“DEAN OF AMERICAN STAGE”

Evening Star, Issue 21006, 21 January 1932, Page 7

“DEAN OF AMERICAN STAGE”

GEORGE ARLISS IN NEW ROLE George Arliss, the dean of the American stage, appears with particular distinction in ‘The Millionaire,’ which will open at the Regent Theatre tomorrow. Besides Arliss, the cast includes Florence Arliss. David Manners, Evalyn Knapp James Cagney, Bramwell Fletcher, Noah Berry, Ivan Simpson, J. C Nugent Sam Hardy, J. Farrell MacDonald, and Tully Marshall. ‘ The Millionaire ’is based on a story by Earl Derr Diggers. Arliss plays the par* of James Alden, a selfmade millionaire automobile manufacturer, who, in the quest of wealth, has depleted his health. His physician advises his going west for a rest cure. This Alden reluctantly does, urged by his prett; daughter Barbara and his wife, who has social - ambitions. Time hangs heavily, 'the claims of society prove irksome, and he is in fear that his daughter will marry one of the idle rich. To add to his discomfiture, an insurance agent tells him that retired business men an, considered higher risks'than these win a-e still active. Alden determines to get busy, and without his family's knowledge answers the advertisement of the owner of a petrol filling station. He arrives at the address jus* after a likeable young.man, Bill Merrick, has paid all his' capital for a half-interest in the garage. Posing as a working man with just a small amount of cash,_ Alden buy? the other half and becomes' Bill’s partner. The first customer for gas is hi own daughter. _ He keeps out of sight, and, notices with interest that tin young people have met before. No further port of .the whimsical and amusing story need be told. It is enough tc say tha Mr Arliss’s brilliant repertory contains no more delightful characterisation.

The following Press criticisms speak for themselves:—“Lines will be forming outside the Winter Garden for weeks to come. If 1 The Millionaire,’ with George Arliss, doesn’t break box office records for that house, then count, us wrong. Has no equal in pictures Will bring the average moviegoer back to the Winter Garden, or wherever thi picture is playing. Once of ‘ The Millionaire ’ won’t be enough.” (‘Graphic’). “ A-r-l-i-s-s spells artistry. Superlatively charming. Audiences were delighted. The theatre’s going-to be full for weeks to come. Definitely another hit, _lt is perfectly turned out., Magnificent entertainment Sparklihgly entertaining.” (‘News’). “Aroused waves of merriment. Mr Arliss’s every action is wonderfully ‘ natural. Good piece of cinematic work and quite a change as a story from the average run of motion pictures.” (‘Times’). “ Genuinely charming entertainment. The finest characterisation he has yet brought to the screen _ls so magnificently managed that it results m the most fascinating feature of the film.” (‘Herald (Tribune’).