ALS in pencil signed “Basil,” one page, 6.75 x 10, no date [circa 1951]. Rathbone writes to Gilbert [multiple-Tony-winning producer Gilbert Miller, 1884–1970]. In part: “Mr. Adrian Conan Doyle & I are signing our agreement on Wedy. with his Festival of Britain ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Exhibit opening here early in May & many other aspects making this a most opportune time to produce the play, we are planning a late Sept. (in N.Y.) production. After you have read the play & wish to see me, please call me—and I can, if you so wish, tell you much of how far I have gone, which is quite far!...” After signing, Rathbone adds a postscript: “60 to 70% of the dialogue is pure Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.” The exhibition Rathbone mentions, which was presented at the 1951 Festival of Britain, included a “reconstruction” of Holmes’ reading room. The play in question is evidently Sherlock Holmes, adapted from Doyle’s stories by Rathbone’s wife, Ouida. Though Rathbone had already enjoyed tremendous success as Holmes on the screen and the airwaves, the play was a failure, closing after three performance on Broadway in 1953. A few subtle smudges and surface marks and secretarial pencil notations, otherwise fine, crisp condition. R&R COA.
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