The Man Who Played God
“'A Modern Drama From Real Life'”
Synopsis
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 and becomes absorbed in his game of "playing God".
Top Cast
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George Arliss
Montgomery Royle
Violet Heming
Mildred Miller
Bette Davis
Grace Blair
André Luguet
The King
Louise Closser Hale
Florence Royle
Donald Cook
Harold Van Adam
Ivan F. Simpson
Battle
Oscar Apfel
Appleby - the Lip Reader
Charles E. Evans
The Doctor
Hedda Hopper
Mrs. Alice Chittendon
Ray Milland
Eddie (uncredited)
Dorothy Libaire
Jenny (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 19, 1932
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John G. Adolfi
- Screenplay & Story
- Gouverneur Morris, Julien Josephson, Maude T. Howell
- Original Score
- Leo F. Forbstein
- Original Title
- The Man Who Played God
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, French
- Runtime
- 1h 20m
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John G. Adolfi
Gouverneur Morris, Julien Josephson, Maude T. Howell
Leo F. Forbstein
James Van Trees
William Holmes
Darryl F. Zanuck, Jack L. Warner
Department Leadership Roster
John G. Adolfi
Director
William Holmes
Editor
Darryl F. Zanuck
Producer
Earl Luick
Costume Design
James Van Trees
Director of Photography
Leo F. Forbstein
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Man Who Played God.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Man Who Played God.
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Movies
Pre-Code Hollywood
Pre-Code Hollywood films, 1929 to 1934.
MovieLens[20K:30K]
Bette Davis
Bette Davis
*Unfinished list, sorted by release year.*
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Man Who Played God
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Man Who Played God about?
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 and becomes absorbed in his game of "playing God".
Who directed The Man Who Played God?
The Man Who Played God was directed by John G. Adolfi.
Who stars in The Man Who Played God?
The principal cast of The Man Who Played God includes George Arliss, Violet Heming, Bette Davis, André Luguet, Louise Closser Hale.
When was The Man Who Played God released and how long is it?
The Man Who Played God was released in 1932 with a total runtime of 1h 20m.
Who composed the musical score for The Man Who Played God?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Man Who Played God was composed by Leo F. Forbstein.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Man Who Played God?
The Man Who Played God holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).