''In and Out of Character'' (1962) is the autobiography of renowned Anglo-South African actor Basil Rathbone. The memoir chronicles his journey from the English stage to Hollywood's Golden Age, offering witty insights into his craft and his relationships with other legends like Errol Flynn and Alfred Hitchcock.
He is best remembered for his 13 appearances as the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, and fans will be much interested in his remarks on the character with whom he has been so closely identified.
But before Hollywood, Rathbone was also a highly acclaimed classical Shakespearean stage actor. He recounts his early theatrical days, proudly noting his performances in 52 roles across 23 of Shakespeare's plays.
Critics and readers often note that Rathbone's writing stands out among actor memoirs, praised for its graceful prose and intellectual depth.
