Barrymore

by William Luce, Jerry Robbins (Performer)

Famous for his stage roles in Richard III and Hamlet, John Barrymore was Americas most popular actor until alcoholism dissipated his talents. William Luce has adapted his acclaimed Broadway hit for audio in this stunning production.

Genres: Plays, Theatre

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

William Luce was a writer, primarily for the stage and television.

Reviews

[Steven Schwope · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Barrymore" by William Luce, is a dramatic one man play that is set in the 1940's.It is the spring of 1942, and John Barrymore, who was once America’s most popular actor, is rehearsing a revival of his Broadway triumph as Richard III on a rented run down stage with his prompter/stage manager. As Barrymore half-heartedly and inaccurately runs through his lines with his prompter, he starts to reminisce about old friends, lovers, family and how great his life used to be. It is apparent that his alcoholism has taken a major toll on his talent, memory, and body. As the play wages on, Barrymore tries to breath fresh life into a career that was damaged by his ongoing struggles with personal life and being an alcoholic. A powerful climax occurs at the end of the play and Barrymore becomes a different more vulnerable man, who realizes how close to death he is.I really like this book, and recommend it to anybody looking for insight into John Barrymore's mind. I loved it because it felt really real, and it was down to earth, and provided a new light to see celebrities in.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting audiobook to listen to, but the overall effect of it was depressing (and, yet, informative!).