A Successful Calamity

George Arliss is marvelous as a successful financial agent (Henry) who suffers "A Successful Calamity" of his own creation. He has two children, Evalyn Knapp (Peggy) and William Janney (Eddie). As his character states, he wisely picked younger Mary Astor for his second wife (Emmy), after becoming a widower. You can spot Randolph Scott as polo coach, wearing a "bull's-eye" striped cap.

When this film begins, Arliss is returning home from a successful business venture; he ls looking forward to catching up with the family. However, his wife and children are caught up in polo matches and socials. Then, he announces he is financially "Ruined!" How will the family take their imminent poverty?

Mr. Arliss commands the screen in a way few actors do (Greta Garbo may be a good comparison). He uses both big and slight glances and twitches of face and body. He uses intonation of voice and is obviously aware of camera positions and continuity. Arliss is magnificent at a stuffy piano recital (watch every movement!), and delightful simply drinking tea. Also, watch how he changes his acting ever-so slightly when he tells Ms. Astor they are penniless.

"The poor don't get to go very often." is a line to watch for - first as uttered in a conversation with loyal Butler Connors (Grant Mitchell, in perhaps the best of the film's supporting performances); the scene triggers Arliss' plan. With "A Successful Calamity", Arliss has selected a role which enables a commanding performance.

********* A Successful Calamity (1932) John G. Adolfi ~ George Arliss, Mary Astor, Grant Mitchell, Evalyn Knapp

If you liked Greedy, check out A Successful Calamity, a comedy about a millionaire who pretends to be penniless to bond with his family. George Arliss stars as the patriarch, and after a year and a half abroad, he returns home to find his family all off living the life of the rich and famous. His wife, Mary Astor, is involved with a piano prodigy, Fortunio Bonanova, and has lavish taste in modern art. His daughter, Evalyn Knapp, is set to marry a wealthy beau even though she's clearly in love with the poor, hunky Randolph Scott. His son, Hardie Albright, spends all this time with polo ponies and fast women. Only his loyal butler, Grant Mitchell, sticks by his side.

In an effort to reconnect with his family, George tells everyone he's ruined. What will happen? Will his plan backfire? You'll have to watch this movie to find out, and I highly recommend you do. It's very cute, funny, and quick. Don't turn your brain off during this movie, since finances are readily discussed. Easily imagined as Clare Kummer's original play, it's fast-paced yet calming, since family love is at the heart of the story. I'd never seen a George Arliss film before, and while he is unimpressive in his first scene, he quickly charms the audience with his wit, intelligence, and genuine affection towards the other characters. It's no wonder he was such a popular actor in the early days of cinema.

In all too many movies like this one, the family members are selfish and care little about others. As soon as Arliss's character confesses to his family that he's in financial trouble, they all jump on the bandwagon to help out. They express regret over being the cause of the problem by having spent too much money. The children love their stepmother. She, in turn, pawns her jewels to help out. While perhaps a bit corny by today's standards, this movie stands out as one that anyone who genuinely likes people could enjoy.

The second of two films George Arliss & Mary Astor made together (the first was Man who played God, 1922). Successful stock market businessman Henry Wilton returns home to find his house in full turmoil - his wife is entertaining, and his dashing, perfect kids are busy with their lives and loves. Even when his business dealings start going bad, Wilton cracks jokes that no-one else seems to hear. When he can't get time alone with his wife, he devises a scheme to have more time alone with her. and... just like on I Love Lucy, his scheme backfires. Surprisingly good quality sound and photography for 1932. It was just post-silents, and you can still see a lot of black facial features make up on Arliss and others. Viewers will recognize Grant Mitchell as Connors, Mr. Wilton's butler, who appeared in tons of films, usually as a stern, serious leader. Fun plot involves the stock market, which is a little surprising, so soon after the stock market crash of 1929, but as someone has previously noted, the original play was written and presented in 1917.

Sadly, while George Arliss was known by his colleagues as a great stage actor, the number of films he appeared in were relatively few despite his talents. In each of them I have seen, he gave a seemingly effortless and graceful performance that made me love his characters--in other words, he gave them great life and charm. Here, Arliss plays a major industrialist who spent a year abroad following WWI working for the American government. However, when he returns, he finds that his wife and grown kids are too busy to truly welcome him home and he longs for a happy family life. Then, rather by accident, he comes upon the idea of convincing the family that despite his millions, he is in fact broke. Here is where the film really comes to life. How each of these people as well as Arliss' butler react to the calamity is quite amazing--especially since the script is so magnificently written, it kept me guessing to the very end. It's not often that a film does this, as most films are rather derivative.

In addition to Arliss, Mary Astor, Grant Mitchell and the rest of the family, towards the end is a brief appearance of a very young Randolph Scott--and boy does he look young.

Lovely acting, great script writing and direction make this a wonderful comedy treat that deserves to be remembered. Watch the film then tell your friends--this one is a keeper!