John Barrymore (1882–1942)

This black-and-white 1933 film has a good pace, and an all-star cast. It has an amazing set too, supposedly a huge, luxurious hotel in Germany. However we found it rather sordid and depressing.

There's no overall story; instead it's brief episodes in the lives of a handful of people who are staying in the hotel. And instead of humour or a positive outcome, it's full of innuendos, bullying, greed and self-centredeness. The only character we felt any kind of sympathy for is the Baron played by show more John Barrymore - and he's destitute, trying to make money by stealing or gambling.

It was a great success in the 1930s and apparently still popular today, but we didn't much like it though we kept watching to the end. Not recommended.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2024/03/grand-hotel-lionel-barrymore.html show less

A well-written autobiographical account of the up-to-then career of legendary actor John Barrymore, published in 1926 when he was 44. No scandalous behavior detailed, but an interesting look at the theatrical world at the time. Lots of photos, index.