The House of Rothschild

The House of Rothschild

Year: 1934

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Alfred L. Werker

DramaRomanceHistoryEpic history and literatureNazis and World War II

He broke Napoleon’s sword with a stroke of his pen, dramatizing the rise of the Rothschild financial empire. Founded by Mayer Rothschild and carried on by his five sons, the modest family firm blossoms into a bank that finances the war against Napoleon. Throughout, they grapple with entrenched anti‑Jewish prejudice and rapid expansion.

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Timeline & Setting – The House of Rothschild (1934)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The House of Rothschild (1934). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1780–1815

The timeline begins in 1780, when Mayer Rothschild guides his sons to build a continental banking network. It spans the Napoleonic era, the reshaping of European power, and the dramatic interplay of finance and politics. The narrative culminates with Napoleon's defeat and the Rothschilds’ ascent to unmatched wealth and influence.

Location

Frankfurt am Main, Vienna, London, Naples, Paris

The story unfolds across major European cities where the Rothschild banking houses rise. Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Naples and Paris serve as hubs of finance, diplomacy, and intrigue during a time of war and upheaval. These cities frame the rise of a financial empire that transcends borders and national loyalties.

🏛️ European Banking Hubs 🌍 18th–19th Century Europe 🏙️ Capital Cities

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:22

Main Characters – The House of Rothschild (1934)

Meet the key characters of The House of Rothschild (1934), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nathan Rothschild (George Arliss)

A brilliant and strategic financier who engineers a continental network of banks. He faces anti-Jewish prejudice while navigating political intrigue and market manipulation. His rise reshapes European finance, and his moral complexity emerges as he weighs loyalty against ambition.

💼 Finance 🧭 Strategy ✊ Rights

Mayer Rothschild (George Arliss)

The family patriarch who seeds the plan to build a transnational banking empire. He emphasizes prudence and purpose, urging his sons to secure wealth as a form of protection for their people. His guidance lays the foundation for a dynasty that will outlive him.

💼 Banking 🧠 Guidance 🏛️ Family Legacy

Julie Rothschild (Loretta Young)

Nathan’s daughter, beloved by Captain Fitzroy. She embodies personal risk and resilience within the political and financial maelstrom. Her relationships intersect with national interests, underscoring a human dimension to the family’s fortune.

💖 Romance 🕊️ Loyalty 🎯 Integrity

Captain Fitzroy (Robert Young)

A British officer who becomes a liaison between Wellington and the Rothschilds. He represents loyalty and romantic entanglement with Julie while navigating the tense arena of war and finance. His presence helps bridge military and financial factions.

🎖️ Military 🧭 Liaison ❤️ Love

Count Ledrantz (Boris Karloff)

A Prussian intriguer who provokes anti-Jewish riots and seeks to profit from war and instability. He embodies political opportunism and undermines rivals through coercion and manipulation. His schemes reveal how prejudice can be weaponized for personal gain.

⚖️ Power 🗡️ Antagonist 💰 Wealth

Duke of Wellington (C. Aubrey Smith)

A central Allied commander who seeks crucial loans to sustain the war effort. He embodies leadership and strategic demand, later witnessing the consequences of financial calculations on political outcomes. His interactions with Nathan underscore the tight bond between victory and finance.

🗡️ War Leader 🏛️ Politics 🤝 Alliances

Prince Metternich (Alan Mowbray)

Austrian statesman whose diplomacy and influence shape European balance of power. He negotiates demands for funds and navigates the shifting alliances of postwar Europe. His presence highlights the intersection of diplomacy, money, and power.

👑 Diplomacy 🗺️ Strategy 🧪 Intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:22

Major Themes – The House of Rothschild (1934)

Explore the central themes of The House of Rothschild (1934), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Finance

Money and credit decisions steer political events and wars, showing how financial power can alter the course of nations. The film highlights a network of banks across Europe that enables rapid support or pressure where needed. It also raises questions about ethics, ambition, and the costs of wealth.

🕊️ Rights

Nathan’s leadership becomes a catalyst for Jewish rights and dignity, confronting prejudice and discrimination. The plot places personal risk against collective aspiration, with Julie and Fitzroy navigating a world of exclusion. The narrative ultimately frames financial influence as a tool for social progress and reform.

⚔️ Conflict

The backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars provides a stage for power plays by Metternich and Ledrantz. Financial tactics are wielded to undermine rivals and secure advantage, complicating moral choices. The story portrays resilience and strategic victories that shape Europe’s future, culminating in a decisive turning point at Waterloo.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:22

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The House of Rothschild Summary

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The House of Rothschild Summary

The House of Rothschild Timeline

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The House of Rothschild Timeline

More About The House of Rothschild

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