**Basil Rathbone (1892-1967)** was a British actor universally recognized for his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. He portrayed the celebrated detective in fourteen films between 1939 and 1946, alongside Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, defining the character's image for an entire generation.

Beyond Holmes, Rathbone excelled in roles as villains or sophisticated antagonists. His performances in adventure and period films were memorable, such as Captain Estebán Pasquale in *Captain Blood* (1935), Sir Guy of Gisbourne in *The Adventures of Robin Hood* (1938), and Tyrannus in *The Mark of Zorro* (1940). His distinctive style, characterized by an innate elegance, impeccable diction, and a penetrating gaze, made him ideal for aristocratic, intellectual, or subtly menacing characters. His film career established him as one of the most refined character actors of his time.