Playmates (1941)

The only American Barrymore known to most of today's movie-goers is Drew, but it is to her grandfather, John Barrymore, that today's entry is dedicated.  Like her, he was the product of a theatrical dynasty, and he was -- in his day -- an unsurpassed star of stage and screen.  Simply put, I love his performances -- far more than brother Lionel's or sister Ethel's, memorable as many of theirs were.  This picture was his last film and in common with others of his late career, a dissolute life and alcoholism had taken their toll.  He may look wasted and on his last legs, but all of these performances still radiate the Barrymore magic.  In this movie, he is really in support of Kay Kyser and his band, a popular cornball radio personality of the day; he plays himself, as a washed-up dramatic "ham" (for want of a better word), who needs to earn some quick bucks to keep the tax inspector at bay -- so his agent spreads the story that he will be coaching Kyser in Shakespearian drama for a joint performance.  Even if Barrymore may have been doing no more than reading cue cards, the memory of a great actor radiates from every word.  This is also true of all his late 1930's roles -- they may be small, but my goodness, they are each memorable.  I do not buy the opinion that he was demeaning himself in accepting these parts; he plays them with relish and seems to be enjoying himself hugely, despite his fall from higher theatrical grace.  God bless him!