In a riveting group biography full of legends and anecdotes, Peters illuminates the full, independent, and often tragic lives of the Barrymores--the first great actors of the American stage to become stars of American film. "Biography with the grip of a le Carre novel".--Los Angeles Times. 48 pages of photographs.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this lengthy biography of the Barrymore dynasty, the spotlight, as in life, shines brightest on Lionel (1878-1954), Ethel (1879-1959) and John (1882-1942). Greatly gifted, the three stars of stage and film were also alcoholics, an addiction Ethel conquered when it threatened her performances. Although Lionel's weaknesses included morphine, he was able to maintain a distinguished career. It was the "baby," John, whose private and public pursuits were ruined by boozing and womanizing. He was hailed as the world's most memorable Hamlet, yet John's star fell steadily after his youthful triumphs, until he was driven to connive with his exploiters in his downfall. Loosely organized and sometimes hard to track, this frustrating volume by the author of Bernard Shaw and the Actresses nevertheless captures some of the Barrymore magic. Photos.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Working from an impressive array of sources--Peters combed theatrical libraries and collections across the country and communicated with dozens of her subjects' associates and acquaintances--the author has created a definitive account of the lives and careers of John, Ethel, and Lionel Barrymore, "Broadway's Royal Family of Actors." Much more comprehensive than Ethel's Memoirs and Gene Fowler's Good Night Sweet Prince: The Life and Times of John Barrymore , both currently available only in reprint editions, this biography includes extensive notes for each of its 31 chapters as well as a selected bibliography. The author of excellent biographies of Charlotte Bronte ( Unquiet Soul , LJ 4/15/75) and Mrs. Patrick Campbell ( Mrs. Pat , LJ 2/1/84), Peters has made an outstanding contribution to the history of the American theater in her thoroughly readable account of three of its most illustrious artists.
- Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
House of Barrymore-Great Theatrical Biography,
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This review is from: House of Barrymore (Paperback)
Margot Peters--an English prof at the U of Wisconsin has written
several biogs--the Brontes, the Lunts & Mrs Pat Campbell, but her 1990 HOUSE OF BARRYMORE about the celebrated Ethel, Lionel & John is by far her best. HOUSE of BARRYMORE is one of the all-time great theatrical biographies. Fascinating subjects. Tellingly written!
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