Dracula" author Bram Stoker on 11/8. I'm currently reading "Sherlock Holmes & Count Dracula" by Christian Klaver. Not the best example of that subgenre, but it scratches an itch.
November 9, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Just as the Christmas season extends to Epiphany, so too should the Halloween season continue until the birthday of "Dracula" author Bram Stoker on 11/8. I'm currently reading "Sherlock Holmes & Count Dracula" by Christian Klaver. Not the best example of that subgenre, but it scratches an itch.
88 years after his death, William Gillette once again treads the boards in Maine. The Monmouth Community Players brought him back to life for a two-week run of shows at Cumston Hall. Get your tickets now!
Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays
Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of r...
app.arts-people.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:17 PM
88 years after his death, William Gillette once again treads the boards in Maine. The Monmouth Community Players brought him back to life for a two-week run of shows at Cumston Hall. Get your tickets now!
Sounds like familiar territory to anyone who read the book "Arthur and George" or saw its 3-part TV adaptation in 2015. But the world has changed a lot since then for people of color. Perhaps the plight of George Edalji and Doyle's role in helping him will strike a different chord.
Sherlock Holmes Creator Arthur Conan Doyle Gets Indo-British Period Drama (EXCLUSIVE)
Indian director Srijit Mukherji to helm period drama on Arthur Conan Doyle's real-life crusade to overturn wrongful convictions in 1906 London.
variety.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Sounds like familiar territory to anyone who read the book "Arthur and George" or saw its 3-part TV adaptation in 2015. But the world has changed a lot since then for people of color. Perhaps the plight of George Edalji and Doyle's role in helping him will strike a different chord.
From Agincourt to Baker Street or wherever the game’s afoot…Happy Saint Crispin’s Day!
October 25, 2025 at 8:51 PM
From Agincourt to Baker Street or wherever the game’s afoot…Happy Saint Crispin’s Day!
Nothing would make me feel more at ease when I’m away from home than being greeted by Sherlockian art.
This is cool, years ago I sold some artwork to the Sherlock Holmes hotel in London and some of it is still up, well at least it's still up in their 3D tour of the hotel. I did that big canvas of all the Sherlock Holmes story titles in the shape of the famous Sherlock Holmes profile.
October 14, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Nothing would make me feel more at ease when I’m away from home than being greeted by Sherlockian art.
Eille Norwood is 164 years old today and looks better than ever. The BFI is in the process of restoring the 47 silent films in which he starred as Sherlock Holmes. I like to refer to the project as the Adventure of the Norwood Re-Builders. Happy birthday, Mr. Norwood! I hope to see you again soon.
Silent Sherlock - a major BFI National Archive restoration project | BFI
YouTube video by BFI
youtu.be
October 11, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Eille Norwood is 164 years old today and looks better than ever. The BFI is in the process of restoring the 47 silent films in which he starred as Sherlock Holmes. I like to refer to the project as the Adventure of the Norwood Re-Builders. Happy birthday, Mr. Norwood! I hope to see you again soon.
Robert Downey Jr. has made four Avengers movies and three Iron Man movies. But why does Sherlock Holmes get short shrift with just two movies? Complete the trilogy!
Sherlock Holmes 3 Finally Gets Big Update as Plot Details Revealed by Producer Susan Downey
YouTube video by Collider Interviews
youtube.com
October 1, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Robert Downey Jr. has made four Avengers movies and three Iron Man movies. But why does Sherlock Holmes get short shrift with just two movies? Complete the trilogy!
Recovering today from a wild Michaelmas of watching Hound of the Baskervilles and eating blackberry pie. A real Sir Hugo-style rager!
#Michaelmas #Baskervilles #SirHugo #SherlockHolmes
#Michaelmas #Baskervilles #SirHugo #SherlockHolmes
September 30, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Recovering today from a wild Michaelmas of watching Hound of the Baskervilles and eating blackberry pie. A real Sir Hugo-style rager!
#Michaelmas #Baskervilles #SirHugo #SherlockHolmes
#Michaelmas #Baskervilles #SirHugo #SherlockHolmes
The title of the article is insane to any real Holmes fan. “Sherlock’s most faithful adaptation isn’t the 1 you think.” Oh really? Or maybe it’s EXACTLY the one we all think it is.
#JeremyBrett #Granada
#JeremyBrett #Granada
Sherlock’s Most Faithful Adaptation Isn’t the 1 You Think
Granada Television’s Sherlock Holmes is a faithful adaptation that brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories to life with accurate detail.
www.cbr.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The title of the article is insane to any real Holmes fan. “Sherlock’s most faithful adaptation isn’t the 1 you think.” Oh really? Or maybe it’s EXACTLY the one we all think it is.
#JeremyBrett #Granada
#JeremyBrett #Granada
Robert Redford isn't the first name that comes to mind in connection with Sherlock Holmes. But there IS a connection. The book "The Devil and Sherlock Holmes" includes an article that inspired his 2018 movie "The Old Man and the Gun." For that and all of his work, we'll always be grateful.
Robert Redford, ‘Butch Cassidy’ and ‘All the President’s Men’ Icon, Dies at 89
Robert Redford, the screen legend known for films like 'All the President's Men' and 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,' has died. He was 89.
variety.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Robert Redford isn't the first name that comes to mind in connection with Sherlock Holmes. But there IS a connection. The book "The Devil and Sherlock Holmes" includes an article that inspired his 2018 movie "The Old Man and the Gun." For that and all of his work, we'll always be grateful.
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside…
THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES - Released this day in 1939 - French release poster
September 1, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside…
HOLMES SMASH!!!
Sherlock Holmes versus The Incredible Hulk? It happened!
August 26, 2025 at 11:12 AM
HOLMES SMASH!!!
The logic that Arthur Conan Doyle espoused through Sherlock Holmes went out the window when it came to the Cottingley Fairies. A newly acquired print of the famous photo is on display now until September 7 at the University of New England’s art gallery in Portland, Maine.
August 24, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The logic that Arthur Conan Doyle espoused through Sherlock Holmes went out the window when it came to the Cottingley Fairies. A newly acquired print of the famous photo is on display now until September 7 at the University of New England’s art gallery in Portland, Maine.
"You have the right to remain Sherlock" is something Jake Peralta (played by Andy Samberg) might say on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In a recent interview, Samberg revealed that he based Jake's investigative style on a particular version of Holmes. Cue the video to 1:02:10 to hear about Cumberbatching.
Andy Samberg (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend
YouTube video by Team Coco
www.youtube.com
August 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
"You have the right to remain Sherlock" is something Jake Peralta (played by Andy Samberg) might say on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In a recent interview, Samberg revealed that he based Jake's investigative style on a particular version of Holmes. Cue the video to 1:02:10 to hear about Cumberbatching.
With the exception of COPP, these aren’t the stories I would necessarily recommend to get a new reader hooked on Holmes. But hey, whatever works!
Latest read (audio), Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb, Adv of Noble Bachelor, ... Beryl Coronet, and ... Copper Beeches, concluding Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892) by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Holmes' mannerisms & eccentricities made uniqueness in fictional detectives THE model approach.
#BookSky
Holmes' mannerisms & eccentricities made uniqueness in fictional detectives THE model approach.
#BookSky
August 5, 2025 at 12:51 PM
With the exception of COPP, these aren’t the stories I would necessarily recommend to get a new reader hooked on Holmes. But hey, whatever works!
The casting on "Watson" has been aggressively against type thus far. By comparison, the choice for Holmes seems more conventional. Robert Carlyle is shorter and blonder than I'd like, but there is a pleasing sharpness to his face. If he can project a similar sharpness of mind, he'll do just fine.
'Once Upon a Time' alum Robert Carlyle cast as Sherlock Holmes in 'Watson' season 2
Sherlock lives! 'Once Upon a Time' alum Robert Carlyle has been cast as the famous Holmes in season 2 of 'Watson.'
ew.com
August 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The casting on "Watson" has been aggressively against type thus far. By comparison, the choice for Holmes seems more conventional. Robert Carlyle is shorter and blonder than I'd like, but there is a pleasing sharpness to his face. If he can project a similar sharpness of mind, he'll do just fine.
Happy birthday to Rudy Vallée! I celebrated by adorning the bronze bust in his hometown of Westbrook, ME with a special party hat.
No, Rudy never played Sherlock Holmes. But he DID wear a deerstalker as the villainous Lord Marmaduke Ffogg in 3 episodes of the Batman TV series. Close enough!
No, Rudy never played Sherlock Holmes. But he DID wear a deerstalker as the villainous Lord Marmaduke Ffogg in 3 episodes of the Batman TV series. Close enough!
July 28, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Happy birthday to Rudy Vallée! I celebrated by adorning the bronze bust in his hometown of Westbrook, ME with a special party hat.
No, Rudy never played Sherlock Holmes. But he DID wear a deerstalker as the villainous Lord Marmaduke Ffogg in 3 episodes of the Batman TV series. Close enough!
No, Rudy never played Sherlock Holmes. But he DID wear a deerstalker as the villainous Lord Marmaduke Ffogg in 3 episodes of the Batman TV series. Close enough!
I found this ad in an old comic book, Thor #301 from November 1980. The ad is for an animated Popeye series that CBS aired on Saturday mornings. Olive Oil is dressed as Sherlock Holmes while Bluto is rocking a leisure suit. The Victorian era meets the disco era, by way of Popeye. Truly bizarre!
July 9, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I found this ad in an old comic book, Thor #301 from November 1980. The ad is for an animated Popeye series that CBS aired on Saturday mornings. Olive Oil is dressed as Sherlock Holmes while Bluto is rocking a leisure suit. The Victorian era meets the disco era, by way of Popeye. Truly bizarre!
From an interview with Arthur Conan Doyle in the March 1895 issue of Ladies Homes Journal:
"The future writer of historical romance and adventure was especially drawn to Fenimore Cooper, whose tales of sea and land caught the fancy of his boyhood, and for whom he still entertains a great regard."
"The future writer of historical romance and adventure was especially drawn to Fenimore Cooper, whose tales of sea and land caught the fancy of his boyhood, and for whom he still entertains a great regard."
July 5, 2025 at 9:59 PM
From an interview with Arthur Conan Doyle in the March 1895 issue of Ladies Homes Journal:
"The future writer of historical romance and adventure was especially drawn to Fenimore Cooper, whose tales of sea and land caught the fancy of his boyhood, and for whom he still entertains a great regard."
"The future writer of historical romance and adventure was especially drawn to Fenimore Cooper, whose tales of sea and land caught the fancy of his boyhood, and for whom he still entertains a great regard."
Sherlock Holmes didn’t need to be explicitly mentioned in the Sunday crossword puzzle for his presence to be felt.
June 22, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Sherlock Holmes didn’t need to be explicitly mentioned in the Sunday crossword puzzle for his presence to be felt.
I’m reminded of Holmes’ quote:“Someday we'll be reunited in another world, a much better world.” I had no idea he meant the Forbidden WORLDS Film Festival. And I’ll bet Nicholas was late…as always.🕵️♂️
Holmes and Elisabeth reunited again.
It was wonderful to have Sophie Ward and Nicholas Rowe join us for our special 40th anniversary screening of Young Sherlock Holmes!
It was wonderful to have Sophie Ward and Nicholas Rowe join us for our special 40th anniversary screening of Young Sherlock Holmes!
June 1, 2025 at 6:25 PM
I’m reminded of Holmes’ quote:“Someday we'll be reunited in another world, a much better world.” I had no idea he meant the Forbidden WORLDS Film Festival. And I’ll bet Nicholas was late…as always.🕵️♂️
When I heard of Peter David’s death over the weekend, I wanted to pay my respects. Did he ever write a Sherlockian story? I couldn’t find one. Then this pic crossed my feed. There he is, dressed as Holmes, with George Perez. Two giants of comics, both now gone.
May 27, 2025 at 10:10 PM
When I heard of Peter David’s death over the weekend, I wanted to pay my respects. Did he ever write a Sherlockian story? I couldn’t find one. Then this pic crossed my feed. There he is, dressed as Holmes, with George Perez. Two giants of comics, both now gone.
Star Wars Day? First and foremost, May the 4th should always be remembered as the date of Sherlock Holmes’ final battle with Prof. Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. Sure, the explosion of Alderaan is kind of a bummer. But the presumed death of the world’s greatest detective…that’s the REAL tragedy!
May 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Star Wars Day? First and foremost, May the 4th should always be remembered as the date of Sherlock Holmes’ final battle with Prof. Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. Sure, the explosion of Alderaan is kind of a bummer. But the presumed death of the world’s greatest detective…that’s the REAL tragedy!
The summer visitors will soon arrive in Maine for their annual dose of lobsters and boating. They can also look forward to a bit of Sherlockian stagecraft from the Theater at Monmouth. We locals need to get our tickets now before the tourists finalize their vacation plans.
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B - The Theater at Monmouth
Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m. (Preview/Monmouth Night)Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)Saturday, July 26, 1:00 p.m.Saturday, August 2, 7:30
theateratmonmouth.org
April 27, 2025 at 1:48 AM
The summer visitors will soon arrive in Maine for their annual dose of lobsters and boating. They can also look forward to a bit of Sherlockian stagecraft from the Theater at Monmouth. We locals need to get our tickets now before the tourists finalize their vacation plans.