The Man Who Played God (1932)

Distraught after losing his hearing, a renowned pianist (George Arliss) attempts suicide but is saved by his manservant (Ivan F. Simpson). Looking at Central Park from his penthouse view, a pair of binoculars lets him view the world below and his talent for lip reading makes him privy to personal conversations down below. Based on a short story by Gouverneur Morris and directed by John G. Adolfi (ALEXANDER HAMILTON). George Arliss isn't remembered much anymore but during the 1920s and early 1930s, he was a highly respected actor in theatre and film (he won a best actor Oscar for DISRAELI in 1929). He had done THE MAN WHO PLAYED GOD as a silent film in 1922 and this remake was a popular success. Personally selected to play his much younger fiancee, Bette Davis always credited Arliss for giving her her first big break. After seeing the film, Jack Warner signed her to a studio contract. This was a prestigious A picture, a real break for Davis but she would be mired in programmers for the next few years. The film itself holds up well, it's a solid soap opera and Arliss gives a touching performance. Remade in 1955 as SINCERELY YOURS with Liberace (!) in the Arliss role. With Violet Heming, Donald Cook, Louise Closser Hale, Hedda Hopper and a young pre-stardom Ray Milland.