updates
Published on February 1, 2013
Comments 129

update: basilrathbone.net: “the women Basil loved”

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BasilRathbone.net has launched a new page today, devoted to the women in BR’s life. It’s a must-see as it features at least two pieces of evidence never previously published.

http://www.basilrathbone.net/biography/women.htm

It also features this marvellous high-res image as “photo of the month” – have to borrow it:

129 Comments

  1. Krystal Cull says

    I visited the link. Can I ask the site owner a question about Basil’s daughter?

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  3. Judy D. says

    Marcia, thank you SO MUCH for the photo. I was having a totally screaming-at-walls aggravating day until I opened this. More than I thought I’d ever get to see of Our Hero. I’m voting that it’s merely one towel–coyly covering the Garden of Allah….speaking of which, turned on the telly yesterday and there he was in living colour, doing his bad-guy scene in that movie. Fortuitous timing is everything. Sudsy water: was he washing that car in the buff???

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    • Ellen Foley says

      Maybe washing the camel,or the horse.Maybe that’s how they had to dress when filming was orig in Yuma.Read the cast members constantly had probs fainting from the heat,and Mr Sensitive Producer was fuming.Maybe he should’ve been on location to deal with intense desert heat to develop some responsibility for cast and crew,not just the budget.Maybe another reason Baz left H’wood,producers like Selznik

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  5. Judy D. says

    Help!! Is that pic of shirtless Baz in the toga/towel/shorts on this site somewhere? Can’t find it! Feeling like I’m missing out on a great big treat!!

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  6. Greg Rathbone says

    FAO Countess:
    About Basil having older half brothers – I found a marriage certificate one time for an Edgar Philip Rathbone and a woman who wasn’t Basil’s mother (I believe her name might have been “Alice”). I also believe the marriage took place in the USA or Canada, around the 1870s or 80s. I never checked it out as I was researching elsewhere at the time, and the possible importance of such a union didn’t hit home. Maybe you could find out more?

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    • Countess says

      Um I’ll look into it. But what would Edgar be doing in the U.S. in 1870-80ish timeframe? Wonder if it could be from the same American branch that Maj Henry Rathbone is from? Didnt Basil say his dad was involved in the Alaskin gold rush? But then that wasnt till 1890s i think.I keep hereing Johny Horton singing ‘North To Alaska’..Big Sam left Seatel in the year of 92.

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  7. Geraniums are not the only fruit says

    I for one find his attitude to the women in his life very healthy and charming. He obviously loved women, and loved being close to them, but not in that awful predatory way that so many “tomcats” have. You have the impression he would have been very considerate an generous as a love and wanted both parties to have a great time, not just grab what he could and get out, and his concern for Louise and their daughter is so sweet and so obvious. What a lovely man.

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    • Ellen Foley says

      Would agree with what you observed.He always seems to praise those he admires,Loved his mention of being in awe of Ms Earhart,Mrs Curie,Norma Shearer,other ladies.Curious why he mentioned a scar on his ankle from the war,but not the gash that required stitches on his foot during AORH with Errol.Lovely picture of Dietrich & Baz (him wearing only a towel) shot during a heavy rainstorm Sept 1939 on Mater Of Stage And Screen site photos.Took that to a boring seminar for company last year,kept me company at lunch,saw that scar on foot from being pierced by an extras lance in Robin Hood.He scratched Flynn’s cheek on slippery rock duel in Capt Blood.”It is possible to screw a man’s eyes out…”with the Rosary of Pain.

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      • Ellen Foley says

        Not trying to be obscene in previous post,it is dialogue from movie Capt Blood,and he was described as Gahndi in that photo wearing only a towel.

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        • Countess says

          I luv that pic. I would so luv to know why he’s only wearing a towel.Most people dont go”look it’s raining ” strip down to a towel and go run out side in the rain.

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              • Ellen Foley says

                forgot the “s” in shrink a robe.Thought since he was always dressed in “sartorial slendor” apparently as his queen wanted,even if he preferred the comfy look,that they’d had a little “encounter of the 3rd kind”,shame all over me,but,Marlene looks awful happy.And he looks too fine in the almost nothing!Still think he looks naked w/o a ‘tache,prefer that look on him,he looks like Rhett Butler-type with one.Still think he’s finest Holmes,any vilainous role he did well,esp since he was anything but in real life,seeming friend to all,stood up for the less fortunate while many manage to take advantage of less priveleged.Easy to be generous with someone else’s money and prestige.Charity parties could’ve been just as effective as spending your hubby’s yearlong salary for being knocked down staircases,he did it withnstyle,and a fine looking body,take off ridiculous wig and extra costuming in Frenchies Creek,or dreck,except for his contribution.

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              • Ellen Foley says

                Comment on spending for her charity galas and then taking exception to being called “Hostess of Hollywood” or whatever she was known as,OR,why would he take offense at that statement when she spent “like a drunken sailor”,as my sainted Irish granny would say.She could’ve used dyed cornflakes instead of “trucking in snow from Big Bear Lake”which caused him added expense for street cleanup when it melted for some party with guests arriving by sleigh,was that why he told Louis Hayward she was breaking him?I do go on,but that’s how I make myself realize answers to posed ?’s.Wonder if picture in towel was from filming of The Black Cat,1940,where Marlene was seeing Brod Crawford,and stood in for an actress for a scene,per TCM,don’t care how beneath him he thought pictures like that,Baz was great,Gale a hoot,Brod smashingly funny.

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            • Countess says

              Ya know I think they are boxers. Now you mention it, theres a tie at the waist.It was the shapelessness of them made me think towel.I guess mabey he just didnt want to get his clothes wet.It’s such a turn on that he dosent have a nasty furry chest isnt it.I dont find Magilla Gorilla to be sexy.

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              • Ellen Foley says

                Noticed that chest in the rip in Levasseur’s shirt in the duel.NICE!Still kicking myself for not buying the sexy pic of him on one knee on the beach in Cap Blood.Dumb hat he had at one time,but he gets my heart racing the whole time on film.Ouida go home,we want to be alone!

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    • Roberta says

      I agree with every word of that! The letter to Louise is so very touching and sweet because he was obviously really concerned and went to trouble to locate her when she moved house or whatever happened, at least that is how I read it, that he has been looking for her and asked William to help. he had no legal obligation to provide for the baby at that time but wanted to do the right thing! That is a good man. He was equally concerned Rodion shouldn’t suffer financlally too, which I think makes his lack of contact with his grandchildren to be something Ouida made happen and not his neglect.

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  8. Countess says

    From The Adventuers Of S.H. not sure if I’ve seen that excat pic.,but have seen like 100s from that movie Basil looks so good in it.Totaly love Ida’s hat. But her costumes are realy not p.c. you know.

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  10. Amy says

    I don’t know Loyalties, what is it about?I’m trying to make a complete collection of all his films

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    • embechtel says

      It concerns anti-semitism in pre-WW 2 Britain.Basil plays the Jewish mans part.He wins a 1000 lbs or so at the race track.Later on he is a guest at home.Miles Mander steals his money.Theres a court case against the Baz for slander brouhgt about by Miles” s character.I think its considered a cult film.The 2 copies i have are not very good but i have not come across anyone yet who said they have a really good copy either.

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  13. Tim the Bint says

    This desc of B’s g/f “June” riding a horse: “looked like a rag doll tied to an obstreperous donkey.”

    Hee, if that is from Baz’s book then I am pretty sure Ouida wrote that bit (kitty has claws).

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    • Ellen Foley says

      No doubt,O was so concerned about her guest.Wonder if her overspending was punishment for his child.May explain her controlling nature and stepmother probs for Rodion

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      • Margaret G says

        Once you read the NPD thing you can see so many potential parallels in Ouida’s behavior. Punishing and devaluing a spouse interpersonally while talking them up as perfect to the outside world. I wonder if she did that. Well, we know she did the second, and if she was subtly or overtly running him down in private all the time then that would have further attacked his self-esteem and possibly contributed to guilt.

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  17. Ellen Foley says

    I remember reading an encounter at a dinner party Ouida sat next to Ronnie Colman,he was preoccuppied by a scene he was having trouble with for the next day,Ouida chattered nonstop at the party and let him know after,”I hope you die!”(i.e. A Tale Of Two Cities,in which he obviously does),he arranged to faun over her the next day with a car to pick her up,lavished attention on her,then asked if he was forgiven at the end of the day.

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  19. Ma Baker says

    Lovely page! I was blown away. Was it previously known he had a “natural” daughter? Is anything known about her?

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    • Marcia Jessen says

      Not known to the public. Louise’s granddaughter told me the story and sent the letter, but said that some members of the family are not aware of their relationship to Rathbone, so she preferred to keep their identities private. Louise and her daughter were not celebrities.

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      • Jenny says

        Was the granddaughter a celebrity? i just noticed you didn’t say she was not, or am I reading in too much? I’m not meaning to pry just curious. Your page is great by the way. Really puts B in perspective as a guy with an eye for the ladies 😉

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          • Ellen Foley says

            Can’t understand her interfering with his relationship with his kids.Jealousy vs kids or mothers of kids.Yet,they adopted Cynthia.He seemed to be close to Cynthia,fussing over her,but she had a seemingly uncomf situation with this child she wanted to adopt because she only had “miscarriages”?OR,that is.Maybe the child with Louise is why the breakup with Eva,tho’ I suspect he wanted to put things right with her and maintain friendship,but that was nixed by :she who must be worshipped” to paraphrase.Narcissistic,I think you are all right on that account,the more facts I hear.Sounds like the house present was a big source of contention for all parties involved,and Rodion and Caroline did stand up for themselves and refuse to be bullied and her worship’s nose got out of joint,but the Henry VIII in OR wouldn’t allow this hubby to get away,meow!

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      • Margaret G says

        I can’t help noticing the date on the letter to his daughter’s mother. Isn’t this the same time he was romancing Eva and indeed Ouida?

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  20. Ma Baker says

    It’s awful how many of his early films seem to be lost. This one, Loyalties, After the Ball, and virtually all his silents. There are probably more i can’t name off the top of my head.

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    • Marcia Jessen says

      “Loyalties” is actually not lost. It’s in the vaults of the British Film Institute! The was a public showing of it in London a few years ago.

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        • Judy D. says

          Maybe the club could petition TCM, or the BFI, to release this film on DVD. Wasn’t “Loyalties” a famous play? If so, that should add some general interest. If TCM could borrow and play it, we could all tape it!!
          I believe they say something like 50% of films have been lost. Thank goodness there is a preservation group working against the clock to save what they can.

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          • AnnaPindurka says

            I’d happily join you in that petition. Just imagine, 790 emails all asking for the same thing… It might work.

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            • Judy D. says

              I looked up the British Film Institute and they have quite an interesting chronology of BR’s work. However, of the few BFI films available for purchase, “Loyalties” or his others are not included. The problem with some or most of their films is the usual “rights” nightmare, apparently, but they do release more films over time, so guess a petition from lots of us couldn’t hurt. Try http://www.bfi.org/uk/ and search around from there. Maybe also email TCM.com and let them know that the film still exists, BFI’s holding it hostage, and maybe they can arrange a furlough/loan and play it, say, on his birthday or something. Who knows what might work. Anyone have any ideas or can let us know if they email and get a response?

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    • Countess says

      Not unusual,I once read but cant recal the excat number of movies that have been lost to time.The number was stagering.Seems that the studios just didnt keep them some times.It’s not just silents either. heres a list of a fewhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lost_films

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  21. Alyssia says

    That page is completely inaccurate. The register must be a mistake or Basil was there with his wife, he absolutely did not have affairs outside marriage. And as to the illegitimate daughter, it’s ridiculous. If Basil was helping out this lady why do you assume he was the father of her baby? It was just like his generous nature to give money to anyone in need.

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    • Marcia Jessen says

      Louise told her daughter that Rathbone was her biological father. Why would Basil support the baby if he didn’t feel responsible for her existence? What do you want as proof? a DNA test?

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      • Greg Rathbone says

        May I ask who the person named William is in that letter? Would it be one of the William Rathbones? I don’t know if you remember but I am really interested in Rathbone genealogy and I’m tracing illegitimate as well as legitimate lines, so I’d be very keen to know a bit more about this if possible. I’ve traced Basil’s sons children and grandchildren, but would love to have a go at this.

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          • Greg Rathbone says

            Hi Countess! I have been following your research with a lot of interest and have taken the liberty of copying some of your finds for my files! I am very familiar with the second link, but strangely have never seen the first one before. I don;t know how I missed it in all the years I have been researching. Thanks very much for that. If the William is William Rathbone, then I suspect he would be William Rathbone VIII, several years older than Basil, and a cousin of sorts.

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          • Judy D. says

            I have this nagging memory that William was the name of one of his valets, servants, or dressers. In that case the girl could have been a member of his household or a non-actor on a movie set….just a thought.

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      • Ellen Foley says

        I respect him even more after hearing of this daughter as an honorable person.His family was of the William Wilberforce school of fighting for human rights (Amazing Grace movie).I read about their responsibility to their fellow man as part of the family’s efforts,”Liverpool Rathbones” on Wilipedia

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        • Countess says

          I would not expect less of Basil. Nor any other hounerable man. Just a thought..could this have been a reason for him being a bit cash straped? Did Quida know I wonder? Not only did he have a overly extravegant wife..he was feeding quite a few mouths.

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          • Ellen Foley says

            That’s why I wonder whyCynthia wasn’t mentioned as having “come” to them in April 1939,it wouldn’t surprise me if she was his bio child.Too many men refuse to acknowledge their kids,then and now,vehemently deny them as theirs when they undeniably are (David Jansen and Clark Gable resemblance),why is the woman the only one responsible.

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            • Margaret G says

              I think she might have been his too. Though she doesn’t resemble him too closely, that can be true of biological children. My youngest daughter looks nothing like me and nothing like my older three! I had never heard David Jansen was Clark Gable’s son – is that a known fact or a rumor?

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              • Countess says

                No he did joke about it once. Somebody got the wrong end of the stick on that. Clarke has a son John Clarke Gable..”I think” thats his name. And of course Judy who looks just like him. Well did as I see she dide in 11.I hadnt heard.

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            • NeveR says

              I’m 99.9% certain this lady does not have BR’s diary, Greg. If she ever produces a page of it then I’ll willingly admit I was wrong, but we have been asking her to let us see some of this “mountain of evidence” for months now, and so far – nothing. Nada y nada y nada. 🙂

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              • Judy D. says

                I don’t believe so either, but where did all those diaries go? Gravesend Books had a great deal of his material after the place he willed everything to sold it all. Someone, somewhere, has those diaries!!

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                  • Judy D. says

                    Seems to me BR mentions in his autobio that he kept diaries, with copies inserted of the programs he was in as he wrote, from his earliest days. I am going to look through the Gravesend catalog (58 pages!) and see if the diaries are mentioned there, and where exactly all the Gravesend stuff was before that person acquired it (directly from wherever it was that BR donated it all to). Also seems to be required homework that we all reread BR’s autobio. Not my favorite book, after two readings, since he doesn’t dish on anyone. Do you have a copy of that catalog?

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                  • Countess says

                    How would we know? if He did or didnt? Unless he said in an interview or such.Lots of people keep a diary/or/ journal.Some keep it every day of there lives others only once in a while.Some people use it like a datebook some wright there whole life story in it.There could “be” a diary.Or there could have “been” a diary,but mabey Ouida destroyed it.She’d have been the 1st to go through his parers and such. But not suggesting that Alyssia has it

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      • Amomwholovesbasil says

        If he wrote that letter, and it looks like his writing and is signed “Basil”! then he was obviously the father. Alyssia needs to give it up.

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    • Ellen Foley says

      Did you know anything about Marion?Just curious as to what she was really like because you seem to know about OR/BR.relationship,and am so wanting to know more about them.

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      • Marcia Jessen says

        I have not been able to find anything about Marion other than what I posted on the “women” page, which is from Basil’s autobiography. I couldn’t find a photo either. 😦

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        • Countess says

          I found her in the English cences with her family,cant link Ancestory blockers but I did copy her family down.Her and Basil were touring togather with Frank before they got hitched /state rooms on the ship beside each other I ASSUME[hopefully that wont make a u know what of me] as there names are right next to each other and the log isnt in alph. order.I’m curious abot the obit posted on Marcia site on marion.Marriage disloved? also I looked Basil up in Who Was Who In Theater, also had marrige dissolved..is that just a dif. tearm the Brits use for Divorce? oh and I am convinced that the lady visiting Pa in the 40s is Marion.

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          • Elaine Drury says

            Maybe you can do a screen cap of relevant pages? Most computers have that option

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            • Countess says

              Libary computer all that is disabled.When I catch the right libarian on duty when I’m there I can probly get it photo copyed..It’s just the waiting for the correct time.

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      • Alyssia says

        His marriage to Marion was a mistake and they were only intimate once. Marion was the only other woman Basil was ever intimate with apart from his beloved Ouida

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  23. Roberta says

    I have just visited the page. Golly. When you see the list you realise there were a lot more women in his life than we seem to suppose. I wonder who the “mrs Rathbone” was! Could it have ben the mother of his daughter? (That was a surprise too!) I get the impression these names are just the tip of the iceberg, as to me everything points to him having been a fairly promiscuous chap in his youth. Of course for me the vexed question was – was he always faithful to Ouida?

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      • Ellen Foley says

        Any info on Wikipedia Bio that Baz had 2 older half-bros?I would think it means his father’s sons,could be wrong,as I remember reading about an Uncle Horace or Harold.Didn’t think the father had a previous marriage.And strange that Bea had little mention in his book,was she not to Ouida’s liking?

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        • Countess says

          Humm that was weird..anyhow Yes I read that And Looked into it. I coulnt find any confermation that Edgar was ever married to any one but Annie.I think there Edgars bros.Wasnt wikipedia the place where Basil was listed as SIR.,as in SIR KT. which would have no doubt came as a big suprize to him.I think he shoud have been knighted.But I couldnt find he ever had been.With out citing there sources anything writen on Wikipedia is pnly as good as the person who wrote it. Bea is rather a mystery isnt she? I cant find much historicaly speaking on her .Shes with her family up till she goes to that girls school .then the pnly other record I can find of her is a trip from S.A. back to England.I dont find it odd her going to S.A. her moms folks were probly still liveing there if not Grand parents then cousind

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          • Countess says

            This site keeps eating my posts weird….cousins.But after that..nothing…blankslate..gone. If she became a nun…well they die have obits too. Basil want hideing Beas ..shakey mental condition,he does ‘elude’ to it.If your sis is,well, trying to find a nice phrase.’placed in a home’,or something it’s not realy something most familys want brocasted all over the place.I see some others have been ?ing his moms mental factuilties..but that seems to have happed after John was killed. Many mothers take a long time to ‘get over’the death of a child.Some never do. I think Annie must have been a good mom..why? Becauses she raised to wonderfull sons didnt she.

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          • Ellen Foley says

            Thanks for the Wiki info,agree it was ? about half-bros.A lot of great info to be found here and believe it more because of factual nature and proof to back things up.Love the user names of the bloggers.Maybe Baz’s stint in Repton better prepped him for the outside world,unlike his sis and even his father,who seemed a man of the world.Too sad about John,who knows how they all would’ve been better if he’d survived and always wondered how bad his wounds were,or if he was too bad off-surprised with Baz talking of his scar on his ankle why not to mention if it was in a gas attack,bombing or how John gave all.No wonder the family was suffering depression,and why Baz had to continue in active service after thought it was policy to send one home after brother falls in battle,certainly should.

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            • Countess says

              We probly will never know how John met his maker. I like to think he was charging ,but sadly in that war he could have been sitting in a fox hole drinking a cuppr..Have you ever heard the Johm Mc Dermot song Willie McBride? The first time I heard it I said John. Dont know if this will work cant view You Tube my self my dial-up just cant do it. Both of my stepgrand pas fought in WW1,both made it home.Neither were British. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvcjKK3MG_U Any how Its from the Rembermce Album here are the words. see if they dont remind you of John too.
              How do you do young willie mcbride,
              Do you mind if I sit here down by your graveside,
              And rest for a while neath the warm summer sun,
              I’ve been walking all day and I’m nearly done
              I see by your gravestone you were only 19
              When you joined the great fall-in in 1916
              I hope you died well and I hope you died clean
              Or young willie mcbride was it slow and obscene.

              Did they beat the drum slowly did they play the fife lowly
              Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down
              Did the band play the last post and chorus
              Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest

              Did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind
              In some faithful heart is your memory enshrined
              Although you died back in 1916
              In that faithful heart are you forever 19
              Or are you a stranger without even a name
              Enclosed then forever behind a glass frame
              In an old photograph torn, battered and stained
              And faded to yellow in a brown leather frame.

              Did they beat the drum slowly did they play the fife lowly
              Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down
              Did the band play the last post and chorus
              Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest

              The sun now it shines on the green fields of france
              There’s a warm summer breeze makes the red poppies dance
              And look how the sun shines from under the clouds
              There’s no gas, no barbwire, there’s no guns firing now
              But here in this graveyard its still no mans land
              The countless white crosses stand mute in the sand
              To mans blind indifference to his fellow man
              To a whole generation that were butchered and damned.

              Did they beat the drum slowly did they play the fife lowly
              Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down
              Did the band play the last post and chorus
              Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest

              Now young willie mcbride I cant help wonder why
              Do those who lie here know why did they die
              Did they believe when they answered the call
              Did they really believe that this war would end wars
              Well the sorrow, the suffering, the glory, the pain
              The killing and the dying were all done in vain
              For young willie mcbride it all happened again,
              And again and again and again and again

              Did they beat the drum slowly did they play the fife lowly
              Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down
              Did the band play the last post and chorus
              Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest.

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              • Ellen Foley says

                Lovely song,I agree,esp when done in many an Irish Tenors concert at Oakdale Theatre.Believe Anthony Kearns did the song,as John had family death and had to leave group.They were a lovely trio,Ronan,Anthony and Finbar.Think Baz was in relaxing when he got “premonition” of John’s death.No wonder the sorrow in his eyes,I’ve had it too after “witnessing” mother’s near fatal crash while in class.Was dazed,and staggered around,as I was 10 at time and didn’t understand any significance at time.Can relate to Baz cuz since my mother,I’ve experienced other’s similar tragedies and felt powerless to help.Can understand what they mean of survivor’s guilt.Again,everyone has such excellent info regarding Bazman’s life.His father was 10 yrs older than their mother,so either he was remarried or otherwise,but great that it was discovered of a possible prev marriage.The father clearly had a restless streak,wonder if he tried to discourage acting cuz he thought Baz should be businessman,maybe politico,too?He smartly followed his own heart,maybe had his share of frustrations while trying to “find” himself,but to Thine Own Self!No wonder he was a great Hamlet,Romeo,Iago,Tybalt!and he did it all without proper credit from Producers in H’wood giving propers,thinking actors too well paid,or Academy Awards recognition,Oh,just to be nominated.Never thought Walter Brennan acting as other than himself,the racist!(Dancing when heard of RFK/MLK in 1968).Would never dream of doing so after Khaddafi/Damsam/OsamiSalami.And Leni Rufenstahl (Spelling) supposedly wanted our gent to distribute Nazi films in WWII,according to some report I once read.Obv she got a deaf ear,think he had enough trouble after doing Mr Murdstone.

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                • Countess says

                  I gave it another look .Still cant find any mention of a previous marriage for Edgar. Not saying there wasnt..just saying I cant find 1.I dont find a 10 year age dif all that odd. My dad was 5y older then my mom.Gosh how scarry that must have been for a 10y old.I’m a bit lost about Walter Brenen?And Bin Ladden? Altho I love to watch Walter Gand Pa McCoy. i also dont think he ever acted anyone but him self.And to beat Basil out not 1 time but twices just dosent eseem fair in my book.

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                • Ellen Foley says

                  Agree Brennan prob acting as himself.Lost respect for him when heard he was happy MLK and RFK died,but who knows,maybe that was exaggerated,might’ve been temp insensitivity,not racist or political diff.To clarify,I do ramble at times,but unlike Walter Brennan,many of us would take no delight to hear of Kaddafi or Bin Laden’s demise to celebrate.Too many died cuz of their politics/megalomania(Bin Laden/Saddam/Kaddafi,that is).Murdstone was quite a despicable character(murd as in murder,stone as in his heart of stone,and with such a lovely sister in tow,killing spirits of David & his mum in DC).,but don’t recall saying he was Nazi,just that someone wanted Nazi propaganda films distributed in USA,and someone nominated Baz to do it,but he refused to hear it.As for 10 yr age diff between his parents (mine it was 25),simply tried to say he could’ve been married before Annie,as he’d had more years to have been able to marry prev.Just look at Britney,JLo,Angelina their ages and marriage #s.I’m a terrible typist.

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    • Judy D. says

      Since his first wife appeared in several U.S. plays, it could very well have been her. Share a room, save some money, have a serious talk about the past, perhaps try to make amends…..fizzzzz.

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  25. Marcia Jessen says

    Just want to mention that the photo is from one of the “lost” films: A Lady Surrenders (Basil shown with Rose Hobart). I wish I could see this film, but I’ve never been able to find a copy.

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    • Ellen Foley says

      I really thought that was one of the movies they played as some of his early films on TCM in the Fall or near his b’day,”A Lady”

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      • Ellen Foley says

        His hands are a lot more than close to her bum.Could they get away w/it on the old Broadway?He does look dreamy,was he making up for OR considering him and other hubbys as not being he-men (Gable and Lombard showing up at dinner party in fishing gear prompted OR saying she never went for he-men).Agree he was a sexual being,younger than her,and I always wondered how he could get on with her insisting nothing before the marriage.He was in mid-30s,hardly an old grandpa.I don’t see 1st marriage as a mistake,either,just the reality setting in early with baby so soon after Wedding and big adjustment for both parents.Marriage breakup was tragedy of WWI,but I always expected Baz tried and reconciled on his own with Rodion,as it was HIS HOME,not just OR’s.

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    • embechtel says

      Still looking and hoping for the 4 i do not have.I got numbers and E-mails for the stucios but no results.Interstingly they do not list them as being lost.

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      • Geraniums are not the only fruit says

        Which four don’t you have? I only have his Holmes films and Robin Hood and Confession (which I love except for he dies unfairly)

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