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George Arliss

George Arliss

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The Man Who Played God ... Just one moment of courage is all it takes. Distraught after losing his hearing,... more info $12.95was $19.99 Buy Now

The Working Man ... Wealthy shoe manufacturer John Reeves (George Arliss) relishes a challenge,... more info $11.95was $17.99 Buy Now

George Arliss Collection ... Academy Award-« winner George Arliss' career is marked by his powerful... more info $23.95was $29.99 Buy Now

Cardinal Richelieu ... George Arliss, Maureen O'Sullivan, Cesar Romero. The crafty 17th century... more info $12.95was $19.98 Buy Now

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Also Known As: George Augustus Andrews, Mr. George Arliss Died: February 5, 1946
Born: April 10, 1868 Cause of Death: bronchial ailment
Birth Place: London, England, GB Profession: actor, author, playwright, clerk
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Biography CLOSE THE FULL BIOGRAPHY

August London and New York stage performer who entered films in 1921 and specialized in playing the great historical figures--such as "Disraeli" (1921 and 1929), "Alexander Hamilton" (1931), "Voltaire" (1933), and "Cardinal Richelieu" (1935)--that had made him famous in the theater. Known as "The First Gentleman of the Screen" in the 1930s, Arliss occasionally appeared with his wife, Florence Montgomery Arliss; their son Leslie was a screenwriter and director.

August London and New York stage performer who entered films in 1921 and specialized in playing the great historical figures--such as "Disraeli" (1921 and 1929), "Alexander Hamilton" (1931), "Voltaire" (1933), and "Cardinal Richelieu" (1935)--that had made him famous in the theater. Known as "The First Gentleman of the Screen" in the 1930s, Arliss occasionally appeared with his wife, Florence Montgomery Arliss; their son Leslie was a screenwriter and director.

Filmographyclose complete filmography

CAST: (feature film)

1.
 Doctor Syn (1937) Doctor Syn, also known as Clegg, the pirate
2.
 Man of Affairs (1937) Richard/Lord Duncaster
3.
 East Meets West (1936) Sultan of Rungay
4.
 The Iron Duke (1935) Duke of Wellington
5.
 Mister Hobo (1935) François Rothschild, also known as Spike, "The Guv'nor"
6.
 Cardinal Richelieu (1935) Cardinal Richelieu
7.
 Transatlantic Tunnel (1935) Prime Minster of England
8.
 The Last Gentleman (1934) Cabot Barr
9.
 The House of Rothschild (1934) Mayer Rothschild/Nathan Rothschild
10.
 Voltaire (1933) Voltaire
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Milestones close milestones

:
Began with the Elephant and Castle theater; reportedly on stage for almost a year before given a line to speak; first part in "Vidocq"
1890:
First West End appearance (bit), "Across Her Path"
1900:
First starring role on London stage opposite Mrs. Patrick Campbell in "Mr & Mrs Daventry"
1902:
Successful Broadway debut opposite Campbell in Shaw's "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray"
1910:
First created most famous role, "Disraeli" (date approximate)
1920:
First major film role, recreating stage role in "The Devil"
1923:
Triumphant return to London stage in "The Green Goddess" after 22 years in America (date approximate)
1923:
Became first president of the Episcopal Actors Guild in New York; held position for 15 years
1924:
Returned to American stage
1928:
Last formal stage appearance, "What Shall It Profit?" (Which he co-wrote)
1929:
Returned to film after six years to make talkie debut in title role of "Disraeli" (which he had filmed previously in 1921)
1937:
Last film, "Dr. Syn", made in England
VIEW ALL MILESTONES

Notes

Received honorary degree from Columbia University in 1919

Plays written by Arliss include "The Wild Rabbit," "There and Back," "Widow's Weeds," "The West End" (with Sir George Dance), "Hamilton" (with Mrs. Hamlin), and "What Shall It Profit?" (with Brander Matthews).

Companions close complete companion listing

wife:
Florence Arliss. Actor. Born 1873, died in Lomdon, February 5, 1946; appeared in supporting roles in several of her husband's films, for example as Lady Beaconsfield in both the silent and sound versions of "Disraeli"; Arliss retired to care for her after she went blind.

Family close complete family listing

father:
William Arliss-Andrews. Printer and publisher.
son:
Leslie Arliss. Director, screenwriter.

Bibliography close complete biography

"On the Stage"
"Up the Years from Bloomsbury"
"My Ten Years in the Studios"

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