Customer Reviews

Barrymores Royal Family in Hollywood

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A really excellent book with anecdotes and many photographs of the three Barrymore siblings: John, Lionel and Ethel and the next generation of Barrymores, notably Diana and John Barrymore, Jr. Features interviews with Dolores Costello, her daughter Dolores Ethel (Dede) and some of the grandchildren. A memorable anecdote is from Dede who recalls the day her parents split up. I agree with other reviewer that not enough space is given to Michael Strange (Blanche Oelrichs) who had a tremendous influence on John during the twenties.

Curiously though, only John Jr's eldest children John Blyth and Blythe are mentioned. There were two others including Drew (born in 1975). Only John Jr's first two marriages and offspring from them are mentioned.

For fans of the Barrymore clan, this is a highly recommended book.

This is an enjoyable history of the Barrymore family. The author has done his homework and succeeds admirably. Recommended reading for those who want to know about Barrymores or generally about the times they lived.

This is a well written and well researched book with plenty of pictures you won't find elsewhere. Most of the book focuses on the big 3 - John, Lionel, and Ethel - which is only natural, especially for a book that came out in 1981.

There is lots of material about the individuals as well as their films and the various people with whom they worked.