Help identify this person in a 1931 B&W signed photo please

[Maxsampson]

I recently purchased a lot of historic photos. Included was this photo, both the seller and I can't figure out who it is. I like the photo but am very curious as to who it might be. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The person may be associated with Howard Hughes and/or aviation.

By maxsampson at 2011-12-08

 

[ShtSr33L]

This seems to me, to be a photograph of Claude Rains. He was a Hollywood actor during that time (1930's). His best known movie would be Casablanca (good movie). The writing in the lower left looks like Hollywood 1931 not a photographers signature which I thought it was at first. Hope this helps.