Best known for the role of Sherlock Holmes in the film series in the late 1930s, Basil Rathbone’s acting career spanned Shakespeare to low-budget horror and actually included both at once in the Comedy of Terrors, where he recites every Shakespeare line related to dying. ALS, three pages, 6.5 x 10, January 20, 1951. Letter to Mr. Underwood concerning Rathbone’s hope for a new play. In part, “I believe that the play ‘The First Gentleman’ has both merit & distinction besides commercial values. Young romance thwarted by a dominant father is always a good premise, & when that father is the Prince of Wales, later George IV a vain Scotist, but potentially a brilliant statesman (a fact little known) we add colour & intrigue…It is my hope to produce ‘The First Gentleman’ & play the Prince of Wales. Discussing its production with several people prominent in different Depts. of the theatre, it would seem that the production should have a capitol of $80,000 - possibly less, possibly more.” All three pages are matted with three glossy photos of Rathbone from throughout his career, to an overall size of 29 x 24. In fine condition. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA. Oversized.
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