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Disraeli

Play trailer Poster for Disraeli Released Nov 1, 1929 1h 29m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 41% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (George Arliss) is intent on buying the Suez Canal. If realized, the purchase would complete the British Indian Empire, but he is opposed in Parliament by the Liberals. Denied funding, Disraeli enlists the help of Lord Charles Deeford (Anthony Bushell) and the lovely Lady Clarissa Pevensey (Joan Bennett). Together, they scramble to find alternate funding before the Russians, who are also interested in the canal, beat them to it.

Critics Reviews

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D. Winter Hall New Zealand Herald In what is perhaps his greatest part, Mr. Arliss is, of course, above criticism. He is the whole picture. He wins admiration at every moment; each gesture, each expression, each word is marvellously smooth; above all his poise is so sure, and confident. Feb 10, 2021 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Recreating a role that he had played on stage and in a silent film, Arliss brings class and elegance to this early talkie about the British politician in one of Warner's first biopics. Rated: B Mar 15, 2009 Full Review Steve Crum Video-Reviewmaster.com George Arliss vehicle is pretty stagey, but worth seeing for his title performance. Rated: 4/5 Jan 10, 2008 Full Review Bob Bloom Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) good in its day; too stagy and hammy for today's audiences and tastes Rated: 2/5 Dec 20, 2007 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews It's a delightful film that brings back nostalgia for the good old days of 1874. Rated: B Aug 16, 2007 Full Review Michael W. Phillips, Jr. Goatdog's Movies Weighed down by a terribly outdated acting style and leaden direction, but George Arliss's Oscar-winning performance makes it watchable. Rated: 3/5 Feb 15, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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David K Not a bad way to pass the time if you have an interest in film history. More specifically, if you have an interest in Warner Bros. film history. Arliss was a "get" for the relatively new WB Studios having built a reputation on the stage. This production is stagey. Mr. Arliss occasionally rises above the direction/production limitations, but never too much. He's clearly the star of this cast, but... Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/03/23 Full Review Audience Member An obviously dated film that surprisingly had some entertainment value, especially from George Arliss. I started watching this film expecting for the acting to be stilted and the story to be basic. However, I thought George Arliss did a good job at portraying Disraeli and made me smile especially at the scenes where he is faking sickness. It was also intriguing to find out what would happen in regards to the purchase of the Suez Canal. Was the ending ridiculous regarding the Head of the Bank of England being so gullible and Parliament magically agreeing to the Suez Canal purchase? Did the subplot regarding the romance between Clarissa and Charles drag? Yes and definitely yes. However, I thought the writing was more witty than I expected and the Russian spy story did keep my attention throughout the film. Arliss deservedly won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance. The only other nominee I've seen was Tibbett in The Rogue Song (or what's left of it) and Arliss definitely better. Overall, a witty film with a great performance by George Arliss made this a surprisingly entertaining watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member This is George Arliss' greatest role. He won the Oscar for Best Actor. The story revolves around the British plan to buy the Suez Canal and the efforts of two spies to stop it. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member A great early talkie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review steve d Still works, with some strong performances. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Great history... a close run thing to get the Suez Canal! Strange acting, they were still mentally in the silent era. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Disraeli

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Cast & Crew

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Alfred E. Green

Director

George Arliss

Benjamin Disraeli

Joan Bennett

Lady Clarissa Pevensey

Anthony Bushell

Lord Charles Deeford

David Torrence

Lord Michael Probert

Ivan F. Simpson

Sir Hugh Myers

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Disraeli

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Movie Info

Synopsis British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (George Arliss) is intent on buying the Suez Canal. If realized, the purchase would complete the British Indian Empire, but he is opposed in Parliament by the Liberals. Denied funding, Disraeli enlists the help of Lord Charles Deeford (Anthony Bushell) and the lovely Lady Clarissa Pevensey (Joan Bennett). Together, they scramble to find alternate funding before the Russians, who are also interested in the canal, beat them to it.
Director
Alfred E. Green
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 1, 1929, Original
Runtime
1h 29m