2011 BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE

Each year we provide an essay topic in a special birthday edition of the Muse which is distributed at the BSI dinner and the Gaslight Gala.

The Assignment 

In his recent autobiography, Rolling Stone Keith Richards mentioned that at one point in his life he felt just like Sherlock Holmes—perhaps not surprisingly, if you know anything at all about Richards, as he was using cocaine at the time. In 200 words or fewer (in prose, verse, or artwork), assume the persona of a celebrity (living or dead) and explain why you are like Sherlock Holmes.

Birthday Challenge Winners

This year’s decision was particularly difficult, as our first and second place entries were both exceptional. The winner was Judith Freeman, with second place going to Elaine Coppola. Honorable mentions go to Pj Doyle and Warren Randall.

First Place Entry

by Judith Freeman

Dear Muse Readers,

It goes without saying that, as an actor, I am naturally familiar with the creative art of disguise. As a matter of fact, there are those that refer to me as the “master of disguise.” Make-up is only one of the skills I used to augment my acting ability.

I have donned such diverse personas as royalty (Richard III) and thief (Raffles), sea captain (Ahab) and suitor (Don Juan). My subtle use of subterfuge was not limited to the stage. (When negotiating the purchase of a home in Beverly Hills, I found Mr. Hyde’s fiendish make-up and unpleasant personality quite the asset.)

To be successful at such endeavors, one must be able not only to “change one’s spots” but to get under the skin of the individual you are impersonating. This takes intelligence, as well as talent. By the way, the more intelligent and talented the individual to be impersonated, the more challenging the impersonation.

One of my finest performances was portraying the world’s most famous private consulting detective. I was not merely like Sherlock Holmes, I have been Sherlock Holmes.

Humbly yours,

John Barrymore

Editor’s Note: for more on Barrymore as Mr Hyde and other Hollywood tales, visit here.

Second Place Entry

by Elaine Coppola

My name is Thomas Jefferson. You know me as the third President of the United States and the primary author of its Declaration of Independence. Courtesy of an amazing trip through time and space (a story for which the world is not yet prepared), I was introduced to Mr. Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street. Now back at my home at Monticello, I often think about how I am so like Mr. Holmes.

First, there is my physical resemblance. I, too, am tall and lean. I often greet my guests in a dressing gown (mine is definitely blue). I have bouts of depression and, although I have not yet resorted to a seven percent solution, I do cultivate opium poppies. Some say I, like Mr. Holmes, possibly have Asperger’s Syndrome.

We share many of the same interests:

I have a keen interest in science, writing about my practical chemical experiments like “Report on the Methods for Obtaining Fresh Water from Salt” (the first document of a chemical nature to be published by the U.S. Government).

I keep bees.

I enjoy fishing.

However, I feel most like Mr. Sherlock Holmes when I play my violin—mine is an Amati.