Impressions of Disraeli (1931) | BFI National Archive

Now here’s a curio-and-a-half… A party-political film introduced by Tory leader Stanley Baldwin, in turn introducing George Arliss in a bespoke take on his famous role. Arliss played the legendary Victorian PM on stage and twice on screen, winning an Oscar for his 1929 performance. This curious celebrity endorsement is also a study in the changing art of rhetoric between Disraeli’s and Baldwin’s eras and our own.

The Conservatives were streets ahead of all other UK political parties in embracing the film medium, through their Conservative and Unionist Films Association. It’s worth noting that the Conservative Party at the time favoured protectionist economic policies, hence the inclusion of Disraeli speeches against unfettered free trade.

[italkapple.mac.istuff.]

This is one of the finest movies ever made. And George Arliss was one of the finest character actors ever to grace the silver screen.

[RobertFells]

Thank you so much! I learned about this film over 40 years ago but now for the first time I am actually seeing it. Wonder of wonders - a new George Arliss film!

[brickistic]

Brilliant. Thanks for keeping this video alive!

[jackbuckley]

Statesmanship such as his no longer exists. Mr. Disraeli was a giant in an age of giants. No movie short like this one would be made or shown today, as Hollywood studios no longer present individual western countries in a positive or favorable light. Arliss was a great actor, perfectly well-suited for portraying an historical figure like Disraeli. He was great as Voltaire & Alexander Hamilton, also.

[henryomeara]

Entirely Splendid and Most Morally Persuasive Statesmanship! You are a True Master Mr. Arliss! History Lives perpetually within your Superb Legacy! You stand among my most Cherished Heroes, God Bless your Everlasting Soul!

[rebeccaherschman]

Thanks so much for posting two things I love Disraeli and George Arliss

[matthewlaurence]

George Arliss, being born in 1868, had a life overlapping with Disraeli and was evidently an earnest admirer of the man. Is it known whether or not he had chance to actually hear the voice of Disraeli? Disraeli was born in 1804, and it would be enthralling to learn that we were listening to a close imitation from someone who lived so long ago.

[jhjhjhjhjhjhify]

Disraeli could be a jingoistic imperialist, but he's well ahead of the current 'Conservatives' the UK have today.

[TEGRULZ]

To be honest, I never had heard Stanley Baldwins voice before. The great tragedy of our time is that the Commons was never recorded for public consumption before a certain point. So for an American it's really hard to find out what the notables voices sounded like when, just 6 years later Winston started the early stirrings of his crusade against Germany.

[nancyanderson]

Beautiful to hear of the “equality that elevates” and the value of civil rights. When Disraeli’s “two nations” (the rich and the poor) make common cause with dignity, Justice, compassion and integrity, we will ALL say “free at last, free at last! Praise God Almighty, I’m free at last!” When the right to LIFE - not just the right to BIRTH, which is the present farce now posing as virtuous - is the highest value, the two nations will be one. Lord, hear our prayer.

[bluesboy]

It's amazing that Franklin Pierce and Benjamin Disraeli were only born 4 weeks apart of each other, but Disraeli was PM long after Pierce had retired as president.

[theautisticcomedian]

I always thought Disraeli was more animated and running around roasting and joking about everyone. Victoria loved him.

[TheMarshmelloKing]

Interesting to note that this film itself was made about as long ago as it’s time was from Disraeli’s

[triestodrum]

Unity is Strength. Unionists unite in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England before it's too late.

[starguy]

The Crystal Palace speech was given while Disraeli was polishing off two bottles of white brandy, not bad from him

[benjaminsimpson]

I love how Disraeli attempted to alter the ills of the British Empire, not destroy it. He saw the Empire as a powerful instrument for good. Anyways, I am a great admirer of Disraeli, who is perhaps the single greatest founder of the conservative philosophy. Modern American conservatives and Republicans still maintain Disraeli's opinions to the tee; watching his speeches with modern political context shows striking similarities between the issues and opinions of then and now.

[EyeLean]

This announcer is very... relaxed in his approach to introducing the film.

[cjrogers]

Mister Speaker, you will inform the members of this House that their service is no longer required by the nation. This parliament is, by my authority, terminated. Dissolved

[showbizsam]

Just like Bobby Davro or Aiden J Harvey in the timeless ITV classic series Copy Cats, which is probably out on DVD from the same lot selling Wheeltappers and Indoor League.

[perperson]

Wonderful vision for Britain. We could need Disraeli now