Film's First Family

"Incorporating careful research and fascinating unpublished diaries, correspondence, and interviews, Terry Chester Shulman recreates a forgotten time, place, and family who contributed a unique style of acting that molded early film history. The narrative traces the lives of Maurice, Dolores, and Helene Costello—as well as that other famous family, the Barrymores—to provide an important reminder of how the greatest celebrities of their time were mere humans and, sometimes, their own worst enemies. Shulman's book will evoke a reader's need to revisit the film work of both gifted families with new insights and great compassion."—Gabriella Oldham, coauthor of Harry Langdon: King of Silent Comedy

"At long last, there is a well-researched account of one of cinema's most overlooked dynasties. Author Terry Shulman meticulously traces the thespian lineage from family patriarch Maurice Costello and wife Mae to their daughters Helene and Dolores Costello, Warner Bros. 'Belle of the Screen' whose tempestuous marriage to John Barrymore blended America's two greatest acting families of the last century with grandson John Drew Barrymore and great granddaughter Drew Barrymore continuing the family tradition. A requisite addition to any cinema library."—Alan K. Rode, author of Michael Curtiz: A Life in Film

"Finally we can learn the truth about this storied family! Relying on primary source material, and with tight, succinct prose, Terry Chester Shulman has provided a wealth of narrative about the troubled, talented, beautiful, and doomed Costellos."—Tracey Goessel, author The First King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks

"A fascinating, endlessly insightful, and beautifully written portrait of a tempestuous family that played a pivotal role in the development of American film. Shulman's prose brims with intelligence and wit as he follows the Costellos through trials and triumphs and, heartbreakingly, back again. Film's First Family is a captivating, first-class contribution to film literature."—Vanda Krefft, author of The Man Who Made the Movies: The Meteoric Rise and Tragic Fall of William Fox

"Maurice Costello was one of the first true movie stars, but if he is remembered today it is primarily because his daughter Dolores married John Barrymore, merging two American acting dynasties. Author Terry Shulman had access to Costello family archives and interviewed Dolores Barrymore Bedell (the daughter of John Barrymore and Dolores Costello) and Helene Costello's daughter Deirdre to research this sweeping story enough juicy material to have filled several volumes."—Leonard Maltin