It is 1942. Barrymore prepares for a backer's audition as he dreams of a triumphant comeback. This is Christopher Plummer reprising his one man play as the alcoholic John Barrymore. There is no doubt that Plummer is an acting God. He shows it here in spades. But it doesn't add up to be a compelling movie.
It's one of those age old question of how to adapt a play onto the big screen. This felt like a slightly drunk old grandfather telling the young'uns about the old times. Sometimes it's funny as Barrymore and CW Fields try to sign up for WWI. But it's mostly a series of never ending stories. He is alone with Frank who is just off stage. It doesn't really allow for great interaction. We don't get the full power of Plummer's presence that I assume we would get from the play. For Plummer as an actor, I would give him a 10. But as a movie, this is only a 5.
It's one of those age old question of how to adapt a play onto the big screen. This felt like a slightly drunk old grandfather telling the young'uns about the old times. Sometimes it's funny as Barrymore and CW Fields try to sign up for WWI. But it's mostly a series of never ending stories. He is alone with Frank who is just off stage. It doesn't really allow for great interaction. We don't get the full power of Plummer's presence that I assume we would get from the play. For Plummer as an actor, I would give him a 10. But as a movie, this is only a 5.