The House of Rothschild (1934)

Directed by Alfred L. Werker and released by United Artists on April 7, 1934, The House of Rothschild is a pre-Code historical drama chronicling the rise of the Rothschild banking dynasty. Adapted by Nunnally Johnson from the play by George Hembert Westley, the film stars George Arliss, Loretta Young, and Boris Karloff, and was produced by Twentieth Century Pictures—a precursor to 20th Century Fox.

Plot Overview

Set in early 19th-century Europe, the film follows Mayer Rothschild (George Arliss), a Jewish banker in Frankfurt who, despite facing systemic anti-Semitism, builds a financial empire through his five sons. As Napoleon’s wars destabilize the continent, the Rothschilds use their network and influence to fund anti-Napoleonic coalitions and secure their place in European politics.

The narrative focuses on Mayer’s son Nathan Rothschild, who operates out of London and faces hostility from aristocrats and rivals. His financial maneuvering during the Battle of Waterloo becomes a turning point, showcasing the family’s strategic brilliance and challenging the prejudices of the era.

Cast

• George Arliss as Mayer Rothschild / Nathan Rothschild
• Loretta Young as Julie Rothschild
• Boris Karloff as Count Ledrantz
• Robert Young as Captain Fitzroy
• C. Aubrey Smith, Arthur Byron, Helen Westley, and Florence Arliss in supporting roles

Production Notes & Trivia

• The film was shot in black and white, with cinematography by J. Peverell Marley and music by Alfred Newman, whose score adds emotional weight to the film’s dramatic turns
• Barbara McLean and Allen McNeil handled editing, contributing to the film’s brisk pacing and narrative clarity
• George Arliss, already an Oscar winner for Disraeli (1929), plays both Mayer and Nathan Rothschild, emphasizing generational continuity
• The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, reflecting its critical and commercial success
• Released during a period of rising anti-Semitism in Europe, the film’s message of Jewish resilience and financial acumen was both timely and provocative
• Boris Karloff’s role as Count Ledrantz adds a sinister edge, portraying entrenched aristocratic prejudice against the Rothschilds
• The film’s portrayal of the Rothschilds is sympathetic but stylized, blending fact with dramatic license to emphasize moral and political themes