MovieChat Forums > Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943) Discussion > Rathbone's Hairstyle?

Rathbone's Hairstyle?

posted 15 years ago by ctatlock
7 replies | jump to latest

I am currently re-watching the 14-film Rathbone/Bruce Sherlock Holmes series in chronological order. (Fox's two Victorian-era films, then Universal's dozen contemporaneous films.) I just finished Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943) and was curious about Rathbone's hairstyle in this film and in several other films. I can't accurately label the hairstyle; perhaps an updated Julius Caesar. It's striking and, frankly, rather bizarre. My question: Who was behind this hairstyle? Rathbone? The director? What's going on? Is this an accurate rendition of Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes? It doesn't seem Victorian. Any ideas?

[–] RenaissanceWmnNY 15 years ago

The hairstyle was an attempt to make Holmes stand out among the other fellows on screen. They adopted it for Rathbone when they updated the character, fearing that without the stereotypical Holmesian accoutrements of the Victorian conception of the character - deerstalker hat and inverness cape - he would blend in too much. Poor Basil was not responsible. Eventually the production team realized how ridiculous it was and reverted to the standard slicked back coif of period Rathbone. Thank goodness!

[–] rfischer-4 8 years ago

Very ridiculous hairstyle indeed. In fact, it looks silly. Also glad they eventually realized it didn't work. Too bad they didn't have test screenings and audiences then as today. I'm sure the feedback would have told them before release.

[–] ctatlock 15 years ago

Thank for for a concise, informative response! Did you learn this information from a web site or book?, i.e., what is your source? I would enjoy reading more.

[–] Barbara-4 14 years ago

It's hardly an "updated Julius Ceaser", unless you mean that the laurel wreath Ceaser wore resembles Rathbone's unfortunate hair style.

It is rather horrible, isn't it? I think William Everson, in his book on the Detective in Movies, suggested that it was an attempt to hide that Rathbone was
balding, but I don't think that can be it either, because there are such a thing as toupees that give a full head of hair with out this other silliness.

With today's technology, too bad someone can't go in there and just airbrush it out!

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[–] Prismark10 11 years ago

Its more the unkempt Ceaser!

Its that man again!!

[–] mam13143 9 years ago

Made him look like he just rolled out of bed. Another case of the wrong person making the wrong decision.

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 2 years ago

You have to remember it's not supposed to be Victorian-looking. Sherlock Holmes has been brought into the contemporary world of the time. The hairstyle gives him a more casual look. The character has always been portrayed as a bit bohemian.