The Great Profile (1940)
Director:
Walter Lang
Writers:
Milton Sperling (original screenplay), Hilary Lynn (original screenplay)
Stars:
John Barrymore, Mary Beth Hughes, Gregory Ratoff
John Barrymore provides an embarrassing spectacle in the semi-autobiographical role of a ham actor. Constantly in debt and always half-loaded, Barrymore accepts a role in an important play, which he nearly ruins by his intemperate antics. Anne Baxter plays a sincere young woman who tries to pull Barrymore back together. He makes a triumphant comeback, but there's always the chance that he'll be back to his old tricks before long. Tastelessly exploiting the real-life relationship between John Barrymore and Elaine Barrie, The Great Profile is supposed to be a comedy. Ha ha.