This film is quite a change of pace for George Arliss. First, he made it in his home in the UK--not Hollywood. Second, he plays a scruffy hobo--the exact opposite of his usual businessman or member of the upper class. Sure, he's done comedy (such as in "The Working Man") but as a hobo?! However, what is constant is that Arliss manages to make it all seem very effortless and fun--something I have seen in all his marvelous performances.
"Mister Hobo" begins with Arliss and his friend traipsing around France. When they are picked up by the police for vagrancy, the authorities are shocked when Arliss gives his name--François Rothschild. People think he's associated with THE Rothschild family and suddenly doors begin to open. And, with his gentlemanly manners and grace, people suddenly treat him like a king. In fact, they want him and his good name--and bring him into big business. And, now that he looks successful, people keep giving him things! And when a dirt-bag financier begins cosing up to him, Arliss suspects something and he decides to investigate things for himself. I could say a lot more, but it would spoil the fun.
This is a delightful little comedy. Arliss was wonderful--graceful and quite funny. And in the end, everything came together quite nicely. Clever and cute.
Where are the French accents?