About the Book

Appearing in about 60 films and dozens of stage and radio productions, John Barrymore (1882-1942) was arguably the most idolized performing arts figure of his generation. Renowned for his ability to make even the flimsiest roles come to life with power and passion, the Great Profile reached his apex with title role performances in stagings of Richard III (1920) and Hamlet (1922-25). This book charts his legendary and sometimes scandalous life and career.

A biography discusses his love of roles requiring physical or psychological distortion, his four failed marriages, and his memorable achievements on the stage and screen. Chapters that follow contain entries for his performances in stage, film, and radio productions, with each entry providing cast and credit listings, plot synopses, critical commentary, and excerpts from reviews. Also included are a discography, a chapter on plays and films with characters modeled after Barrymore, an annotated bibliography, and discussions of archives and special collections. The volume closes with a personal essay by Barrymore's Shakespearean vocal coach, Margaret Carrington. This essay, written by a pivotal figure in Barrymore's development as a serious actor, has never before been published.

Book Synopsis

Appearing in about 60 films and dozens of stage and radio productions, John Barrymore (1882-1942) was arguably the most idolized performing arts figure of his generation. Renowned for his ability to make even the flimsiest roles come to life with power and passion, the Great Profile reached his apex with title role performances in stagings of Richard III (1920) and Hamlet (1922-25). This book charts his legendary and sometimes scandalous life and career.

A biography discusses his love of roles requiring physical or psychological distortion, his four failed marriages, and his memorable achievements on the stage and screen. Chapters that follow contain entries for his performances in stage, film, and radio productions, with each entry providing cast and credit listings, plot synopses, critical commentary, and excerpts from reviews. Also included are a discography, a chapter on plays and films with characters modeled after Barrymore, an annotated bibliography, and discussions of archives and special collections. The volume closes with a personal essay by Barrymore's Shakespearean vocal coach, Margaret Carrington. This essay, written by a pivotal figure in Barrymore's development as a serious actor, has never before been published.

Review Quotes

"A first-rate piece of research."-Leonard Maltin author, Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide

?Appearing in nearly 60 films and dozens of stage and radio productions, the Great Profile is the ideal subject for bio-bibliographying. The plot synopses, critical commentaries, and cast and credit listing lend themselves to a well-rounded appreciation of this versatile preformer.?-Films In Review

?This is an outstanding presentation of research. Norden has undertaken an extraordinarily difficult subject and produced a volume that is not only a worthwhile reference text, but a stimulating commentary as well.?-Theatre Research International

"This is an outstanding presentation of research. Norden has undertaken an extraordinarily difficult subject and produced a volume that is not only a worthwhile reference text, but a stimulating commentary as well."-Theatre Research International

"Appearing in nearly 60 films and dozens of stage and radio productions, the Great Profile is the ideal subject for bio-bibliographying. The plot synopses, critical commentaries, and cast and credit listing lend themselves to a well-rounded appreciation of this versatile preformer."-Films In Review

About the Author

MARTIN F. NORDEN is Professor of Communication at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His articles have appeared in journals such as Film & History, Film Criticism