ANNOUNCING ‘THE SIXTH ANNUAL BARRYMORE TRILOGY BLOGATHON’

The Barrymore’s are a prominent theatrical family whose name will continue to echo throughout the years. Younger audiences will be familiar with today’s top Hollywood drawer Drew Barrymore, the legendary actress who first rose to super stardom in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, but its Drew’s grandfather John and his two siblings Lionel and Ethel that initially broke the mould in motion pictures.

Lionel, Ethel and John Barrymore were born into a family of thespians. From a young age the siblings were surrounded by actors. Louisa Lane Drew, their grandmother owned the famous Arch Street Theater and had been acting since she was eight, while their parents and uncles were all seasoned veterans of the stage. It is no wonder that the children all followed the theatrical path.

Initially, Lionel, Ethel and John were reluctant to break into the family business. They had a strong interest in nurturing non acting careers of their own, but when they realized that the stage was their only destiny, they were determined to utilize all their time and effort in crafting a successful legacy for themselves.

That was exactly what they did. Despite dealing with their own set of obstacles that threatened to thwart their careers, the Barrymore siblings all managed to achieve greatness and spawn success in whatever journey they embarked on. These days however, Lionel, Ethel and John don’t seem to receive the recognition that they so rightfully deserve and sadly they are unjustifiably underrated.

After conducting a considerable amount of research on the Barrymore’s and writing extensively on their respective careers, my mission is to rectify their current status and put them back on the radar. It is for this reason that I am inviting you all to take part in the sixth edition of the Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon, an event that pays tribute to the incomparable acting dynasty who continue to inspire me in every way possible.

As some of you would know, I am now employed and under contract with Pen and Sword Publishing Company to write a definitive biography on Katharine Hepburn. Due to my book research schedule, I was unable to host this event on Ethel’s birthday in August. However, I am currently taking a break from my book related work – so I see this as the perfect opportunity to bring the Barrymore’s book for the sixth consecutive year. Hopefully this event will evoke enough interest in the blogging community. Ethel, John and Lionel more than deserve it.

THE RULES

FOR THOSE BLOGGERS WHO WISH TO JOIN THE BLOGATHON, THERE ARE SOME RULES THAT MUST BE ADHERED TO. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING.

1. Bloggers are welcome to write about any film that stars either of the three Barrymore siblings, or any topic pertaining to Ethel, John or Lionel. Previous years, I have allowed posts on Drew Barrymore, but this year however, I have decided to keep things classic, and that means that I am omitting Drew from the blogathon. 

2. Due to the diversity of the subject matter, I am only allowing two duplicates, so if you have a topic in mind act fast. If you wish to write more than one post, that’s fine. However, I am limiting it to three entries per blog. 

3. To coincide with the anniversary of Lionel’s passing on November 15th, the blogathon will take place on November 15th- 17th, 2020. Please submit your entries on either of these days or early if you wish. For those of you posting early, just remember that your entry won’t be linked until the event starts.

4. This blogathon is a loving tribute to the Barrymore siblings. All bloggers are welcome to participate, but I will not accept any post that appears derogatory or disrespectful to either star. I also want to state that entries focusing on John’s alcoholism will not be allowed. By all means, you are welcome to mention it in your articles, but posts that are strictly about that subject are verbatim.

5. All contributions must be new material only. Previously published posts will not be accepted.

6. To express your interest in participating in the blogathon, leave a comment on my blog along with the name and URL of your blog, and the subject you wish to cover, or you can always register by email at: crystalkalyana@yahoo.com. For those of you who wish to register by email, please be sure to include the name and URL of your blog, and the topic you wish to cover. Once you get confirmation, please spread the word about this blogathon by selecting one of the banners below and advertising it on your blog. Thanks in advance.

SUBJECTS CLAIMED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TIMES

PORTRAIT OF JENNIE ( 1948 )

THE ROSTER

In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood – Ethel tribute and TBD.

Love Letters To Old Hollywood – Lady Be Good ( 1941 )

The Wonderful World Of Cinema – Midnight ( 1939 )

Caftan Woman – The Secret Of Convict Lake ( 1951 )

Strictly Vintage Hollywood – Portrait Of Jennie ( 1948 )

Century Film Project – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ( 1920 )

Pale Writer – Lionel as Dr. Gillespie in the Dr. Kildare movies

Real Weegie Midget Reviews – Portrait of Jennie ( 1948 )

KN Winiarski Writes – It’s A Wonderful Life ( 1946 )

Poppity Talks Classic Film – Spawn Of the North ( 1938 )

Along The Brandywine – You Can’t Take It With You ( 1938 ) and David Copperfield ( 1935 )

The Stop Button – Rasputin and the Empress ( 1932 )

18 Cinema Lane – Twentieth Century ( 1934 ) and Young At Heart ( 1954 )