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.

Russian meddling in the affairs of western governments is nothing new. Over a century ago, George Arliss starred in a play that told the story of British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli's efforts to purchase the Suez Canal for his country. But his plan was almost thwarted by Russia. The play ran for five years, then Arliss starred in a silent film version, later followed by a sound film version that won him an Academy Award. This graphic novel faithfully recreates the 1921 silent film DISRAELI that today is considered lost.

As Philip Taylor has written, 'The challenge (of the modern information age) is to ensure that no single propaganda source gains monopoly over the information and images that shape our thoughts. If this happens, the war propagandists will be back in business again.' Propaganda came of age in the Twentieth Century. The development of mass- and multi-media offered a fertile ground for propaganda while global conflict provided the impetus needed for its growth. Propaganda has however become a portmanteau word, which can be interpreted in a number of different ways. What are the characteristic features of propaganda, and how can it be defined? The distinguished contributors to this book trace the development of techniques of 'opinion management' from the First World War to the current conflict in Afghanistan. They reveal how state leaders and spin-doctors operating at the behest of the state, sought to shape popular attitudes - at home and overseas - endeavouring to harness new media with the objective of winning hearts and minds. The book provides compelling evidence of how the study and practice of propaganda today is shaped by its history.

The Vicar was suffering-almost as much as he had suffered the night that Helen, his wife, had died-and because he was suffering he dressed his fine cameo-like face in its sunniest smile. That was his way-parts of his creed-of-daily-life, an intrinsic part of his self. A godly man, in the sweetest and strongest senses of that overused word, Philip Reynolds had a wholesome flair for the things of earth that both mellow human life and give it a tang. He liked his dinner, and he liked it good. He loved his roses, and he was vastly proud of his turnips. His modest cellar was admirably stocked. He enjoyed the logs that burned and glowed on his wide hearths. He was fond of his books-both inside and out. If he found a newly purchased book (he subscribed to no library) little worth reading, he discarded it. He gave it away, if he held it harmless; if he thought it a hurtful volume, he burned it. But his taste was broad, and his charity-to books as well as to people-was wide.

This play provides a fascinating insight into the life and career of the famous British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. It covers key aspects of his career, including his rise to the top of the political ladder, his relationship with Queen Victoria, and his impact on British politics and society. The play is a must-read for anyone interested in British history and politics, and provides a compelling theatrical experience. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Examples range from film's early days to the present, from Europe, Israel, and the United States.

Reclusive American actor Randolph Scott, known for his subtle, dignified performances in almost 60 westerns, has been called the "most genuine Westerner." His career began in 1928 with the first of several bit parts; his first starring role was 1932's Heritage of the Desert. He fought in World War I, studying horsemanship, shooting, and bayoneting, and acted in a variety of films in every genre from musical to swashbuckler. His final film was Ride the High Country (1962). Chronologically arranged from his birth in 1898 to his death in 1987, this book covers every film in which Randolph Scott acted. Each section begins with a biographical chapter and then lists Scott's films from that period: each film's entry has filmographic information, a synopsis, and detailed commentary, discussing such topics as the financial aspects, production details, acting, other participants, anecdotes, and critical responses. Quotes from interviews with figures in the industry and published reviews bolster the entries. A bibliographical essay completes the work, which is heavily illustrated with stills and promotional materials.

Hollywood has had an off and on romance with the Bible -- thanks largely to Cecil B. DeMille whose ground-breaking silent picture "The King of Kings" has rarely been equalled for its faithfulness and fidelity, and certainly not in its dreadful re-make by producer Sam Bronston and director Nicholas Ray. This book examines both the hits and misses in the Bible stakes, as well as many other movies in which religion plays a major role, such as "The Garden of Allah", "Samson and Delilah", "The Silence of Dean Maitland", "Stars in My Crown", "Mary of Scotland" and "The Ten Commandments".