The Millionaire is a 1931 pre-Code comedy film produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and starring George Arliss in the title role. The film is a remake of the 1922 film titled The Ruling Passion, which also starred Arliss. The film was based on the short story "Idle Hands" by Earl Derr Biggers. In one of his early film roles, James Cagney had a brief but key appearance as a life insurance salesman.The AFI Catalog of Feature Films 1893-1993:The Millionaire The supporting cast features Florence Arliss, David Manners, Evalyn Knapp, Noah Beery Sr., Cagney, J. Farrell MacDonald, Charley Grapewin and Tully Marshall.
Plot Wealthy car manufacturer James Alden is forced to retire by his physician, Dr. Harvey. However, idleness soon bores him. He takes the advice of a brash life-insurance salesman and buys a half-interest in a gas station from a stranger named Peterson without telling his wife, Laura, or socialite daughter, Babs. Because he is known nationwide, he uses the alias Charles Miller.
On their first day in business, Babs coincidentally stops at the station for gas. The partner, William 'Bill' Merrick, recognizes her (they met once at a dance at the University of Michigan) and starts a conversation.
Unfortunately, on their first day they also discover that they've been swindled. A new highway has just opened, and Peterson's new gas station takes nearly all their business. Refusing to give up, James convinces Bill to borrow $1,000 from his aunt to build a new gas station right across the street from Peterson's. Bill is an architect, so he does the design work. With James' business acumen, they thrive, while Peterson languishes.
Soon Babs is a frequent customer. James is secretly pleased because he disapproved of the rich idler she had been dating, Carter Andrews, but publicly he discourages his daughter from seeing someone not of their lofty social rank.
In the end, Peterson buys out James and Bill (at a substantial profit to them). Bill finally works up the courage to speak to Babs' father about marrying her and is stunned to learn his future in-law's identity.
Cast
Box office According to Warner Bros records, the film earned $542,000 domestically and $293,000 foreign.
Preservation status A print is preserved in the Library of Congress collection.Catalog of Holdings The American Film Institute Collection and The United Artists Collection at The Library of Congress, (<-book title) p.117 c.1978 by The American Film Institute
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1893-1993