With this film Voltaire, George Arliss wrapped up his commitment to Warner Brothers playing the 1th century French philosopher Voltaire. As he as in real
life Voltaire was a witty and wise fellow who should have been appreciated
more than for saying funny things. His king, Louis XV played here
by Reginald Owen thinks him an amusing fellow but wishes that Arliss would
can the Cassandra like warnings about reform and just entertain the court.
One who does worry about him is our sinister minister Alan Mowbray who worries that Arliss may be gaining too much influence at court. Mowbray is a master of intrigue and the film is about his schemes to disgrace Voltaire.
But as you can imagine Arliss is up to the challenge. As a classical stage actor who also did several silent films he seem to know instinctively what to do for sound. Arliss is the total package, face, voice, gestures, the works in his performances.
It seems that every Arliss film has a pair of young lovers whom Arliss helps through a crisis as well. In this case it's Gordon Westcott and Margaret Lindsay. And I cannot also forget a winning performance by Doris Kenyon as the royal mistress Madame Pompadour..
Arliss's biographical films were Warner Brothers prestige pictures in their day and they hold up well, Watching them is a tutorial in classical acting.
One who does worry about him is our sinister minister Alan Mowbray who worries that Arliss may be gaining too much influence at court. Mowbray is a master of intrigue and the film is about his schemes to disgrace Voltaire.
But as you can imagine Arliss is up to the challenge. As a classical stage actor who also did several silent films he seem to know instinctively what to do for sound. Arliss is the total package, face, voice, gestures, the works in his performances.
It seems that every Arliss film has a pair of young lovers whom Arliss helps through a crisis as well. In this case it's Gordon Westcott and Margaret Lindsay. And I cannot also forget a winning performance by Doris Kenyon as the royal mistress Madame Pompadour..
Arliss's biographical films were Warner Brothers prestige pictures in their day and they hold up well, Watching them is a tutorial in classical acting.