This is almost 2 different movies. The first half reflects on the early life of Diana Barrymore, daughter of John Barrymore. But the focus here is on the decline of one of America's greatest actors -- John Barrymore. The part is brilliantly played by Errol Flynn in what many (including me) believe may have been his finest film performance. Ironically, Flynn had been very close to Barrymore and both suffered from bodies wracked from the high life, particularly alcohol. So, not only did Flynn understand what Barrymore had gone through, but he was suffering some of the same maladies himself, perhaps accounting for his sensitivity in the role. In fact, this was, perhaps, Flynn's last great movie role, and just a little over a year later, at the young age of 50, Flynn himself was dead. Make no mistake, this is not the suave swashbuckler Flynn. This is a somewhat fat (at least in the face) older man who has lived a hard life.
Almost exactly half way through the film, Barrymore dies, and the film belongs to Dorothy Malone, in perhaps the finest film of her career. We watch as a Barrymore descends into alcoholism and depression. As the film ends, we get the impression that things may be looking up for Diana Barrymore, but less than 2 years after this film she died of an overdose of alcohol and sleeping pills.
There are several interesting supporting actors here. Efrem Zimablist, Jr. ("The FBI") plays Barrymore's first husband, and I got to wondering why this rather good actor didn't make more films. Neva Patterson plays Barrymore's mother her, but most viewers will remember her as the other woman in "An Affair To Remember". There's a young Martin Milner -- pre "Route 66" -- here, although his role is not very memorable.
I suppose the reason this film is relatively forgotten is that today, virtually no one has ever heard of Diana Barrymore. A shame, because this really is a very good film. Recommended!
Almost exactly half way through the film, Barrymore dies, and the film belongs to Dorothy Malone, in perhaps the finest film of her career. We watch as a Barrymore descends into alcoholism and depression. As the film ends, we get the impression that things may be looking up for Diana Barrymore, but less than 2 years after this film she died of an overdose of alcohol and sleeping pills.
There are several interesting supporting actors here. Efrem Zimablist, Jr. ("The FBI") plays Barrymore's first husband, and I got to wondering why this rather good actor didn't make more films. Neva Patterson plays Barrymore's mother her, but most viewers will remember her as the other woman in "An Affair To Remember". There's a young Martin Milner -- pre "Route 66" -- here, although his role is not very memorable.
I suppose the reason this film is relatively forgotten is that today, virtually no one has ever heard of Diana Barrymore. A shame, because this really is a very good film. Recommended!