The House of Barrymore

In this lengthy biography of the Barrymore dynasty, the spotlight, as in life, shines brightest on Lionel (1878-1954), Ethel (1879-1959) and John (1882-1942). Greatly gifted, the three stars of stage and film were also alcoholics, an addiction Ethel conquered when it threatened her performances. Although Lionel's weaknesses included morphine, he was able to maintain a distinguished career. It was the ``baby,'' John, whose private and public pursuits were ruined by boozing and womanizing. He was hailed as the world's most memorable Hamlet, yet John's star fell steadily after his youthful triumphs, until he was driven to connive with his exploiters in his downfall. Loosely organized and sometimes hard to track, this frustrating volume by the author of Bernard Shaw and the Actresses nevertheless captures some of the Barrymore magic. Photos. (Oct.)