Discuss Midnight
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John Barrymore's telephone scene
posted by barrymostSTAFFMOD on March 3, 2020 at 5:03 PM
I don't know how I didn't think of making this discussion as soon as I watched this movie, but anyway, here goes.
The one scene in which John Barrymore impersonates a three-year-old girl over the telephone is unbelievably hilarious. I think that one part made literally the entire movie worthwhile, though I did enjoy the movie overall. Since he was pretending to be the fictional daughter of Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert, and said daughter was supposedly very ill, I also found it ironically humorous that he claimed the cause behind her illness was a case of alcohol poisoning. I believe that was what was literally happening to him in real life at the time. Thoughts, anyone?
Reply by genplant29
on March 3, 2020 at 5:47 PM
I love that scene!
Yep: From what I've read, John's severe alcoholism was going strong throughout the making of this movie, yet when it came time to be on camera, he absolutely shone and was a real joy!
I've never been an enthusiast of Don Ameche, but do enjoy him (and everyone else) in this movie.
By the way, barry, did you realize that the catty hatshop owner, Simone, who's in a scene or two, was John Barrymore's real-life wife at the time, Elaine Barrie?
Another bit of fun trivia: Mary Astor was preggers at the time of filming - which is why she's filmed in loose-fitting clothing or holding things in front of her, etc.
Reply by barrymost
on March 3, 2020 at 8:04 PM
Yes, I've always thought it was a shame about John. He did have a whole lot of real, shining talent. Particularly in over-the-top comedy, I think we would both agree.
This was the first time I saw Don Ameche, and thought he was quite good; very debonair.
Did not know that about Elaine Barrie, that's very interesting.
Also had no idea about Mary Astor, and I didn't even notice that in the film! That's really interesting. Who was her husband at the time?
Reply by bratface
on March 3, 2020 at 11:51 PM
She married (on the sly) for the third time, Manuel Martinez del Campo in 1936, their son Anthony Paul "Tono" del Campo was born in 1939. They were divorced (amicably) in 1941.
Reply by barrymost
on March 4, 2020 at 6:04 PM
Thanks, brat. I happen to know very little about Mary Astor, so this was interesting.
Reply by bratface
on March 4, 2020 at 6:08 PM
You are welcome.