By any reasonable expectation, George Arliss should not have succeeded as a star, either on stage or in film. Yet he achieved a career enjoyed by very few in the performing arts. An actor, author, playwright, and filmmaker, George Arliss won acclaim for his work first on the stage and then later, most improbably, as a Hollywood movie star. His films achieved the rare distinction of being both artistic and financial successes. Though he was neither young nor handsome, Arliss found popular acclaim for his many historical characterizations such as Voltaire, Nathan Rothschild, Cardinal Richelieu, and Benjamin Disraeli. Robert Fells traces Arliss's life and times through his film work, providing a thoroughly researched and entertaining view of one of the most important, yet neglected figures in film history. The book also reviews the actor's uneasy relationship with screenwriters, his clashes with British film producer Michael Balcon, his championing of young unknowns such as Bette Davis and James Cagney, and his prosecution by the British Government during World War II. It also includes a complete filmography and a selected stageography of Arliss's work. Includes 20 photos. “The first biography of Arliss to appear in more than 60 years, this book is long overdue and a must read for anyone interested in the auteur theory as it applies to actors....Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above.” ― Choice Reviews “...Fells does an exceptional job overall. He manages to give us a vivid personal portrait of the man, even finding autobiographical touches in his films. But what sets this book apart are the critical readings of the films.” ― Classic Images “Arliss triumphed as an actor first on the stage and then in Hollywood against the current wisdom of his time, which found him neither handsome nor young enough to succeed as a star. But his work as an actor, author, playwright, and filmmaker won critical acclaim; his films were hits both artistically and financially. Fells traces Arliss's life through clashes with others in the industry, his championing of young unknowns like Bette Davis and James Cagney, and his prosecution by the British government on financial charges in World War II. The work includes a complete filmography and selected stageography of Arliss's work.” ― Reference and Research Book News Robert M. Fells has been a vintage film enthusiast since childhood. He has a B.A. in History from Iona College and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University. Used Book in Good Condition