Ouida Bathurst was a diminutive red-headed actress, playwright, and screenwriter who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her marriage to the renowned actor Basil Rathbone, which lasted from 1926 until his passing in 1967, was one of the most enduring and iconic in show business. The Rathbones were legendary for hosting the most lavish Hollywood parties at their luxurious mansion in the Los Feliz Hills, featuring a 60-foot dining hall. This opulent villa had previously been the residence of famous heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey and his actress wife, Estelle Taylor.
Born into a family of Spanish, French, and English extraction, Ouida moved to America in her early teens. After completing her education, she joined the Shubert Stock Company in Brooklyn, gaining valuable experience in vaudeville. Her talents soon led her to star in the 1911 Broadway melodrama "The Stranger" alongside Wilton Lackaye at the Bijou. This marked the beginning of a multi-faceted career that would see her excel in various fields.
During World War I, Ouida ran a talent agency, representing a plethora of illustrious clients, including Adolphe Menjou, Lionel Atwill, and Alla Nazimova. As the war came to a close, she transitioned from the stage to a career as a writer, simultaneously penning articles and short stories for The New York Herald and scenarios and screenplays for motion pictures. Her screenwriting career, which lasted until 1923, saw her work for prominent studios such as Goldwyn, Pathe, First National, and Paramount, where she even headed their scenario department at one point.
In 1921, Ouida was captivated by Basil Rathbone's performance in the Broadway play "The Czarina." Two years later, the two met at a party, and their mutual infatuation was sealed. Ouida subsequently retired from films to become Hollywood's premier socialite, marrying Basil in 1926. Throughout her life, she continued to write occasional plays, including "Sherlock Holmes" in 1953, which served as a vehicle for her husband.
