Beanbioca
As Good As It Gets
Freaktana
A Major Disappointment
Kien Navarro
Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
edwagreen
Story of how British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, outwitted the Russians and was able to purchase the Suez Canal.Arliss won the Oscar for best actor. He was the first Jewish person to win the Academy Award. (I know the Oscars had been business for a mere 2 years.)Arliss showed comedic gifts in his Oscar-winning performance. His stalwart behavior in defense of England will always be an endearing quality. He was ably supported by his wife, Florence, and especially by Russian spy, Doris Lloyd. Joan Bennett did fine in her part of the girlfriend of an aide to Disraeli.Unfortunately, Vitograph's sound has not withstood the passing years. The film needs to be preserved with sound improvement.There are overtones of anti-Semitism in the film. It is never explained how Disraeli was able to outmaneuver Gladstone for the Prime Minister's position.The ending is really a miracle at its nicest.
Daniel Kincaid
"Disraeli" is a fictional story about Benjamin Disraeli's efforts to have the Suez Canal (called "a ditch covered in sand" by a skeptic) purchased for Britain. The story has a number of interesting turns as Disraeli's aspirations are antagonized by people around him, including Russian spies. There are great moments of tension when it seems Disraeli's aspirations have become impossible or other times such as when he receives a telegram near the end of the film regarding his wife's health. Whether or not you agree with Disraeli's imperialist aspirations, you will find yourself engrossed in Disraeli's struggle and hoping for his success.The film features a solid cast, but the focal point of the film is George Arliss' portrayal of Disraeli. Arliss gives an excellent performance in all aspects: the speech, mannerisms and even the look of Disraeli. Today Disraeli is well known for is witty repartee, and this film includes that with a number of humorous lines from Disraeli. It also shows Disraeli as a forceful man of conviction that relentlessly pursues his design to purchase the Suez Canal despite skepticism and even prejudice against him for being Jewish. "Disraeli" is worth seeing for George Arliss' strong performance as Benjamin Disraeli and its engaging story.
gary olszewski
I just watched DISRAELI on TCM last night, as I was once interested in the work of George Arliss, but no more. I DO enjoy films with historical significance, and political intrigue. However, the closest comparison I can make to this one, is once having tried to read the Biography of Dean Atcheson "Present At The Creation". This may have been Arliss' finest piece, but it was painful to sit through, the story of a man who rarely ever leaves his office, and the endless politico-babble/machinations about the Suez Canal. If you enjoy reading transcripts of the Congressional Record, then by all means, watch this film. Otherwise, the wooden acting, and the inactivity of 90 minutes of watching a man talk, simply put me to sleep. Had it been presented as a more accurate political documentary, I may have found it a bit more interesting. This was not the case. Forget it! (or use it a a sleep aid!) BORING!!!
Ron Oliver
London, 1874. The old man sits in the great office, endlessly plotting & planning, benevolently scheming for the good of Queen & Empire. Although not too busy to further the romance of two young persons he loves, he puts all his talents & force of will into keeping Russia from dominating Asia & British India. This can only be achieved by thwarting a wily female spy & secretly purchasing control over the Suez Canal from the corrupt Egyptian khedive. Will he fail & suffer political disaster, or triumph & forever make famous the name of Prime Minister Benjamin DISRAELI?Reveling in his most famous film role, George Arliss gives an Oscar-winning acting lesson. Endlessly fascinating to watch, his every twitch of eyebrow or turn of hand is capable of great humor or emotion. He becomes Disraeli, inhabits the fellow, and presents him before our eyes. It's a shame that Mr. Arliss has become obscure & almost forgotten to modern movie fans. It is their loss.Although George Arliss is the main reason to watch any George Arliss film, he is given good support here from Florence Arliss, his real-life wife, playing Disraeli's wife Mary. Also appearing are Doris Lloyd as Mrs. Travers, the convivial spy; Joan Bennett & Anthony Bushell as the two young lovers; and Ivan F. Simpson as a Jewish financier.If the production appears rather stiff & stagy, it must be remembered that this is a very early talkie, and that directors & performers were still adapting to the demands & restrictions imposed upon them by that new tyrant, the microphone. Just keep your attention on Arliss - his acting skills transcend the limitations.It must be mentioned that the film distorts historical reality in two very significant areas. Opening in 1874, it portrays Disraeli as a very happily married man with a loving, elderly wife. The marriage had indeed been an outstanding one, but Mary had died of cancer in 1872. Also, financier Hugh Myers, who bankrolls the Suez scheme, is fictional. It was the Rothschild family who came to Disraeli's aid.
