Eugene O'Neill, who had heard about the poisoning from his father, mentions it in a secret document he wrote, intended solely and strictly for his own eyes, in which he summarized his parents' family backgrounds and their early years together.
Although Eugene, a shy, wary soul, was usually slow to make friends, he took an early liking to the agent, a cheerful bantam with an inordinate thirst for liquor, a whimsical sense of humor, with himself often the butt of his stories, and, as he told it, a colorful, adventurous past.
McGinley, whom Eugene used to consider a wit, said that if the other was sent to cover an accident or a fire, he would return with an "Ode to Death." His description is almost complimentary compared with the article Woodworth wrote under the headline, "The World's Worst Reporter" (Providence Journal, 12/6/31).
Until the age of twelve young Eugene did not know who his father was but when the father and son met for the first time they developed a liking for each other.
Displayed here are a telegram from Eugene to his old friend John Francis announcing the birth of a daughter and various photographs of Oona with her parents as well as a picture of the Chaplins on their wedding day.
Eugene attended many of the rehearsals and his presence was intimidating to the director and cast.
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