The Royal Family (play) - Plot Summary

Plot Summary

Characters
  • Julie Cavendish - Fanny's daughter
  • Tony Cavendish - Fanny's son
  • Gwen Cavendish - Fanny's granddaughter
  • Herbert Dean - Fanny's brother
  • Kitty Dean - Fanny's sister-in-law
  • Fanny Cavendish - Cavendish Family Matriarch
  • Oscar Wolfe - Cavendish Family's Long-time Agent
  • Gilmore Marshall - Julie's Love Interest
  • Perry Stewart - Gwen's Fiancee

The story is a parody of the Barrymore family actors, with particular aim taken at John Barrymore and Ethel Barrymore. The character Tony Cavendish, a heavy-drinking womanizer, represents John Barrymore. Julie Cavendish is the prima donna Broadway star Ethel Barrymore. Ethel Barrymore was offended and her critical comments were quoted by the press; however John Barrymore saw the production in Los Angeles and was amused, and congratulated Fredric March on his performance as Tony Cavendish. (Otto Kruger had played the role on Broadway.)

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