In a fascinating glimpse into the world of early 20th-century theatre, Lionel Barrymore, a prominent figure in American comedy, expressed his apprehensions regarding technological advancements in the late 1920s. As the eldest sibling of celebrated actor John Barrymore and grandfather to actress Drew Barrymore, Lionel’s insights reveal the anxieties faced by performers in an era of rapid change.
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Barrymore’s concerns centred around the impact of emerging technologies, particularly the rise of television, which captivated the masses during that period. Documented in Gary Berman’s book, *100 Years of Laughter: American Comedy in the Twentieth Century*, these reflections illustrate a significant moment when theatre artists grappled with the idea of being overshadowed by burgeoning media.
The late 1920s marked a pivotal time for entertainers, who had only just acclimatised to the introduction of sound films. Lionel Barrymore articulated his fears in a 1928 interview, predicting a future in which movies would evolve to incorporate colour and sound to an even greater extent. “Pretty soon they will have colour, talking, and the whole works in the movies,” he remarked, foreseeing the inevitable transformation of the film industry.
Barrymore went on to voice a bleak forecast for the future of live theatre. He speculated that, with advancements in film technology, audiences might prefer watching performances on screen rather than attending theatres. “Then television will be the next thing, and we won’t have any theatres at all,” he lamented. These candid observations reflect a broader anxiety shared among many artists at the time, who worried about their place in an entertainment industry rapidly moving into the future.
Born into a family of actors, Lionel Barrymore carved out his own legacy within the industry. He was the first Barrymore to be awarded an Oscar, winning the prestigious accolade in 1931 for his performance in *A Free Soul*. His contributions to cinema extended beyond his Oscar win, as he appeared alongside his siblings John and Ethel in the 1932 film *Rasputin and the Empress*, solidifying the Barrymore brand in Hollywood.
However, it was his role as Mr. Potter in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, *It’s a Wonderful Life*, that remains his most commercially successful portrayal. This characterisation has since become iconic, further embedding Lionel Barrymore into the annals of American film history.
While Lionel reached significant milestones in his career, his sister Ethel Barrymore achieved her own level of superstardom, working alongside stars such as Frank Sinatra and Doris Day in *Young at Heart* (1954). President Harry S. Truman famously regarded her as “a great lady and a great artist,” showcasing the profound impact the Barrymore family had on American entertainment.
The legacy of the Barrymore name continues to resonate through the current generation, particularly with Drew Barrymore, who has opened up about the complexities of her family’s history in the public eye. In PEOPLE’s upcoming 50th anniversary issue, Drew reflects on her family’s experiences with addiction and the responsibility she feels to uphold their legacy.
Drew candidly acknowledges her decision to stop drinking, viewing it as a crucial move to honour the Barrymore name, a lineage often marked by hedonism. At 51, she highlighted the importance of breaking cycles of addiction for the benefit of her children and future generations. “It’s just like, you know what? This didn’t work for our family and I’m going to stop it,” she explained, underscoring her commitment to change.
Understanding her family’s rich history in film and theatre has been a guiding force for Drew throughout her career. “Ever since I could remember… somewhere around three years old, I felt this extraordinary responsibility,” she shared, attributing her passion for the entertainment industry to her familial heritage. “It helps me make sense of why I feel so magnetized to work in the field of film and television.”
The Barrymore family saga exemplifies the intertwined themes of art, legacy, and the struggles faced by performers across generations. As technology continues to evolve, the reflections of Lionel Barrymore from nearly a century ago resonate in the ongoing dialogue about the future of theatre and film, inspiring current and future talents to navigate their own paths amid an ever-changing landscape.