Dr. John H. Watson: I don't understand, Holmes! She seems such a nice girl! She sings charmingly!
Sherlock Holmes: My dear fellow, musical talent is hardly evidence of innocence. Moriarity was a virtuoso on the bassoon.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in Pursuit to Algiers

Dr. Watson: It's a pity you didn't think about bringing that infernal violin of yours - to regale me with some of your music!
Sherlock Holmes: I DID, my dear Watson! Anything to oblige!
[he whips out the violin and begins to play]


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Dr. Watson: Then, why are we rushing up to London, leaving Sir Henry entirely alone and unprotected?
Sherlock Holmes: We're not, my dear Watson. We're just giving the impression of rushing up to London.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sheila Woodbury: You are a darling.
[kisses Sherlock Holmes on the cheek and walks away]
Dr. John H. Watson: Huh. Extraordinary sight.
Sherlock Holmes: Elementary my dear Watson; and very pleasant.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in Pursuit to Algiers

Lydia Marlowe: I was right, Mr Holmes, you are a difficult subject.
Sherlock Holmes: Thank you.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in The Woman in Green

Dr. John H. Watson: I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't sleep very well.
Sherlock Holmes: Didn't sleep very well? You snored like a pig!


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in The House of Fear

Professor Moriarty: [as Moriarty drains Holmes's blood] Drop by drop, Holmes. Drop by drop. Eh, in a way I'm almost sorry. You were a stimulating influence to me. But it was obvious that I should win in the end... Closer to the end Holmes. Closer and closer. Each second a few more drops leave your desiccated body. And you can feel them can't you? You're perfectly conscious, aren't you, Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes: I shall be conscious long after you're dead, Moriarty.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon

Charles: Awfully good, these cigarettes.
Lord Arthur Dilling: I'll send you some.


--Basil Rathbone (as Lord Arthur Dilling) in The Last of Mrs. Cheyney

Inspector Gregson of Scotland Yard: What are you looking at, Mr. Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes: Looking at a very handsome woman, not born to the purple, but giving an excellent imitation.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in The Woman in Green

Professor Moriarty: We've had many encounters in the past. You hope to place me on the gallows. I tell you I will never stand upon the gallows. But, if you are instrumental in any way in bringing about my destruction, you will not be alive to enjoy your satisfaction.
Sherlock Holmes: Then we shall walk together through the gates of Eternity hand in hand.
Professor Moriarty: What a charming picture that would make.
Sherlock Holmes: Yes, wouldn't it. I really think it might be worth it.


--Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes) in The Woman in Green