Books

[1],107 leaves. Quarto. Mimeographed typescript, printed on rectos only of salmon colored stock. Bradbound. Pencil name on title leaf ("Milton Feld," a Universal producer at the time), a few annotations in color pencil, very good or better. A first draft of this contribution to the Holmes screen canon. Released in April of 1943, SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON was directed by Roy William Neill, and starred Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. The association of Lynn Riggs, the Oklahoma-born, part-Cherokee gay playwright and poet with this project is very interesting. It is one of at least two of the Universal Holmes titles that Riggs worked on, the other being an (until recently) uncredited revised draft of the screenplay for SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE VOICE OF TERROR (also dated 1942). Riggs is most widely known for his play, GREEN GROW THE LILACS, which was immensely popular as the musical adaptation, OKLAHOMA!, but little has been written about his years as a screenwriter for MGM, RKO, Paramount and Universal. Millhauser's career as a screenwriter began in 1911 and includes over sixty credits, including SHERLOCK HOLMES FACES DEATH (1943) and SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SPIDER WOMAN (1944). Script material relating to any of the pre-1950 Holmes films is uncommon. Although well over one hundred and fifty adaptations of Sherlock Holmes to the screen are known, beginning with SHERLOCK HOLMES BAFFLED (1903), the Rathbone-Bruce portrayals have become almost canonical, beginning with THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (March 1939), and concluding with the twelfth in sequence, DRESSED TO KILL (1946). DE WAAL 5150.

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is a collection of twelve short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1892. The stories feature Sherlock Holmes, a brilliant consulting detective, and his friend and chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson. Set in Victorian London, each narrative presents a unique mystery for Holmes to solve, showcasing his remarkable deductive reasoning skills and attention to detail. The collection begins with "A Scandal in Bohemia," where Holmes is tasked with recovering compromising photographs of the King of Bohemia and his former lover, Irene Adler. The subsequent stories include mysteries ranging from stolen jewels ("The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle") to mysterious disappearances ("The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb") and perplexing coded messages ("The Adventure of the Dancing Men"). In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Holmes investigates the death of a young woman and uncovers a venomous snake used as a murder weapon. "The Adventure of the Red-Headed League" involves a bizarre scheme to distract a pawnbroker. Meanwhile, in "The Adventure of the Final Problem," Holmes faces his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, in a deadly confrontation at the Reichenbach Falls. Throughout these stories, Watson narrates the tales, highlighting Holmes' brilliant deductions, logical reasoning, and mastery of disguise. Each mystery is intricately woven, providing readers with a thrilling blend of suspense, intelligence, and unexpected twists. Conan Doyle's vivid portrayal of Victorian London, along with the dynamic between Holmes and Watson, captivates readers as they navigate the criminal underworld, encountering various characters and engaging in thrilling adventures. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" remains a cornerstone of detective fiction, laying the foundation for the archetype of the astute detective. Doyle's ingenious storytelling and the enduring appeal of Holmes' intellect continue to resonate with readers, solidifying the collection's place in literary history as a timeless classic.