George Arliss

Actor

About

Also Known As

George Augustus Andrews, Mr. George Arliss

Birth Place

London, England, GB

Born

April 10, 1868

Died

February 05, 1946

Cause of Death

Bronchial Ailment

Biography

August London and New York stage performer who entered films in 1921 and specialized in playing the great historical figures--such as "Disraeli" (1921 and 1929), "Alexander Hamilton" (1931), "Voltaire" (1933), and "Cardinal Richelieu" (1935)--that had made him famous in the theater. Known as "The First Gentleman of the Screen" in the 1930s, Arliss occasionally appeared with his wife, Flo...

Filmography

Man of Affairs (1937)

Richard/Lord Duncaster

Doctor Syn (1937)

Doctor Syn, also known as Clegg, the pirate

East Meets West (1936)

Sultan of Rungay

Transatlantic Tunnel (1935)

Prime Minster of England

The Iron Duke (1935)

Duke of Wellington

Cardinal Richelieu (1935)

Cardinal Richelieu

Photos & Videos

View All

Successful Calamity, A (1932) -- (Movie Clip) Lots Of Poor People Are Happy

Successful Calamity, A (1932) -- (Movie Clip) You Can't Kill Me

Family & Companions

Florence Arliss

Wife

Actor. Born 1873, died in Lomdon, February 5, 1946; appeared in supporting roles in several of her husband's films, for example as Lady Beaconsfield in both the silent and sound versions of "Disraeli"; Arliss retired to care for her after she went blind.

Bibliography

"My Ten Years in the Studios"

George Arliss (1940)

"Up the Years from Bloomsbury"

George Arliss (1927)

"On the Stage"

George Arliss (1926)

Notes

Received honorary degree from Columbia University in 1919

Plays written by Arliss include "The Wild Rabbit," "There and Back," "Widow's Weeds," "The West End" (with Sir George Dance), "Hamilton" (with Mrs. Hamlin), and "What Shall It Profit?" (with Brander Matthews).

Biography

Filmography

Life Events

1890

First West End appearance (bit), "Across Her Path"

1900

First starring role on London stage opposite Mrs. Patrick Campbell in "Mr & Mrs Daventry"

1902

Successful Broadway debut opposite Campbell in Shaw's "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray"

1910

First created most famous role, "Disraeli" (date approximate)

1920

First major film role, recreating stage role in "The Devil"

1923

Triumphant return to London stage in "The Green Goddess" after 22 years in America (date approximate)

1923

Became first president of the Episcopal Actors Guild in New York; held position for 15 years

1924

Returned to American stage

1928

Last formal stage appearance, "What Shall It Profit?" (Which he co-wrote)

1929

Returned to film after six years to make talkie debut in title role of "Disraeli" (which he had filmed previously in 1921)

1937

Last film, "Dr. Syn", made in England

Photo Collections

Disraeli - Movie Poster

The Green Goddess - Movie Poster

Here is the American one-sheet movie poster for The Green Goddess (1930), starring George Arliss. One-sheets measured 27x41 inches, and were the poster style most commonly used in theaters.

George Arliss - State Express Cigarette Card

This is a small cigarette card of actor George Arliss. These trading cards were included in Cigarette packs in the 30's and 40's and were collectible items. Customers could even purchase books to organize and collect these cards. State Express was an active Cigarette Card producer, creating a wide range of cards featuring famous people of which film stars were an often popular draw.