Multilayer films are formed by consecutive adsorption of anionic poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (NaPSS) and cationic poly(ethylenimine) polyelectrolytes on ellipsoidal beta -FeOOH particles at low ionic strength. The electrical and hydrodynamic properties of the multilayers are followed using electric light scattering and a lower mobility of condensed ions near the polyion surface is found for the films ending with PSS. Nearly equal (absolute) electrophoretic mobilities are measured at the same time for the multilayers ending with both polymers. The uniform growth of the film after deposition of each pair of polyelectrolytes and the independence of the electrooptical effect of the number of the layer are discussed. Arguments are presented that the influence of the substrate on the film behavior extends only to the first two layers.