So unlike past years, I have missed a significant Mr B moment (his birthday), but I will claim overstress, a death in the family, and life as causes. It has been physically and emotionally difficult and I was reminded how much Lionel Barrymore accomplished AFTER he began to act from a wheelchair.
So, to celebrate the man's bday again, let's revisit some of his best post-wheelchair parts!
As Dr. Leonard Gillespie of the Kildare film series. Mostly B filler films, some of them were deeply intense! An excellent part for him.
Duel in the Sun, an interesting and unusually complex part for him in his older years. He quite literally was dragged along the ground for a scene! The film itself is high drama and over the top, but old pros Barrymore and Lillian Gish redeem it some.
The other one I would add is Down to the Sea in Ships, but he actually uses crutches in this. It's adventure but quite wonderfully acted. Dean Stockwell is unusually brilliant. One could argue for On Borrowed Time and You Can't Take it With You (also on crutches).
YCTIWY
On Borrowed Time
Happy May (almost!)