THE MILLIONAIRE (Warner Brothers, 1931), directed by John G. Adolfi, is a title that bears no relation to the successful 1950s television series of that same name starring Marvin Miller. This Millionaire happens to be a rich little gem starring George Arliss with plot elements based on the story "Idle Hands" by Earl Derr Biggers (creator of "Charlie Chan" mysteries), as well as a talkie remake to THE RULING PASSION (United Artists, 1921), that also starred George Arliss. Though Arliss is the center of attention during much of its 80 minutes, as he was in many of his stage plays and movies, contemporary viewers and film buffs would personally view THE MILLIONAIRE more for the brief three minute segment featuring James Cagney, shortly before his leading performance as THE PUBLIC ENEMY (1931) that made him an overnight star in his own right.
The story introduces James Alden (George Arliss) as a self-made millionaire in his sixties having worked his way up as president of Alden Motor Company. He is advised by his associates, McCoy (Sam Hardy) and Ed Powers (Charles Grapewin) of having to save on cost and production on car engines as opposed to Alden's satisfaction using quality material instead. Though dedicated to his hard work, his family physician, Doctor Harvey (J. C. Nugent) advises him to not only to stop smoking pipes and cigars, but to also give up his profession for the sake of his health, his wife, Laura (Florence Arliss) and daughter, Barbara (Evalyn Knapp). After leaving his establishment after many years, leaving McCoy and Powers in charge, the Aldens go west to a California resort where, six months later under routine and medication, Alden takes the advise of Schofield (James Cagney), a fast-taking life insurance salesman, to fight boredom by returning to the working force. Going under an assumed name of Charles Miller, Alden buys a half interest to a gas station from Mr. Peterson (Noah Beery), with Bill Merrick (David Manners) and Al (Spec O'Donnell) as his new partners. Aside from keeping his double life a secret from his family and smoking again, Alden soon discovers his lack of customers to be due the opening of a new state highway where Peterson's prosperous new gas station is located. Being a shrewd businessman, Alden competes with Peterson while trying to keep his employer, Bill, with ambition of becoming an architect, from learning the girl he is dating happens to be his daughter, and showing interest in wanting to marry her. Other cast members include Bramwell Fletcher (Carter Andrews); Ivan Simpson (Davis, the Butler); J. Farrell MacDonald (Dan Lewis). Charles Evans (The Gardener); Tully Marshall (Mr. Briggs); and Ethel Griffies (Mrs. Andrews).
The plot, done with humor and zest, rings true in most parts when a hard working individual finds himself forced to retire, to become grumpy when idle and bored, only to be full of life again when assuming another job to occupy his spare time. Though George Arliss is best known playing historical figures as his Academy Award winning performance as DISRAELI (1929); ALEXANDER HAMILTON (1931) and VOLTAIRE (1933), he is most enjoyable in light comedy such as this. One notable scene where Alden nostalgically looking over his office one last time before leaving to the underscoring of "Old Acquaintance," is reminiscent to Walter Huston's masterful performance as DODSWORTH (Samuel Goldwyn, 1936). As much as the John Alden role might have been played by Will Rogers in similar fashion, or funnier tradition by W. C. Fields, Arliss is perfectly cast and believably placed. THE MILLIONAIRE did lead Warners with further editions as THE BIG NOISE (1936) starring Guy Kibbee; and updated reworking with THAT WAY WITH WOMEN (1947) featuring Sydney Greenstreet.
Rarely seen for many years, and never distributed on video cassette, THE MILLIONAIRE began to surface on public television in the late 1980s before becoming a regular fixture on cable television's Turner Classic Movies, where this and other richness of Arliss acting style can be seen and rediscovered by contemporary viewers of classic cinema. (***1/2)
The story introduces James Alden (George Arliss) as a self-made millionaire in his sixties having worked his way up as president of Alden Motor Company. He is advised by his associates, McCoy (Sam Hardy) and Ed Powers (Charles Grapewin) of having to save on cost and production on car engines as opposed to Alden's satisfaction using quality material instead. Though dedicated to his hard work, his family physician, Doctor Harvey (J. C. Nugent) advises him to not only to stop smoking pipes and cigars, but to also give up his profession for the sake of his health, his wife, Laura (Florence Arliss) and daughter, Barbara (Evalyn Knapp). After leaving his establishment after many years, leaving McCoy and Powers in charge, the Aldens go west to a California resort where, six months later under routine and medication, Alden takes the advise of Schofield (James Cagney), a fast-taking life insurance salesman, to fight boredom by returning to the working force. Going under an assumed name of Charles Miller, Alden buys a half interest to a gas station from Mr. Peterson (Noah Beery), with Bill Merrick (David Manners) and Al (Spec O'Donnell) as his new partners. Aside from keeping his double life a secret from his family and smoking again, Alden soon discovers his lack of customers to be due the opening of a new state highway where Peterson's prosperous new gas station is located. Being a shrewd businessman, Alden competes with Peterson while trying to keep his employer, Bill, with ambition of becoming an architect, from learning the girl he is dating happens to be his daughter, and showing interest in wanting to marry her. Other cast members include Bramwell Fletcher (Carter Andrews); Ivan Simpson (Davis, the Butler); J. Farrell MacDonald (Dan Lewis). Charles Evans (The Gardener); Tully Marshall (Mr. Briggs); and Ethel Griffies (Mrs. Andrews).
The plot, done with humor and zest, rings true in most parts when a hard working individual finds himself forced to retire, to become grumpy when idle and bored, only to be full of life again when assuming another job to occupy his spare time. Though George Arliss is best known playing historical figures as his Academy Award winning performance as DISRAELI (1929); ALEXANDER HAMILTON (1931) and VOLTAIRE (1933), he is most enjoyable in light comedy such as this. One notable scene where Alden nostalgically looking over his office one last time before leaving to the underscoring of "Old Acquaintance," is reminiscent to Walter Huston's masterful performance as DODSWORTH (Samuel Goldwyn, 1936). As much as the John Alden role might have been played by Will Rogers in similar fashion, or funnier tradition by W. C. Fields, Arliss is perfectly cast and believably placed. THE MILLIONAIRE did lead Warners with further editions as THE BIG NOISE (1936) starring Guy Kibbee; and updated reworking with THAT WAY WITH WOMEN (1947) featuring Sydney Greenstreet.
Rarely seen for many years, and never distributed on video cassette, THE MILLIONAIRE began to surface on public television in the late 1980s before becoming a regular fixture on cable television's Turner Classic Movies, where this and other richness of Arliss acting style can be seen and rediscovered by contemporary viewers of classic cinema. (***1/2)