All those in Hollywood acknowledged that Basil Rathbone was the best swordsman. Above Errol Flynn, and others, by far. Rathbone won the fencing championship of the British Army -- no small feat. His character was also above reproach, which is unusual for a Hollywood actor. He was awarded Knighthood by the Queen many years before his death, but he refused to be call "Sir Basil Rathbone" as he had a right to. He turned down the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen several times. He was proud to be English!