Edward Arnold

Prolific, popular character player who began his career on the stage and, between 1915 and 1919, starred in numerous westerns for Essanay Studio. The portly, distinguished-looking actor returned to films in the sound era, first in crime melodramas, then as a priest in "The White Sister" and a sheik in "The Barbarian" (both 1933) before finding his special niche portraying all kinds of tycoons: as an alcoholic millionaire ("Sadie McKee" 1934), a lumber tycoon ("Come and Get It" 1936) and a sinister munitions king ("Idiot's Delight" 1939). Despite being middle-aged and heavy-set, Arnold played leading roles for a number of years from the mid-1930s through the early 40s, even after being named on the infamous 1937 exhibitors list of stars who were considered "box-office poison." (Arnold was in excellent company with Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Fred Astaire, Joan Crawford and others who enjoyed lengthy careers.)With his cool stare and facile, jovial laugh, Arnold also excelled at playing public officials and corrupt politicians ("Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" 1939) as well as biographical personages (Louis XIII in "Cardinal Richelieu" 1935, Diamond Jim Brady in "Diamond Jim" 1935 and again in "Lillian Russell" 1940, and an especially delightful Daniel Webster in "All That Money Can Buy" 1941). He even rose to the rank of President of the United States on the radio series, "Mr. President."