User Reviews

George Arliss's name was synonymous with "Great Acting" back in the early talking film era and he more or less lives up to the reputation herein, playing a Henry Ford-style auto magnate in failing health whose doctor insists that he retire and take it easy lest his heart give out. So he reluctantly but obediently moves to sunny California with his wife and daughter where he settles into a life of vice-free boredom. One day a cocky insurance salesman (played by the motor-mouthed James Cagney in an early supporting role) suggests that he would be happier if he bought a small business as a hobby just to keep the old juices flowing. Arliss finds the advice intriguing and responds to a newspaper ad offering half interest in a filling station. Posing as an ordinary investor under an assumed name, he purchases the half interest without hesitation from a suspicious seller (Noah Beery) and discovers his partner is a handsome young would-be architect (David Manners in one of his better efforts) biding his time until he can get his real career off the ground. Soon it becomes clear to both that Beery has swindled them, knowing that a new superhighway nearby would soon open and attract all vehicles away from the spot where their filling station was located. Using the business acumen he has accrued through the years, Arliss hatches a plan to purchase property across the street from the swindler's new filling station and drive him out of business with better service, better advertising and a more attractive establishment. Meanwhile, Arliss's daughter drives in for a fill-up and is recognized by Manners as the attractive girl he met briefly at a college dance a few years earlier. He falls head over heels in love with her and decides to marry her, little knowing she is the daughter of his partner. As this romantic subplot plays out, Arliss's health improves by degrees under the healthy stimulus of running a small business, even as he declines to swallow the medicines prescribed by his doctor. It's fun to watch Arliss play this lovable character who learns how to heal himself. It's a wise film indeed, demonstrating that care of the spirit is just as important as medicinal regimens. The whole thing moves along at a brisk pace. Cagney's brief bit is memorable in a "star is born" manner—the elegant old pro Arliss generously allowing the brash young actor to steal the scene. Arliss did a similar favor for young Bette Davis in THE MAN WHO PLAYED GOD a year later.

... and it's a shame that he is largely forgotten to film history. He was in Warner Brothers' earliest talking films, and even scored a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in Disraeli in 1929. He was later lured to Fox, and I think that was a mistake since his best film work was at Warner Brothers. He was largely known for his stage work.

Here Arliss plays James Alden, owner and founder of an automobile company. When his doctor tells him he must stop work at age 60 and take a prolonged rest or die, at first he wants to ignore the warnings, but then thinks of his wife and daughter (played by Arliss' actual wife and Evalyn Knapp, respectively).

So off the trio goes to California, and the next we see of Alden he is sitting at a table in a garden wrapped in a blanket surrounded by prescription bottles, looking entirely unhappy about his situation. He is visited by an insurance agent, Scofield (James Cagney) who wants no part of selling him life insurance once he finds out Alden is retired, because he says the retired tend to die quickly. Scofield says if he had Alden's money what he would do is find one of the small business opportunities in the newspaper, and take an interest in running some small place so that he has a sense of purpose.

Alden takes Scofield's advice, but in the meantime he must fool his wife and daughter so that they don't worry or put a stop to his plans, and he must also fool his new business partner (David Manners) because he doesn't want him to think/know that they can just go to James Alden for any money they need. He wants to live by his wits, like he did when he started out, because he thinks the challenge might refresh and thus cure him. Things get complex when Manners' character gets interested in Alden's daughter, independent of the business venture. Noah Beery plays the villain here, trying to thwart the plans of Alden and his partner. It is rather refreshing here to see him play a normal kind of villain for a change.

I can't help but believe that Arliss might have been, in real life, the same kind of person he played on the screen - mischievous, impish, energetic, and always trying to help out the younger crowd. He gave Bette Davis her start at Warner Brothers, and I wonder if this cameo role for James Cagney wasn't his doing too.

At any rate, this film is a light hearted delight and I'd recommend it.

Coerced into early retirement, a bored former automobile tycoon decides buy a petrol station and operate it, but keeping the business a secret from his concerned family and competing with a rival petrol station proprietor prove challenging in this amiable comedy starring George Arliss. The film is best known nowadays for James Cagney's brief turn as a fast-talking, pipe-smoking insurance salesman who first makes Arliss consider buying a side business after noting that retirees tend to pass away earlier than those who remain employed to the end. Cagney absolutely nails the role, but the film belongs to Arliss all the way who proves himself a surprisingly sharp and shrewd businessman (he puts up a sign saying "don't ruin your car with cheap gas" as a response to his competitor lowering his prices). The film takes an incredibly long time to warm up though and it is only really in the second half of the movie that the comedy side of the film takes off. The laughs are, however, very good with lots of confused identity business as Arliss has to pretend to be penniless for his gas station partner and also has to pretend to not be working for the benefit of his family. 'The Millionaire' is a tad problematic if viewed as a message film (it advocates blatantly ignoring medical advice), but the writers are smart enough to keep any such themes in the background though and the comedy at the forefront. Noah Beery (brother of Wallace) also turns in a fine performance as the petrol competitor who learns an unexpected lesson or two from the highly experienced Arliss.

Health problems force an elderly auto tycoon into retirement. Refusing to stay idle, he buys half ownership into a service station & gleefully begins to work there, incognito. The old man is now able to help his young partner in matters of business & romance. But what will happen if he's discovered to be, in reality, THE MILLIONAIRE?

George Arliss was a wonderful actor, now sadly neglected. The merest glance, the smallest movement of his hands, the raised eyebrow or vocal inflection, these all spoke volumes. Here, he has a fine outlet for his artistry. The film moves right along, without any dull moments, fueled by the fun of watching Arliss act.

He is given good support by David Manners (a fine leading man of the 1930's) as his partner; Noah Beery as a beefy business rival; and real-life wife Florence Arliss. James Cagney, not quite yet a star, breezes in for a few moments as an insurance agent who gives Arliss some good advice. Effortlessly, he steals the scene from Arliss (the old man seems amused), a very rare event, indeed.

George Arliss does it again! I recently saw "The Working Man (1933)" and loved it because the audience is let in on a deception that few of the cast know about. This is another film in the same vein. It makes for some very funny situations. The funniest scene happens when Arliss' wife, Florence Arliss (his real-life wife too), also comes around for some gas, but you have to see the film for that. By the way, the remake "That Way with Women (1947)" is pretty much a turkey; Arliss makes all the difference.

The supporting cast includes James Cagney (a standout) in his fourth film as an insurance agent convincing Arliss to get some work because retired men are poor life insurance risks. Also good is Noah Beery as the owner of the gas station.

Automobile tycoon James Alden (George Arliss) is forced into retirement due to health concerns. He is utterly bored. After talking to insurance salesman Schofield (James Cagney), he answers a newspaper ad to buy half a gas station under the fake name Charles Miller. He and his new partner Bill Merrick have been suckered by Peterson who moved his business next to the new highway. The duo decides to move across the street to compete directly. Meanwhile, Bill falls for Alden's daughter without realizing her father is his partner.

Arliss is great. There are social class differences that are harder to understand. Non-physical comedy is often harder to translate across time. The stakes are pretty low since Alden will always be rich and he will always approve of Bill for his daughter. Early James Cagney has a minor role. It has its fun but it doesn't strike me as hilarious in the modern sense.

If you see "The Millionaire" come on TV, check it out. Record it if you can't watch it 'live'. This is a wonderful and funny movie. In brief, the owner of an automobile manufacturing company - apparently patterned on Henry Ford - is told by his doctor that he must retire or the stress may kill him. He turns over his company to underlings and soon we see him out west in California, sitting in a chair at a lawn party, blanket over his legs, and a young woman asks him if he wants a piece of buttered toast. Telling her he's not allowed - his 'sulfurated wafer' is waiting for him - he tells her he can only have toast on his birthday next April. "You'll call again in the Spring..." he suggests.

There is a wonderful appearance by a very young Jimmy Cagney as an insurance salesman who refuses to sell him life insurance after learning that he is retired. Cagney tells him that once men retire to the sidelines they just fall apart. He suggests that the older man buy a business and run it 'as a toy' to give himself something to do.

The old guy does just that - he and a younger man buy a service station but it turns out they've been swindled; they weren't told by the seller that the road where it's located is about to be bypassed, and with it, almost all of the customer traffic. The old guy sets about evening up the score.

You can't help but like the main character, and his dry wit is such a difference from the punch-you-in-the-stomach "humor" of today's comedy, much of which depends on precocious kids and sexual innuendo and poddy-mouth comments. No sir, this old film has some genuine humor, if you are mature and intelligent enough to appreciate it.

I snagged this film and burned it to a DVD, and am glad I did. It's a great old movie - if you can see it, I promise you'll enjoy it.

Millionaire, The (1931)

** (out of 4)

George Arliss plays a happy go lucky tycoon who is forced to retire after health scares. Early in his retirement he grows tiresome and decides to open a gas station just so he can have something to do. This is a pretty standard little film meaning that it's not too bad but it's not too good either. The biggest problem is that the screenplay is just too simple and rather uninteresting. Apparently this was the type of role Arliss played a lot and he does a good job here but it couldn't raise the film's level any for me. James Cagney has a brief cameo during one scene and steals the movie. David Manners turns in a good supporting performance as well but again, the screenplay doesn't do anyone any favors.

I was watching The Millionaire today with George Arliss and went into the database to refresh my memory of the matinee idol David Manners. As I was reading through his stage and film credits I noticed that one of them was "The Baretts of Wimpole Street 1934 with Claudette Colbert. In my opinion even a novitiate film fan knows that the 1934 film by that name is starring Norma Shearer and Frederick March. It should be noted that not even the best databases can be counted on to be accurate 100% of the time. But this one is a biggie I hope somebody notices my comment.

It's a shame that George Arliss was already an old man by the time the talking picture era arrived. Had he been younger, he would have been an even bigger star as he was simply a terrific actor--the best of his era. He's so good that every film he's in has a lot of charm simply because of his presence. Because I have loved so many of his pictures, that's why I made sure to watch "The Millionaire" when it came on TCM.

The story is about James Alden, a rich man who owns a prosperous car manufacturing company. One day his doctor tells him he's got to quit work and retire to a quiet life...or his days are numbered. So naturally he retires...and soon is bored to death! When he meets a fast-talking insurance salesman (James Cagney), he realizes that it's better to die happy...and that means going back to work. However, his wife (played by Arliss' real life wife) isn't about to stand for him go to work...so he decides to do it on the sly.

Alden decides to buy himself something small...a job he can own and work at his own pace. He buys a half interest in a gas station and is shocked to learn that he's been cheated--as the man selling it knew that a new road was going in and it would bypass the station! He and his new partner are angry...and both vow to give that jerk a run for him money, as the nasty guy (Noah Beery) has used the money from the sale to open a new station on the new road.

In the meantime, Alden likes his new partner, Bill...but he doesn't reveal that he's Alden. Instead, he pretends that Alden gave him money for the station and Bill that Alden is a real jerk! This is a problem...as in the meantime Bill's fallen in love with Alden's daughter. Alden is happy, as her old boyfriend is a real putz! But instead of giving them his blessing, he decides to have a little joke! And, this leads to a very delightful finale.

Overall, this is yet another great Arliss film...and much of it is clearly due to Arliss. He was simply marvelous in the film and with most other actors it simply couldn't have been this good...and it is amazingly good and well worth your time. A cute and enjoyable little comedy.

Arliss may have been trained in unmiked stage and silent movie performances, but he doesn't seem to have adjusted to tone down his gestures to compensate for the fact that his audience can hear him.

The gentle humor of this film is balanced by a certain amount of social conscience, making it even as a dated story something moderately charming. Set in California during the Great Depression, it is pure fantasy of the kind much needed in movie-houses during those dark days. Although it is now rare in our decadent corporate epoch to find a happy and generous -- not to say intelligent -- millionaire free of the desire to line his own pockets at the expense of his employees, the character as played by George Arliss transcends mere capitalism and inspires us to higher purposes.

Cameos by James Cagney and Wallace Beery provide some historical flavor for film buffs, as do some truly grand vintage automobiles going in and out of the service stations central to the story. Though that story remains thin and improbable, it is fast-paced and directed with élan. My own appreciation was enhanced by noting at the outset the name of Booth Tarkington as one of the writers. He was without a doubt one of the finest popular novelists of the early twentieth century, now largely forgotten. The playful tone he employed in the "Penrod" stories is much evident here.

A very fine production for 1931.

I am very surprised that this being James Cagney's 4th film he took a step back and only appears for a few minutes. Having said that I'm kind of glad as it allowed George Arliss to shine and shine he does.

I discovered this gem as I was collecting Cagney's movies as he and Bogart were my childhood hero's. Arliss is someone I had never heard of but boy I was overjoyed at this charming man. He has a nack of drawing you in with his charm and just a lift of an eyebrow and a quirky smile makes you feel warm.

This film is set during the depression in the thirties but sure makes you feel happy. A real feel good film and one to watch should you get the chance.

Funny, uplifting and overall warm film.

THE MILLIONAIRE (Warner Brothers, 1931), directed by John G. Adolfi, is a title that bears no relation to the successful 1950s television series of that same name starring Marvin Miller. This Millionaire happens to be a rich little gem starring George Arliss with plot elements based on the story "Idle Hands" by Earl Derr Biggers (creator of "Charlie Chan" mysteries), as well as a talkie remake to THE RULING PASSION (United Artists, 1921), that also starred George Arliss. Though Arliss is the center of attention during much of its 80 minutes, as he was in many of his stage plays and movies, contemporary viewers and film buffs would personally view THE MILLIONAIRE more for the brief three minute segment featuring James Cagney, shortly before his leading performance as THE PUBLIC ENEMY (1931) that made him an overnight star in his own right.

The story introduces James Alden (George Arliss) as a self-made millionaire in his sixties having worked his way up as president of Alden Motor Company. He is advised by his associates, McCoy (Sam Hardy) and Ed Powers (Charles Grapewin) of having to save on cost and production on car engines as opposed to Alden's satisfaction using quality material instead. Though dedicated to his hard work, his family physician, Doctor Harvey (J. C. Nugent) advises him to not only to stop smoking pipes and cigars, but to also give up his profession for the sake of his health, his wife, Laura (Florence Arliss) and daughter, Barbara (Evalyn Knapp). After leaving his establishment after many years, leaving McCoy and Powers in charge, the Aldens go west to a California resort where, six months later under routine and medication, Alden takes the advise of Schofield (James Cagney), a fast-taking life insurance salesman, to fight boredom by returning to the working force. Going under an assumed name of Charles Miller, Alden buys a half interest to a gas station from Mr. Peterson (Noah Beery), with Bill Merrick (David Manners) and Al (Spec O'Donnell) as his new partners. Aside from keeping his double life a secret from his family and smoking again, Alden soon discovers his lack of customers to be due the opening of a new state highway where Peterson's prosperous new gas station is located. Being a shrewd businessman, Alden competes with Peterson while trying to keep his employer, Bill, with ambition of becoming an architect, from learning the girl he is dating happens to be his daughter, and showing interest in wanting to marry her. Other cast members include Bramwell Fletcher (Carter Andrews); Ivan Simpson (Davis, the Butler); J. Farrell MacDonald (Dan Lewis). Charles Evans (The Gardener); Tully Marshall (Mr. Briggs); and Ethel Griffies (Mrs. Andrews).

The plot, done with humor and zest, rings true in most parts when a hard working individual finds himself forced to retire, to become grumpy when idle and bored, only to be full of life again when assuming another job to occupy his spare time. Though George Arliss is best known playing historical figures as his Academy Award winning performance as DISRAELI (1929); ALEXANDER HAMILTON (1931) and VOLTAIRE (1933), he is most enjoyable in light comedy such as this. One notable scene where Alden nostalgically looking over his office one last time before leaving to the underscoring of "Old Acquaintance," is reminiscent to Walter Huston's masterful performance as DODSWORTH (Samuel Goldwyn, 1936). As much as the John Alden role might have been played by Will Rogers in similar fashion, or funnier tradition by W. C. Fields, Arliss is perfectly cast and believably placed. THE MILLIONAIRE did lead Warners with further editions as THE BIG NOISE (1936) starring Guy Kibbee; and updated reworking with THAT WAY WITH WOMEN (1947) featuring Sydney Greenstreet.

Rarely seen for many years, and never distributed on video cassette, THE MILLIONAIRE began to surface on public television in the late 1980s before becoming a regular fixture on cable television's Turner Classic Movies, where this and other richness of Arliss acting style can be seen and rediscovered by contemporary viewers of classic cinema. (***1/2)

James Cagney is forever in the minds of movie buffs as the hyper-acting gangster hitching up his pants before he fires guns-a-blazing. The New York City-native played a variety of characters throughout his long career in addition to his many roles as a criminal. One account describes how director William Wellman and the Warner Brothers studio selected the actor to be in "The Public Enemy" when May 1931's "The Millionaire" was being filmed on the studio lot in late 1930. Cagney's role as a life insurance salesman is brief in the movie, but it is pivotal to the plot's development.

George Arliss plays wealthy car maker James Alden, and has just retired. He's completely bored with new his sedentary life-style when he's approached by Schofield (Cagney) to give Alden a sales pitch on a life insurance policy. Once he realizes it's futile for an elderly man to buy such a policy, Schofield tells him if he were retired he would start a new business just to liven those retirement years up. That spurs Alden to go partners with Bill Merrick (David Manners) to buy a gas station, only to realize he's been swindle by the seller. The garage owner knows a highway is being planned a mile up the road where he aims to place his new gas station while Alden is stuck with a white elephant.

What makes "The Millionaire" so noteworthy, besides being a light-hearted movie showcasing veteran stage and film Academy Award Best Actor winner George Arliss, is how Cagney and he play off one another in that short scene. Cagney, in his budding film career, was limited to small roles in several of his movie appearances. He didn't advance into larger ones because studios felt his quick-talking delivery was unsuitable for the emerging audio technology. For the first couple of years of sound dialogue, the standard practice was to have the actors speak in slow, deliberate voices, with pauses between the actors' lines so viewers could digest what was being said. With Cagney, his lightning-fast delivery was completely opposite. Arliss, who was given the power to select the actor for that brief, albeit crucial scene, chose Cagney among those young actors whom Warner Brothers offered. Arliss loved Cagney's "natural behavior and innate cockiness," he said, just the perfect characteristics for the role.

As reviewer Mick LaSalle noted, the passing of the torch between generations of actors was occurring during that one brief scene. "In The Millionaire, the past and future meet at a moment of ideal stasis, just before the past has started to end and the future about to start. Two actors, two styles, and two eras are there before our eyes- in a union both incongruous and yet surprisingly harmonious."

No! This movie's 1931 version is not included on Prime Video. In addition, all the versions on YouTube that claim to be the full version ARE NOT, but are clickbait to make dough off of the James Cagney walk-in part. Why are these idiots allowed to claim they are showing the full version?

This perfect little comedy is a depression-era gem that for reasons that are a mystery to me has been largely forgotten. The plot is straightforward: Elderly industrialist James Alden (George Arlis) is advised by his doctor to give up work. After a few months he feels so bored and pampered that he follows the advice of a young insurance salesman (James Cagney) and buys half a petrol station, the other half having just been purchased by an out of work university graduate (David Manners). The two of them soon notice that the seller has fooled them, knowing that the opening of a new bypass would cut off the petrol station from most traffic. Instead of giving up they take the fight to him... The acting is wonderful, with Arlis dominating the screen whenever he appears. Everything about him looks effortless and genuine. Cagney, in one of his earliest film appearances, is so energeting and engaging that you wish he had more screen time, but unfortunately he has just this one brief (though important) scene. Manners, Evalyn Knapp (as Alden's daughter) and Arliss real-life wife Florence (as Alden's wife) play along with verve. The dialogue is witty, and the film is fast-paced. In sum: 'The Millionaire' is a great picture that should be much better known.