Prime Minister Disraeli (George Arliss) schemes to advance Britain's (and his own) colonial aspirations by purchasing the Suez Canal from the Khedive of Egypt before Russia can snap it up. Based on a play of the same name, the film was lauded when released, earning a nomination for a Best Picture Academy Award and a win for Arliss as best actor. Although there is some historical content, the central 'plot' involving romance and Russian agents is fictional (and a bit silly), as is the 'twist' in which Myers (Ivan F. Simpson), Disraeli's financial backer, announces that he is bankrupt (the actual moneyman was Lionel de Rothschild, who was definitely not bankrupt). The film's look, pacing and acting are very dated and, although Arliss turns in an interesting performance, his makeup and 'hairdo' make the famous politician look a bit ridiculous. I recently watched the film on TCM - image quality was OK but the sound was poor. Of interest as a part of Hollywood (but not British) history.
Review of Disraeli
