The final Universal film "Dressed to Kill" contained hints that the series was going to implement some upgrades and changes. There were also rumors that Universal was going to splurge on releasing a Holmes film shot in color with some London location shooting. With the death of Neill, who was the producer/director of the final twelve films, all of this came to a halt.
Rathbone, who was a M-G-M actor loaned to Universal on a long term basis, suffered for his refusal to continue the profitable if predictable series. His co-star and friend, Nigel Bruce, was more than willing for the series to continue. After Rathbone quit, Bruce continued the radio broadcasts with Tom Conway replacing Rathbone.
Rathbone had a few lean years in Hollywood and returned to Broadway. He blamed his typecasting for costing him roles in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (as Lord Henry Wotton) and in the screen adaptation of "The Heiress." For the latter film, Rathbone who had acted in the stage production was rejected in favor of Ralph Richardson.
Dan
Responses