Disraeli (1921 film)

Disraeli (1921) is an American silent historical drama film directed by Henry Kolker and starring George Arliss. This film features Arliss's portrayal of Benjamin Disraeli. He had played the same role in the play Disraeli in 1911. Arliss also reprised this role in the 1929 sound film Disraeli.

Disraeli
1921 theatrical poster
Directed by	Henry Kolker
Written by	Forrest Halsey (scenario)
Based on	Disraeli by Louis Napoleon Parker
Produced by	Distinctive Productions (formed by Arliss)
Starring	George Arliss
Cinematography	Harry Fischbeck
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date	August 28, 1921 (1921-08-28)
Running time	7-9 reels at 6800 feet (circa 80-90 minutes)
Country	United States
Language	Silent (English intertitles)

George Arliss (third from right) in the 1921 silent version of the film

George Arliss and Reginald Denny

A British film of the play, Disraeli, had been made in 1916 with the permission of the author Louis Napoleon Parker. Because of the production of the 1916 film angered Arliss while he was still performing the play on Broadway, Arliss later secured all screen rights to the play from its author Louis Napoleon Parker. The 1921 movie is the result of Arliss's use of his rights after his efforts and frustrations with Parker.^[1][2]

Plot

As described in a film magazine,^[3] Disraeli (Arliss), a middle class Jew, has become the British Prime Minister under Queen Victoria and incurs the enmity of nobles and racist snobs. He knows that Russia is angling through diplomacy and intrigue for possession of the Suez Canal and, realizing that unless Britain secures it, the strength of her empire will be lost. He plays a lone game for control of the canal and wins. In his final hour of honor at court, those who stood against him claim the honor of having helped him.

Cast

• George Arliss as Benjamin Disraeli
• Florence Arliss as Lady Beaconsfield (credited as Mrs. George Arliss)
• Margaret Dale as Mrs. Noel Travers
• Louise Huff as Clarissa
• Reginald Denny as Charles, Viscount Deeford
• E. J. Ratcliffe as Hugh Meyers
• Henry Carvill as Duke of Glastonbury
• Grace Griswold as Duchess of Glastonbury
• Noel Tearle as Foljambe
• Fred Nicholls as Butler
• Betty Blythe as (undetermined role)

Preservation

According to silentera.com, this is a lost film with the exception of one reel held at the George Eastman House.^[4] The FIAF database and Library of Congress Silent Database list complete copies of Disraeli in Gosfilmofond, Moscow, Russia, and Cinematheque Royale de Belgique in Brussels.^[5]

See also

• List of rediscovered films