"I would like to find a stew that will give me heartburn immediately, instead of at three o clock in the morning"

John Barrymore's quote is a funny method of revealing his desire for a more instant option to his issue. He is likely referring to a scenario in which he has consumed something that has triggered him heartburn, however the impacts of the food have actually not yet been felt. He is wishing for a stew that will offer him heartburn right now, rather of having to wait till the middle of the night for the impacts to begin. This quote is an amusing method of revealing his aggravation with the slow onset of the heartburn. It also speaks to the idea that often, we want instant satisfaction, even when it comes to something as undesirable as heartburn. In this case, Barrymore is wishing for a quicker service to his issue.