Basil Rathbone

Basil Rathbone Profile Photo

Characters played by Basil Rathbone

Sherlock Holmes — The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Sherlock Holmes is referenced through Toby, who is identified in the story as his pet Basset Hound. He does not participate in the described investigation, but this connection places Toby within the investigative setting that Basil and Dawson use while pursuing Fidget and Ratigan.

Narrator (segment "The Wind in the Willows") — The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

Live-action framing narrator who introduces the first animated segment. Mentions various literary figures before beginning the story of Mr. Toad.

Sir Guy of Gisbourne — The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

A treacherous Norman knight who serves Prince John and enforces harsh policies against the Saxons. He is humiliated by Robin's band during a tax capture but returns to lead the assassination plot against the disguised King Richard. He is ultimately defeated and killed in a duel by Robin Hood.

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein — Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Noble scientist seeking to redeem his family's legacy by reviving the Monster.

Andre Trochard — We're No Angels (1955)

The Parisian owner of the struggling store who arrives with his nephew to restructure the business. His sudden death from a viper bite leaves the store in the hands of the convicts and Felix, catalyzing the story's resolution.

Sherlock Holmes — The Woman in Green (1945)

Genius detective, master of deduction, solves complex crimes across London and abroad.

Sherlock Holmes — The Pearl of Death (1944)

Brilliant detective solving murders and supernatural mysteries across London and Europe.

Sherlock Holmes — Dressed to Kill (1946)

Genius detective and master of deduction who solves complex crimes across London and beyond.

Captain Esteban Pasquale — The Mark of Zorro (1940)

The governor's ruthless and highly skilled chief henchman. He serves as the primary physical antagonist to both Don Diego and Zorro, culminating in a deadly saber duel where he is ultimately killed by the protagonist.

Carmichael ("The Case of M. Valdemar") — Tales of Terror (1962)

A ruthless hypnotist who treats the dying M. Ernest Valdemar by trapping him between life and death. He exploits Valdemar's putrefying, paralyzed body and attempts to force Valdemar's widow into marriage before the resurrected corpse rises from the bed and murders him.

George Adams — Bathing Beauty (1944)

New York producer who hires Steve for a water ballet show. Fearing Steve's retirement, he manipulates Maria to interrupt the wedding and later threatens to vilify him in the press until he finishes his songs.

Levasseur — Captain Blood (1935)

Levasseur is a French buccaneer and Peter Blood's treacherous pirate partner. He captures Arabella and Lord Willoughby to demand a ransom, then objects when Blood buys them from him. Their dispute leads to a duel, in which Blood kills Levasseur and takes responsibility for delivering the captives safely.

Career Overview

Basil Rathbone has 108 screen credits in a career dating back to 1921. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) Collection with 12 titles. Signature works include The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Son of Frankenstein, The Great Mouse Detective. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
108
Birth Date
1892-06-13
Birth Place
Johannesburg, South African Republic

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 4 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q336865), public domain (CC0).