Review of A Successful Calamity

Based on a play that ran on Broadway for 144 performances in 1917 (closing for summer because there was no air conditioning back then), in 1932, this gentle farce was made to order for George Arliss. Arliss, despite his age (64) and his eccentric acting style was a popular star and this tried and true play about a wealthy man who pretends to be ruined so he can judge the different reactions of his family, suited his style to a tee!! He is Henry Wilton, International banker who returns home after commendations from the President but returns a stranger to his high living family!! The butler doesn't recognise him, his youthful wife (Mary Astor, giving her usual sincere performance), is up to her ears in Modernism, his son is obsessed with polo ponies ("it's great to see you dad", "maybe if I stand in front of the horse, you'll see me better") and his daughter is facing the age old problem - whom will she marry??!! The only warmth he receives is from his valet (as usual, the very under-rated Grant Mitchell proves what a scene stealer he is)!! Connors has moved all of Henry's furniture and nick nacks that were being discarded into his own room to create a haven for Henry. Talking with Connors who mentions that poverty often brings families together Henry hatches a plan - he tells his family he is ruined and if you think all the drama starts here you will be disappointed!!

The family does indeed band together with the youngsters happily giving up their pet projects and finding a night spent around the dinner table is the happiest for a long while. The only shadow seems to hang over Emmy (gives Astor a chance for a bit of emotion amidst all the whimsy) - she doesn't know how she will handle poverty and she is next seen furtively leaving the house with her latest protégé carrying an overnight bag!! Will it end happily or will there be tears!!

William Janney as son Eddie seemed to have cornered the market on those callow youth roles - he played it to perfection!! Beautiful Evelyn Knapp played the wilful daughter. Her two suitors were of more interest - Hardie Albright, playing "Mr. Blueprint", Peggy's stuffy fiancée was terrific and gave the part a lot of eccentricity that probably wasn't in the original script

• his reaction when he realises that by marrying Peggy he will be expected

to support her whole family is priceless. And as the man who she really loves is Randolph Scott in an early role and with about three lines!!

But it was Arliss who was a revelation to me - a real "gentle" man with whimsy and good humour. I hadn't seen any of his films but I would very much like to see more!!

Highly recommended.