Old English (1930)

An old man unethically provides an income for his two grandchildren.

Director:

Alfred E. Green

Writers:

John Galsworthy (by), Walter Anthony (screen adaptation),

Stars:

George Arliss, Doris Lloyd, Harrington Reynolds

Cast

Complete credited cast:
George Arliss	...	Heythorp
Doris Lloyd	...	Mrs.Larne
Harrington Reynolds	...	Gilbert Farney
Reginald Sheffield	...	Bob Pillin
Betty Lawford	...	Phyllis
Murray Kinnell	...	Charles Ventnor
Ivan F. Simpson	...	Joe Pillin (as Ivan Simpson)
Leon Janney	...	Jock
Ethel Griffies	...	Adela Heythorp
Joan McLain	...	Molly
Henry Morell	...	Meller

Storyline

Although octogenarian Sylvanus Heythorp is still chairman of a shipping company, he is £14,000 in debt to creditors from a personal loan which he cannot repay. He is well-liked and affectionately called 'Old English' by the people of Liverpool, allowing him to settle a fixed amount to be paid from his salary, which all but one of the creditors, Charles Ventnor, begrudgingly accept. Ventnor asks Heythorp to settle his £300 debt to him in full, but Heythorp refuses. Mrs. Rosamund Larne, the widowed wife of Heythorpe's late illegitimate son, asks for an increase in his support money, else she will have to reduce certain amenities, such as dance lessons, that she now provides for his grandchildren, Phyllis and Jock. Both love him dearly and called him by the nickname 'Gardy', but they do not know he is their grandfather. He hits upon an idea to provide them with an independent income for life, by buying four ships for his company from owner Joe Pillin for £60,000, and taking a 10 percent ...

---

Plot Keywords:

ship | liverpool | bankruptcy | suicide | grandchild | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 September 1930 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros, Vitaphone Corporation, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

George Arliss is credited as "Mr. George Arliss" on the title page, but the "Mr." is dropped for the comprehensive cast list.

---

Connections

Referenced in An Intimate Dinner in Celebration of Warner Bros. Silver Jubilee (1930)

User Reviews

Mister George Arliss Shines In Forgotten Film

Beset by creditors & worried over the fortunes of his dead, illegitimate son's children, an elderly shipping magnate - (affectionately known as OLD ENGLISH) - finds a determinate solution to his financial woes.

Mr. George Arliss, master movie actor of the 1930's, gives another extraordinary cinematic portrait, stealing his every scene & charming the viewers with equal ease. Born George Augustus Andrews (1868-1946), here was a performer destined for the screen, endlessly fascinating, never dull or commonplace. With the tiniest gesture or lift of an eyebrow he could impart unspoken volumes to the audience. Here he has one of his classic sequences, a long scene at the climax where he libidinously delights in a splendid solitary supper, relishing every bite & sip - an Oscar-worthy performance in every way.

Based on a John Galsworthy novel & play, the production values are adequate, but they betray their stage origins. Never mind. All Arliss needs is his supreme talent to make this regrettably obscure film memorable.

In the supporting cast, Ivan F. Simpson is excellent as an aged, querulous ship builder. Doris Lloyd & Ethel Griffies, two terrific British actresses who spent most of their careers in small roles in Hollywood films, often uncredited, are both given a fine opportunity to exhibit their skills as the troublesome women in Arliss' life.