Lot #1191

Basil Rathbone and Friends

Description

Instead of the Montagues against the Capulets, it’s Rathbone against Aherne: “At 42 he was too old for Romeo, but it must be remembered that Miss Cornell was at least that age!”

ALS, signed “Basil Rathbone,” one page, 6 x 9.25, Huntington Apartments, Inc letterhead, no date. Rathbone sends tickets for Romeo and Juliet as well as The Barrets of Wimpole Street, both of which he was starring in along with Katherine Cornell; an ALS, signed “Basil,” three sides of two 7.25 x 11 off-white sheets, no date. Letter to costume designer Joe Mielzener. Rathbone starred as Romeo but feels Brian Aherne as Mercutio is stealing the show from him, “A lady at the interval was heard to say of Mercutio. ‘O what a stunning costume - he should be playing Romeo.’ If a few more ladies continue each performance to even think this it won’t matter how much I act Romeo. Please Jo help me…I was extremely upset to see that Brian had been able to go in & change his whole costume”; also included is a 1934 telegram from Rathbone to Mielzener; an 8 x 10 photo of Brian Aherne as Mercutio, signed black ink, adding his character name and theatre information; a two page 1980 TLS from Aherne, mentioning “Basil Rathbone’s cry of distress…He was a true top class English gentleman…at 42 he was too old for Romeo, but it must be remembered that Miss Cornell was at least that age!…it was not my intention to Handicap Basil and he understood that.”; a vintage sepia finish 8 x 10 photo of Cornell as Juliet; signed twice in fountain pen, inscribed once to Fred Voss; an unsigned program for the January14, 1935 opening night performance of Romeo and Juliet, starring Rathbone, Aherne and Cornell; and an unsigned photo of Rathbone in costume as Romeo. In fine overall condition. R&R COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #340 - Ended December 10, 2008