Jeremy Brett: I was feeling so low the other day that I sent myself a fan letter.
David Burke: Are you serious?
JB: I'm absolutely serious.
DB: What did you write to yourself?
JB: Dear Jeremy, I would just like to say what a wonderful actor you are. Your Sherlock Holmes puts every other attempt at the part in the shade. Basil Rathbone is not fit to clean your boots; and Douglas Wilmer and Robert Stephens should beg you to give them lessons. You're much prettier than all of them, for a start. There is only one word for your performance -- magic. Please send me a signed photograph. Yours, Joe Bloggs. P.S. I've heard that you're really nice in person, too.
DB: Did you really write that?
JB: Yes, I did.
DB: Did you send it?
JB: Yes, I put a first-class stamp on it. I wanted to get it as soon as possible. It came the next morning.
DB: And did you read it?
JB: Of course I read it. I read it a dozen times. I felt wonderful afterwards.
DB: Well, did you send yourself a signed photograph?
JB: David, I may be mad -- but I'm not barking mad! In any case, the bugger didn't send a stamped addressed envelope!
(From Bending the Willow: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes by David Stuart Davies, pages 192-193)
