The Millionaire (1931 film)
Encyclopedia
The Millionaire is a 1931 comedy film
starring George Arliss
in the title role. The film is a remake of the 1922 film called The Ruling Passion, which also starred Arliss. The film was based on the short story "Idle Hands" by Earl Derr Biggers
. In one of his earliest film roles, James Cagney
had a brief, but key appearance.
). As he is known nationwide, he uses the alias Charles Miller.
He and new partner William 'Bill' Merrick (David Manners
) quickly discover that they have been swindled. A new highway opens the next day and Peterson's new gas station takes nearly all their business away. Refusing to give up, James convinces Bill to borrow $1000 from his aunt to build a new gas station right across the street from Peterson's. Bill is an architect, so he does the design work. With James' business sense, they thrive, while Peterson languishes.
One day, Babs stops at the station for gas. Bill recognizes her (they met once at a dance when they were attending the same university) and strikes up a conversation. Soon, Babs is a frequent customer. James is secretly pleased, as he disapproved of the rich idler she had been dating, Carter Andrews (Bramwell Fletcher
), but publicly he discourages his daughter from seeing someone not of their lofty social rank.
In the end, Peterson buys James and Bill out (at a substantial profit to them). Bill finally works up the courage to speak to Babs' father about marrying her and is stunned to learn his future in-law's identity.
Comedy film
Comedy film is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. They are designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Comedies are mostly light-hearted dramas and are made to amuse and entertain the audiences...
starring George Arliss
George Arliss
George Arliss was an English actor, author and filmmaker who found success in the United States. He was the first British actor to win an Academy Award.-Life and career:...
in the title role. The film is a remake of the 1922 film called The Ruling Passion, which also starred Arliss. The film was based on the short story "Idle Hands" by Earl Derr Biggers
Earl Derr Biggers
Earl Derr Biggers was an American novelist and playwright. He is remembered primarily for adaptations of his novels, especially those featuring the Chinese-American detective Charlie Chan.-Biography:...
. In one of his earliest film roles, James Cagney
James Cagney
James Francis Cagney, Jr. was an American actor, first on stage, then in film, where he had his greatest impact. Although he won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of performances, he is best remembered for playing "tough guys." In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him eighth...
had a brief, but key appearance.
Plot
Wealthy car manufacturer James Alden (George Arliss) is forced to retire by his physician, Dr. Harvey (J. C. Nugent). However, idleness soon bores him. He takes the advice of brash life insurance salesman Schofield (James Cagney) and buys half interest in a gas station from Peterson (Noah Beery) without telling his wife Laura (real-life spouse Florence Arliss) or socialite daughter Barbara 'Babs' Alden (Evalyn KnappEvalyn Knapp
Evalyn Knapp was an American film actress of the late 1920s, 1930s, and into the 1940s. She was a leading B-movie serial actress in the 1930s....
). As he is known nationwide, he uses the alias Charles Miller.
He and new partner William 'Bill' Merrick (David Manners
David Manners
David Manners was a Canadian - American film actor.Born Rauff de Ryther Daun Acklom in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Manners came to Hollywood at the beginning of the talking films revolution after studying acting with Eva Le Gallienne, and acting on stage with Helen Hayes...
) quickly discover that they have been swindled. A new highway opens the next day and Peterson's new gas station takes nearly all their business away. Refusing to give up, James convinces Bill to borrow $1000 from his aunt to build a new gas station right across the street from Peterson's. Bill is an architect, so he does the design work. With James' business sense, they thrive, while Peterson languishes.
One day, Babs stops at the station for gas. Bill recognizes her (they met once at a dance when they were attending the same university) and strikes up a conversation. Soon, Babs is a frequent customer. James is secretly pleased, as he disapproved of the rich idler she had been dating, Carter Andrews (Bramwell Fletcher
Bramwell Fletcher
Bramwell Fletcher was a British stage, film, and television actor....
), but publicly he discourages his daughter from seeing someone not of their lofty social rank.
In the end, Peterson buys James and Bill out (at a substantial profit to them). Bill finally works up the courage to speak to Babs' father about marrying her and is stunned to learn his future in-law's identity.
Cast
- George ArlissGeorge ArlissGeorge Arliss was an English actor, author and filmmaker who found success in the United States. He was the first British actor to win an Academy Award.-Life and career:...
as James Alden / "Charles Miller" - Florence Arliss as Laura Alden
- David MannersDavid MannersDavid Manners was a Canadian - American film actor.Born Rauff de Ryther Daun Acklom in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Manners came to Hollywood at the beginning of the talking films revolution after studying acting with Eva Le Gallienne, and acting on stage with Helen Hayes...
as William "Bill" Merrick - Evalyn KnappEvalyn KnappEvalyn Knapp was an American film actress of the late 1920s, 1930s, and into the 1940s. She was a leading B-movie serial actress in the 1930s....
as Barbara "Babs" Alden - James CagneyJames CagneyJames Francis Cagney, Jr. was an American actor, first on stage, then in film, where he had his greatest impact. Although he won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of performances, he is best remembered for playing "tough guys." In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him eighth...
as Schofield - Bramwell FletcherBramwell FletcherBramwell Fletcher was a British stage, film, and television actor....
as Carter Andrews - Noah Beery as L. Peterson
- Ivan F. Simpson as Davis, the butler
- J.C. NugentJ.C. NugentJ.C. Nugent , was an American actor. He appeared in 20 films between 1929 and 1943.He was the father of actor, writer and producer Elliot Nugent, with whom he sometimes wrote or acted. He was born in Niles, Ohio and died in New York, New York.-External links:...
as Dr. Harvey - Sam Hardy as "Mac" McCoy
- J. Farrell MacDonaldJ. Farrell MacDonaldJoseph Farrell MacDonald was an American character actor and director. He played supporting roles and occasional leads. MacDonald, who was sometimes billed as "John Farrell Macdonald", "J.F...
as Dan Lewis - Charley Grapewin as Edward "Ed" Powers
- Charles E. Evans as The Gardener
- Tully MarshallTully MarshallWilliam Phillips was an American character actor known as Tully Marshall, with nearly a quarter century of theatrical experience behind before he made his first film appearance in 1914.-Career:...
as Mr Briggs