Error
This video doesn’t exist
Britain regarded her native son as “an American actor” because all of his successes in the theater and films were based in America. But motion pictures made him an international star and Mr. A increasingly received offers from British film companies. He initially balked at such offers because he felt that the early English sound films were technologically inferior to their American counterparts. With the success Alexander Korda’s THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII in 1933, the British film industry assumed its rightful place next to Hollywood. Mr. A signed with the venerable Gaumont-British Pictures in Shepherds Bush, London. Since he somewhat specialized in portraying historical figures, it was mutually agreed that his first UK film would cast him as the Duke of Wellington.
Gladys Cooper and Mr. A in an IRON DUKE original color lobby card:
The film did not ignore Wellington’s reputation with women:
Mr. A takes a lunch break on an adjoining set with cast members:
Mr. A and friends enjoy a private screening of THE IRON DUKE:
Now you can enjoy a private screening of your own! I suspect that a pristine 35mm print exists at the British Film Institute so let’s hope that one day it receives a DVD/Blu-ray release.
ARLISS ARCHIVES 
You must be logged in to post a comment.