Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

38 Pauline Frederick opened at the Garrick Theatre in New York on March 1 6th. Pauline played the leading woman's part but was not as yet a starred player. The leading man was one whose family had long made history on Broadway — John Barrymore. But not the John Barrymore of today. He was then a young man of twenty-six years and had first appeared on the New York boards only a few years previously. " Toddles " was a farce with an English setting and the comedy centered in a young, indolent Englishman, Lord Medows, an agreeable and attractive gentleman who was distinguished for his irresolution. He had an aunt, Lady Dover, who was determined to get her nephew married, while he was equally determined to remain a bachelor. The girl selected by the matchmaking aunt was an eligible young heiress, named Constance Joblyn, played by Pauline. That John had not developed into the splendid comedian we know today is shown by the caustic comments of all the reviewers. The critics seem almost to have copied each other's notes and all said: " The effect would have been far better if a comedian had been engaged to play the principal part. Mr. Barrymore is not a comedian, is inefficient in the part and a clog upon the action and the mirth. The company includes actors who were distinguished for ability and achievement before Mr. Barrymore was born. The appearance of a young and comparatively inexperienced performer who has not yet displayed any special natural talent for acting at the head of such a company is ludicrous. If Mr. Barrymore had done anything to warrant his appearance at the head of a theatrical company there would be no objection to it. In this period ' stars ' and ' leaders ' appear to be manufactured to order like boots and shoes." — New York Tribune.