By ASHLEY GOODFELLOW

Feb 15, 2010 - 11:03 AM
The life of Barrymore

When stars were stars. Robert Latimer-Cornell plays the role of legendary actor John Barrymore in William Luce’s revered play Barrymore.

“There’s something so theatrical about him and his life ... that no longer exists today. He comes from a time when stars were really stars, not just celebrities,” said Robert Latimer-Cornell on playing legendary actor John Barrymore in the play Barrymore. Robert Latimer-Cornell is not without his charms.

After more than 40 years in the performing arts, his career has highlights in theatre, opera, film, TV and radio— not only in Canada, but across North America and in Europe.

He’s mastered the most difficult accents, and embodied the most remarkable characters. So who better to play the role of legendary actor John Barrymore in William Luce’s revered play Barrymore?



Latimer-Cornell would comically tell you that it’s Christopher Plummer (who first starred in the production, and went on to win a Tony for his performance)— but he’s selling himself short.

After all, his upcoming appearance in the play at the Rose Theatre on Feb. 26 and 27 isn’t the first time he’s portrayed the alcohol-drinking, womanizing Hollywood icon. He’s aced the role before.

“There’s no question, it’s a daunting undertaking,” he said during an interview with The Guardian, “but I’ve done this before, and I’ve had great success with it.”

Loosely based on Barrymore’s life, the play takes place in 1942, just after the Pearl Harbour attack, on a bare stage in New York City. Barrymore is 57, and he’s trying to stage a comeback in theatre, after a long absence due to his drinking and meandering ways.

“When he was in his 40s, he did his first Shakespeare play in New York, Richard III...then he played Hamlet...then he fell apart,” summarizes Latimer-Cornell. “He was eventually labeled one of the bad boys of Hollywood, and he got this reputation, and nobody wanted to touch him.”

So, this play is set is 10 years later and Barrymore is trying to remount a production of Richard III. He’s hired Frank, a young fellow, to prompt him with his lines— and reel Barrymore back in from his distracted episodes of reminiscing with the audience— but even Frank can’t rescue Barrymore from his self-indulgent ways. (Technically this play is billed as a one-man production, as Frank interacts with Barrymore over a loudspeaker.)

Barrymore jokes with the audience, spars with Frank and does imitation of the stars of his day (including sister Ethel and brother Lionel). It’s absolutely hilarious— and a good backgrounder for those who don’t know much about Barrymore’s very interesting life, said Latimer-Cornell.

“There’s something so theatrical about him and his life ... that no longer exists today. He comes from a time when stars were really stars, not just celebrities,” said the actor.

Latimer-Cornell laughed when asked what it’s like to take on such a hefty role— and answered “Somebody said to me that I was born to play this role...but, I, for one, don’t drink at all!” But he doesn’t neglect to note his very loose connection to Barrymore himself— his maternal grandfather’s first cousin was Katharine Cornell, an American stage actress who worked closely with the Barrymores.

Latimer-Cornell is thrilled to bring Barrymore back to the stage, which will play for three performances in Brampton. He hopes to take the play on the road in the future.

Barrymore runs at the Rose Theatre Feb Feb 26 at 8 p.m., and Feb 27 at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets and information call the box office at 905-874-2800 or visit http://www.rosetheatre.ca/.