The Man Who Played God (1932 film)
| The Man Who Played God | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | John G. Adolfi |
| Produced by | Darryl F. Zanuck |
| Written by |
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| Based on |
The Silent Voice by Gouverneur Morris |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Leo F. Forbstein |
| Cinematography | James Van Trees |
| Edited by | William Holmes |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
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Release date
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Running time
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80 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $546,000 |
| Box office | $835,000 |
The Silent Voice
by Jules Eckert Goodman and
The Man Who Played God is a 1932 American Pre-Code drama film directed by John G. Adolfi and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. George Arliss stars as a concert pianist embittered by the loss of his hearing who eventually finds redemption in helping others; it also features a then little-known Bette Davis as the much younger woman in love with the protagonist.
Warner Bros. promoted the film as an example that studios could produce motion pictures of social and moral value without the oversight of non-industry agents. It was modestly successful at the box office and was among Arliss' most popular films.
The film was a remake of a 1922 silent film of the same name, also starring Arliss, ultimately based on a 1912 short story by Gouverneur Morris. In 1955 it was again revived as Sincerely Yours with Liberace.
While giving a private performance for a visiting monarch, concert pianist Montgomery Royle is deafened when a bomb is detonated in an attempt to assassinate the foreign ruler. With his career over as a result of his injury, Royle returns to New York City with his sister Florence, close friend Mildred Miller, and considerably younger fiancée Grace Blair.
After abandoning thoughts of suicide, Montgomery discovers he can lip read, and he spends his days observing people in Central Park from his apartment window. As he learns of people's problems, he tries to help them anonymously. He becomes absorbed in his game of "playing God" but his actions are without sincerity.
One day Montgomery witnesses a conversation between Grace and Harold Van Adam, during which she tells the young man she loves him but cannot leave Montgomery because of his handicap. Moved by the generosity of her sacrifice, Montgomery confronts her and ends their engagement, allowing her to follow her heart.
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