George Arliss

Lore & Background

Arliss began his theatre career in the British provinces in 1887 and by 1900 was playing London's West End in supporting roles. He toured America in 1901 with Mrs. Patrick Campbell's troupe, intending to stay only for the tour, but remained for twenty years, making his Broadway debut in Magda (1902). He became a star in 1908 in The Devil, and later toured in Disraeli for five years after a play was commissioned for him. He began his film career with The Devil (1921), followed by Disraeli and four other silent films, all of which survive. He successfully converted to sound films at age 61, remaking both The Green Goddess and Disraeli in 1929 and winning the Best Actor Academy Award for the latter.

Arliss made 10 sound films exclusively for Warner Bros. under a contract that gave him unusual creative control, including casting actors and rewriting scripts, though these privileges were not mentioned in his contract. He built a production unit at Warners, with Maude T. Howell as an assistant producer, one of the few female film executives in Hollywood at the time. He often appeared with his wife Florence Arliss, who played his character's spouse in many films. Arliss had an eye for discovering unknown talent, including James Cagney, Randolph Scott, and Dick Powell. After Darryl F. Zanuck left Warners in April 1933, Arliss left the studio and signed with Zanuck's new 20th Century Pictures, prompting Warners to complain that Zanuck had 'stolen' their star.

In 1934, British filmgoers named Arliss their favourite male star. He completed his last film, Doctor Syn, in 1937, and returned to America later that year. He and Florence appeared on Cecil B. DeMille's Lux Radio Theatre in 1938 and 1939. Returning to London in April 1939, the onset of World War II prevented their return to America. In September 1941, the British Government charged Arliss with failing to report bank accounts in the U.S. and Canada; he claimed ignorance and was fined. He died in Maida Hill, London, of a bronchial ailment on 5 February 1946, aged 77.

Reader's Guide

George Arliss holds a unique place in film history as the first British actor to win an Academy Award and the earliest-born actor of any category to do so. His career spanned legitimate theatre, silent films, and sound films, and he successfully transitioned to talkies at age 61. He is best remembered for his series of historical biopics, including Disraeli, Voltaire, and Cardinal Richelieu, as well as light comedies such as The Millionaire and A Successful Calamity. Arliss exercised unusual creative control at Warner Bros., casting actors and rewriting scripts, and helped launch the careers of James Cagney, Randolph Scott, Dick Powell, and Bette Davis. His legacy includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and membership in the American Theater Hall of Fame. He was also a prominent anti-vivisectionist and strict vegetarian, and his gravestone highlights an honorary Master of Arts degree from Columbia University over his acting achievements.

Did You Know?

• George Arliss was the first British actor to win an Academy Award, and is the earliest-born actor of any category to win the honour.
• He was a strict vegetarian who stated 'I eat nothing I can pat' and walked four miles each day.
• His gravestone highlights an honorary Master of Arts degree from Columbia University (1919) rather than his acting success.
• He helped launch the careers of James Cagney, Randolph Scott, Dick Powell, and Bette Davis.