Why a 1935 Dickens adaptation became the ultimate trap for its star villain
In short: The 1935 production of A Tale of Two Cities is widely considered the definitive cinematic version of the Dickens classic. Yet for Basil Rathbone, who played the cruel Marquis St. Evrémonde, the film was a double-edged sword that cemented his reputation as Hollywood's go-to villain for years to come.
Directed by Jack Conway and produced by David O. Selznick, the 1935 adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities remains a landmark in cinema history. The film features Ronald Colman in a career-defining performance as the self-sacrificing Sydney Carton, alongside Blanche Yurka as the vengeful Madame Defarge. The story follows the turbulent years of the French Revolution, tracing the lives of Lucie Manette, her father Dr. Manette, and the aristocrat Charles Darnay as they navigate the chaos of the Terror.
For Basil Rathbone, the role of the Marquis St. Evrémonde was a pivotal moment in his career. Having previously played the villainous Mr. Murdstone in Selznick’s 1935 adaptation of David Copperfield, Rathbone found himself increasingly typecast. Despite his extensive background in Shakespearean theater and his success on the London and New York stages, the film industry pigeonholed him into roles defined by malice and cruelty. Rathbone later expressed mixed feelings about this period, noting that while these parts brought him professional visibility, they also obscured his broader range as an actor.
The shadow of typecasting followed Rathbone for decades. Even after his iconic turn as Sherlock Holmes in 14 films, he lamented that his earlier, more diverse theatrical work was being forgotten. By the time he reached the end of his career, he felt that his association with specific, villainous archetypes had limited his opportunities for more complex roles. This 1935 Dickens production serves as a fascinating case study in how a single, masterful performance can simultaneously elevate a film and constrain the future trajectory of a talented performer's life in Hollywood.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A Tale of Two Cities | film by Conway [1935] | Britannica
- Also: A Tale of Two Cities (1935 film)
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