Irresistible Humour In “The Millionaire”

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6838, 20 April 1932, Page 5

Irresistible Humour In “The Millionaire”

The whole stoty of “The Millionaire,” for the Begent on April 30, is delightful and the acting of George Arliss, in every detail, one of the rare joys of the confinne theatre-goer. The picture is entirely clean and sane with an irresistible humour threaded through it, and the dialogue is always to the point and witty.

Direction and photography arc in the first class, and the cast, is composed of loading names, the star s real vri e, Florence Arliss, who was also in Lisraeli,” being his wifo here, loo; and Sam Hardv, J. Farrell MacDonald, Bramwoll Fletcher and Ivan Simpson forming the rest. It is a picture to be thoroughly cnjoved from first to last. Based on “Idle Hands,” by Earl Derr Diggers, the story makes a fine vehicle for the display of the genius of George Arliss in a role a good deal different from any of his others, being that of an up-to-date business man in modern America. Presumably from overwork at GO, the doctor orders him all cessation. from office' toil, bans his pipe, puts him on a diet and prescribes various medicines. At the end of six months he is naturally much worse and dying from ennui; but an insurance agent (James Cagney) bursting in on him one day, gives sound advice (after finding that ho is “retired,” as they never take a “retired ’ life), which is to dig up a small business somewhere and work it up to a good paying concern. Arliss—Alden in the film—dodges his devoted wife and daughter, sneaks out in a shabby old suit and hat, and finally buys into a filling station business with young Bill Merrick (David Manners), from Noah Beery and Tully Marshall, who do a sharp bit of work with him. Young Bill falls in love with Barbara, Aldcn’s daughter, not knowing that this is the daughter of his old partner who is going under the name of Charlie Miller; and his remarks to Miller about Alden are airfusing in the extreme.

Few know that Irene Dunne, appearing in EKO-Radio Pictures’ “Consolation Marriage,” was onco an opera star and a leading figure in musical comedy. Miss Dunne sang a complete season with the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York, and appeared in many musical shows, including “Irene” and “Showboat.” Her screen fame be©uj. .with "v