Another vehicle for Arliss
Alexander Hamilton is a 1931 film written by and starring George Arliss and produced by Warner Bros in an attempt to match MGM's prestige films.
George Arliss (1868-1946) plays Hamilton. Arliss was a major star on the stage and in the silent and the early talkie period, with films like "Disraeli" (1921 and 1929) and "Voltaire" (1933). He won the Academy Award for "Disraeli" (1929) and was nominated again for "The Green Goddess" (1930). He seems strangely cast as young Hamilton given that Arliss was in his 60s playing a man in his 30s.
Note that Arliss was so well regarded by Warner Bros. his name is even larger than the title of the film.
Alan Mowbray (1896-1969) plays George Washington. He appeared in more than 140 films from 1931 to 1962. He had a recurring role in the "Topper" series and made memorable contributions to films such as "The King and I" (1956), "The Man who Knew Too Much" (1956), "My Darling Clementine" (1946) and "Wagon Master" (1950).
Montagu Love (1877-1943) plays Thomas Jefferson. Love was a major star in the silent and early talkie period, playing in more than 100 films. He's best known for supporting roles as the Bishop in "Robin Hood" (1938), Henry VIII in "Prince and the Pauper": (1937), and Zorro in "The Mask of Zorro" (1940).
The film is directed by John Adolfi (1888-1933) a silent film director who made several films with Arliss. The film shows its stage origins.
The film centers on where to locate the capital and how to finance the new government, as well as Hamilton's indiscretion. But much of the dynamism of Hamilton's life (his active libido, his relationship with Washington, his feud with Aaron Burr) are missing.
1931 was a great year for film. The top grossing films were "Frankenstein", "Cimarron", "Mata Hari", "City Lights", and "Dracula". The Oscars went to "Cimarron" (Picture), "The Champ" (Actor), and "Min and Bill" (Actress). Other notable films released that year include "M", "Public Enemy", "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde", and "Monkey Business". Any of these films hold up much better than this one.
George Arliss (1868-1946) plays Hamilton. Arliss was a major star on the stage and in the silent and the early talkie period, with films like "Disraeli" (1921 and 1929) and "Voltaire" (1933). He won the Academy Award for "Disraeli" (1929) and was nominated again for "The Green Goddess" (1930). He seems strangely cast as young Hamilton given that Arliss was in his 60s playing a man in his 30s.
Note that Arliss was so well regarded by Warner Bros. his name is even larger than the title of the film.
Alan Mowbray (1896-1969) plays George Washington. He appeared in more than 140 films from 1931 to 1962. He had a recurring role in the "Topper" series and made memorable contributions to films such as "The King and I" (1956), "The Man who Knew Too Much" (1956), "My Darling Clementine" (1946) and "Wagon Master" (1950).
Montagu Love (1877-1943) plays Thomas Jefferson. Love was a major star in the silent and early talkie period, playing in more than 100 films. He's best known for supporting roles as the Bishop in "Robin Hood" (1938), Henry VIII in "Prince and the Pauper": (1937), and Zorro in "The Mask of Zorro" (1940).
The film is directed by John Adolfi (1888-1933) a silent film director who made several films with Arliss. The film shows its stage origins.
The film centers on where to locate the capital and how to finance the new government, as well as Hamilton's indiscretion. But much of the dynamism of Hamilton's life (his active libido, his relationship with Washington, his feud with Aaron Burr) are missing.
1931 was a great year for film. The top grossing films were "Frankenstein", "Cimarron", "Mata Hari", "City Lights", and "Dracula". The Oscars went to "Cimarron" (Picture), "The Champ" (Actor), and "Min and Bill" (Actress). Other notable films released that year include "M", "Public Enemy", "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde", and "Monkey Business". Any of these films hold up much better than this one.
- drjgardner
- Jun 11, 2016