Many of the reviews have focused on Arliss and Davis, and deservedly so. Hence there's no need to rehash that material. I want to highlight the excellent supporting cast.
Violet Heming (1895-1981) plays a suitor for Arliss. She was a British stage actress who worked with Arliss. She made few films (part of Thanhouser) and is best known for her stage work, which is unfortunate for the rest of us since her acting is really exceptional.
Louise Closser Hale (1872-1933) plays Arliss' sister and confidant. She combined a grandmotherly spirit with a quick wit and a sometimes tart edge in supporting roles ("Daddy Long Legs", "Shanghai Express", "Platinum Blonde") and her skill is probably nowhere better on exhibit than in this film.
Ivan Simpson (1875-1951) plays Arliss' manservant. He was a Scottish stage and film actor who worked with Arliss during the silent era. He made more than 100 films and later transitioned to TV. He was used extensively in the British dramas ("Prince and the Pauper", "Lloyds of London", "Captain Blood", "Mutiny on the Bounty"). This is probably the best example of his considerable talents, and the chemistry between he and Arliss is a joy to watch.
Look for Ray Milland (uncredited) in a brief scene in which he plays a man threatened with prison. For Milland (1907-86) this was his 15th film and fame was still a few years ahead. Ultimately he won an Oscar for "The Lost Weekend" (1946).
Also look for Hedda Hopper (1885-1966) as a west coast society matron. She is better known for her gossip columns, but she did, in fact, appear in over 100 films between 1916 and 1946.
This isn't a perfect film. It's a bit too long, Arliss does a few too many silent era long closeups, and the age difference between Arliss and Davis (24 vs. 65) is a bit too much. Otherwise it is a definite treat and holds up well after all these years.
Violet Heming (1895-1981) plays a suitor for Arliss. She was a British stage actress who worked with Arliss. She made few films (part of Thanhouser) and is best known for her stage work, which is unfortunate for the rest of us since her acting is really exceptional.
Louise Closser Hale (1872-1933) plays Arliss' sister and confidant. She combined a grandmotherly spirit with a quick wit and a sometimes tart edge in supporting roles ("Daddy Long Legs", "Shanghai Express", "Platinum Blonde") and her skill is probably nowhere better on exhibit than in this film.
Ivan Simpson (1875-1951) plays Arliss' manservant. He was a Scottish stage and film actor who worked with Arliss during the silent era. He made more than 100 films and later transitioned to TV. He was used extensively in the British dramas ("Prince and the Pauper", "Lloyds of London", "Captain Blood", "Mutiny on the Bounty"). This is probably the best example of his considerable talents, and the chemistry between he and Arliss is a joy to watch.
Look for Ray Milland (uncredited) in a brief scene in which he plays a man threatened with prison. For Milland (1907-86) this was his 15th film and fame was still a few years ahead. Ultimately he won an Oscar for "The Lost Weekend" (1946).
Also look for Hedda Hopper (1885-1966) as a west coast society matron. She is better known for her gossip columns, but she did, in fact, appear in over 100 films between 1916 and 1946.
This isn't a perfect film. It's a bit too long, Arliss does a few too many silent era long closeups, and the age difference between Arliss and Davis (24 vs. 65) is a bit too much. Otherwise it is a definite treat and holds up well after all these years.