John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
If you spot a rubber band on your front door handle, you need to know the sick thing it means
Safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones is of utmost importance, particularly within the haven of our homes. Throughout history, homes have symbolized security, providing a sense of refuge for individuals and families.
The intrusion of burglaries and similar threats can shatter this sanctuary, making it crucial to stay informed about potential dangers.
Home security is a matter taken seriously by many, employing various measures such as guard dogs and exterior surveillance cameras to deter criminals. However, perpetrators constantly adapt to counter preventive measures, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Kim Fleming Cernigliaro, a Texas woman, shared a chilling experience on Facebook in 2016, shedding light on a sinister tactic employed by criminals seeking unauthorized access to homes.
She recounted an incident where a persistent, almost pounding knock at her door raised suspicions. Choosing not to answer when alone, she later discovered a rubber band around her doorknob, a device used to hold the door ajar once the latch was unlocked.
The technique involves knocking loudly to prompt the homeowner to unlatch the door, allowing the criminals to force entry without waiting for the doorknob to turn.
Kim’s post served as a warning to others, and she reported the incident to the local sheriff, who confirmed its prevalence in the area.
This cautionary tale underscores the importance of staying alert to unfamiliar situations and employing caution, even within the perceived safety of our homes.
In an era where criminals constantly evolve their methods, awareness and proactive measures are key to ensuring our homes remain sanctuaries of security. Share this information to spread awareness and contribute to the safety of others.
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