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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.)