Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

Drama 39 The play was withdrawn after sixteen performances and further coals of fire were heaped upon Barrymore's head, with: " The play might have gained some measure of success if the principal part had been entrusted to a good comedian and not to Mr. Barry more." How times change! Certainly in the three decades which have passed, John has developed his talent for comedy to perfection. Such, also, is the passage of time that the actors in the cast, lauded by the critics as being " distinguished for ability and achievement " — Charles Wolcott and Jeffrey Lewis and others — are now nothing but scarcely remembered names, while the fame of John Barrymore, whom they damned, still continues and will eventually rest among the names of the greatest actors of this century. " Toddles " was what must, in theatre parlance, be called a " flop." The next play in which Pauline appeared was, however, much more successful in that it brought her into contact with one who had long been famous in the theatre — William Gillette. He chose her now for his leading lady, and such was his reputation that this was considered an enviable position. Evidently, even in those days, gentlemen still preferred blondes, for most of Gillette's leading ladies had heretofore been of the lighter hue. The selection of the brunette Pauline Frederick called forth considerable comment and the remark: " William Gillette has a brunette for his leading lady in the new production ' Samson ' and one who is being watched with especial lively interest — Pauline Frederick. Hers has been a career of versatility, for she has been in musical productions and in emotional roles, getting a wide experience in a variety of characters and establishing the foundation upon which ca