Published in 1957, Diana Barrymore (daughter of actor John Barrymore and poet Michael Strange) tells her life story. With an errant father and eccentric mother, it is no wonder that she grew up to become a very troubled woman. As a youngster, she rarely saw her father or her famous Aunt Ethel and Uncle Lionel. The name 'Barrymore' opened many doors for her, however, and it seems she did have talent, but she also had a taste for alcohol and surrounded herself with abusive men who wanted nothing more than to share her bed and a drink-not necessarily in that order. Often staggering on stage and slurring her lines, she ultimately hit rock bottom when she couldn't find a job. When work finally did come her way, she swore she wouldn't drink, but she always managed to do it anyway, jeopardizing what might have been a successful career . Although, she ended her story on a positive note, looking forward to the future, she died three years later at the age of 38. A very sad ending to a very sad story. A movie was made in 1958 based on the book and starred Errol Flynn as John Barrymore.
Too Much, Too Soon by Diana Barrymore & Gerold Frank
- ASIN : B000NVYZA2
- LCC: 57-6184
- Publisher : Shakespeare Head; Stated First Ed edition (January 1, 1957)
- Item Weight : 1.45 pounds