Here we are again! In memoriam, Mr. B

 Fair reader, 

It's been the usual nutty year, punctuated by job loss, etc. Be that as it may, here's a brief memorial post for Lionel Barrymore, eldest of the talented and misbegotten trio of actors. I still adore him, still eager to research him, but also feeling, as he did... Old. 

 In Memoriam, by Mr B for John B, after John's death

 

This "tone poem" is a sweet short composition by the fairly talented musician Mr. B. John's death hit him very hard. Give it a listen. 

 

The last narration Mr B did. You can hear his age, but the voice is still compelling! 

On the audio bits page here, there's a wee now on this piece. Startling, to me. 

And finally, for now, I leave you with this narration :

December 12, 1941; an ambitious multi location show. Hollywood at its patriotic finest. 

 

Apologies for brevity, but still... 

 

Thank you, Mr B. 

 

Happy birthday, Mr B! Yet again

As you might imagine, there are indeed things to st and see about Lionel Barrymore! I've had tons of life changes, and it's been hectic! However, as his actual April 28 birthdate looms, I thought I'd share some funds from Lionel-land: First, I bought a copy of the Zeus version of a very early LB film, discovered among the "frozen pool" collection some years ago, with Lillian Russell, "Wildfire", as well as a copy of "The Enemies of Women". So there's that! I'll have to review "Wildfire" here. Mr B spoke kindly of La Russell. 

Second, a new job in a used bookstore has thrown many inexpensive film books my way, and I'll share some tidbits (as well as some older favorites) :

From the New York Times obit in "Hollywood Album" ; see later pic for placement originally on front page

From "The Best of MGM; the Golden Years". The audio file of this film is on this blog.
 

Also from Best of... A classic! 

One of my favorite LB stories! From "A Free Soul" entry in Best of... 

Ah yes, the foundations per Best of for Mr B's lifetime MGM contract

A 1920s pic of Mr. B I was able to straighten and smooth out via Photoshop. Love the casualness. I believe Bob Fells of Silent films today on FB helped me out, or possibly someone else a while back

From "Hollywood Album", a book of NY Times coverage of the deaths of Hollywood stars. Mr. B's passing made front page, lower middle.

I worked sooo long on this pic from The Jest! 

And on this one, with wee brother John

An unposted pic from a late 1920s publicity shoot. Faaabulous. 

That is my photo dump on this Barrymore birthday! Going through the pics again remind me how much I admire this man's work and what a vast and impressive career he had. I even spoke to someone yesterday about his huge popularity in the 30s and 40s, regardless of late career wheelchair use.

So again, my sincere and deep gratitude for your work, big man... You left a helluva impact on film and on people to this day. Wishing my fellow Barrymore fans the Barry-best always. Thanks for checking in now and then! Hope to be more active soon 😊

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. LIONEL BARRYMORE!!