The House of Rothschild (1934)

A child falls into a narrow well.

Director:

Alfred L. Werker

Writers:

Nunnally Johnson (screen play), George Hembert Westley (based on a play by),

Stars:

George Arliss, Boris Karloff, Loretta Young

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Arliss	...	Mayer Rothschild / Nathan Rothschild
Boris Karloff	...	Count Ledrantz
Loretta Young	...	Julie Rothschild
Robert Young	...	Capt. Fitzroy
C. Aubrey Smith	...	Duke of Wellington
Arthur Byron	...	Baring
Helen Westley	...	Gudula Rothschild
Reginald Owen	...	Herries
Florence Arliss	...	Hannah Rothschild
Alan Mowbray	...	Prince Metternich
Holmes Herbert	...	Rowerth
Paul Harvey	...	Solomon Rothschild
Ivan F. Simpson	...	Amschel Rothschild (as Ivan Simpson)
Noel Madison	...	Carl Rothschild
Murray Kinnell	...	James Rothschild

Storyline

The story of the rise of the Rothschild financial empire founded by Mayer Rothschild and continued by his five sons. From humble beginnings the business grows and helps to finance the war against Napoleon, but it's not always easy, especially because of the prejudices against Jews.

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Plot Keywords:

rothschild | jew | napoleon | brother | tax evasion | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 April 1934 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rothschild

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min 88 min (copyright length) 87 min (FMC Library Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Color:

Black and White Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

George Hembert Westley's play was unpublished, but copyrighted 11 May 1932.

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Connections

Featured in The Eternal Jew (1940)

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Soundtracks

"La Marseillaise"
(1792) (uncredited)
Written by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
Played often in the score

User Reviews

Money, money, money

A dramatic, inter-generational history of the House of Rothchild. Most people have a vague notion of the Rothchild banking dynasty, but like me, probably didn't know the history and pain that went with it. This story covers the origin and evolution of that dynasty and an explanation of it's motivation. The story centers around the elder brother, Nathan, played by George Arliss and his four brothers. I have to admit that I never saw the George Arliss magic until I saw this picture. He really was a major talent, although he was quite old when he did this. We see the family breaking out of "Jew Street" in Frankfurt, and establishing banks throughout Europe while struggling to overcome anti-semitic attitudes and actual pogroms. There are some personal vignettes involving Loretta Young as Nathan's daughter and her goy suitor played by Robert Young that tend to humanize the family but really don't amount to much. The real story is the family drive to help stabilize a war ravaged Europe and through it, command the respect of a deeply anti-semitic aristocratic European society. The picture paints a rather pastel version of what was probably a grueling battle for acceptance, but it managed to convey a feeling of warmth and respect for the underdog. There are some very nice touches. The family members all touch the mezuzah each time the enter or leave the house. Everybody kisses Mama, and George Arliss shows what appears to be a real tenderness whenever he interacts with Loretta Young. The brothers never appear to be avaricious, but rather an integrated force of will, determined to succeed, yet determined to play by the rules. All in all, an enjoyable and informative docu-drama. Well worth the 90 minutes.