Disney Junior Encyclopaedia of Animated Characters
Original Book by M.L. Dunham
© Disney Enterprises, 2004

BASIL OF BAKER STREET, page 24
First Appearance:  The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Even though he seems an awful lot life the great detective Sherlock Holmes, Basil is really a tiny mouse.  Brilliant and determined to help little Olivia Flaversham find her father, Basil also wants to beat his rival, the evil Professor Ratigan.  Impressed with his own cleverness, Basil goes about his business with the bumbling and loveable Dr. Dawson by his side.  And in the end, Basil triumphs — not only by rescuing Olivia and her father but also by beating mean old Ratigan once and for all.

Fun Facts:

1. Some people believe Basil was named for the actor Basil Rathbone, who played Sherlock Holmes in many live-action films.
2. Basil's address is 221½ Baker Street (the basement section).

OLIVIA FLAVERSHAM, page 122
First Appearance:  The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Sweet and stubborn, little Olivia Flaversham is lucky to have a toymaker for a father.  At the beginning of the film, Olivia receives a mechanical dancing doll from her clever dad.  But soon her father is kidnapped, and Olivia turns to Basil of Baker Street and Dr. Dawson to help her find him.  The search for Olivia's father in London, which has been transformed by preparations for Queen Moustoria's Diamond Jubilee.  In the end, Olivia is reunited with her beloved father.

Tricky Trivia:

Q:  Can you name Basil's housekeeper?
A:  Mrs. Judson
Q:  What is the name of Ratigan's cat?
A:  Felicia
Q:  Where is Olivia when Dr. Dawson finds her?
A:  The little mouse is crying inside a human-sized boot.

Did you know...

England's Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.  She had been ruler for sixty years.  Queen Moustoria's Diamond Jubilee was to be a similar occasion...on a smaller scale.

RATIGAN, page 150
First Appearance:  The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

As his name suggests, Professor Ratigan is a rat — both literally and personality-wise.  In order to carry out his dastardly scheme to overthrow Queen Moustoria, he kidnaps a toymaker named Hiram Flaversham.  The idea is that the talented Flaversham can create a moving replica of the queen so that no one will notice she is missing when Ratigan captures her.  Luckily, Basil of Baker Street is smart enough to outwit the wicked sewer rat and save the day.

Did you know...

The famous actor Vincent Price provided Ratigan's voice.