Disraeli (1929) - Alfred E. Green 

This is the film frequently blamed for the onslaught of biopics made throughout the thirties. George Arliss reprises his role from the stage and silent film to play Benjamin Disraeli, the imperialist British Prime Minister. Like Lon Chaney Jr. and the Wolf Man, this would be his signature role. It made Arliss the first actor to win an Oscar for a role he played on the stage. The picture was enormously successful at the time, and watching it today you have to wonder why. It is stale and boring. Lots of talk, and although Arliss is great, his supporting cast is boring and one dimensional. This is the equivalent of modern day actor showcases of flimsy plots cenetered around one performer. However in the primitive days of sound, there is no score to help things out, and the pace is slow. Even at 87 minutes, it seems painfully tedious. Time has not been good to this film, but Arliss' performance shall remain immortal.

*Disraeli was nominated for best picture and best screenplay, winning for best actor (Arliss).