HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mr. B! 1878-1954

...but an eternal in the heart of stage and screen fans.

Here it is already, the anniversary of the eldest Blythe/Barrymore's birth in Philadelphia, PA. As I've noted elsewhere on this blog, he was a wee cutie:

Lionel aged about 2 or 3

He remained relatively youthful-looking well into his thirties and even forties. I think a lot had to do with his own ability to masquerade!

With dad Maurice and little brother John, about age 19

About 23, 24

About 9 or so

In his first year of marriage to Irene Fenwick. She made him happy, seems.

And 1919, during The Jest on B'way

As time went on, he mixed old roles with young ones, or progression roles:

The Copperhead on stage, from the playscript

Also The Copperhead on stage, last scene

The Claw on B'way, with both wives!

Last act of The Claw, with Irene Fenwick

But for many, this picture right above is how they remember Lionel Barrymore-- as Scrooge at Christmas, as Dr. Gillespie, as Mr Potter. And it's not that they're wrong! But it's a partial appreciation of a very, very long career.

I'd encourage people interested to poke around this blog and the interwebs for more on this versatile, dynamic, mercurial man. Perhaps a peek at the YouTube post of a clip of Enemies of Women, an over the top romantic drama. You can look at what Mr. B could wreak, shirtless even, here courtesy Bob Fells of Silent Films Today on Facebook: ENEMIES OF WOMEN

I wish everyone safety, security, happiness, and hand sanitizer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. B!!