GEORGE RAFT
AND FILM NOIR
George Raft, known for his tough-guy persona and distinctive on-screen presence, made a notable contribution to the film noir genre. While he may not be as closely associated with film noir as some other actors, his appearances in select films showcased his ability to embody morally ambiguous characters and add a layer of intensity to the noir atmosphere.
One of Raft's significant film noir roles came in the 1940 film "They Drive by Night," directed by Raoul Walsh. In this crime drama, Raft played Joe Fabrini, a truck driver caught up in a world of dangerous cargo, treacherous employers, and a femme fatale. Raft's performance captured the character's world-weary demeanor and stoic resilience, embodying the archetypal noir protagonist facing adversity and corruption.
Raft also appeared in the 1947 film "Johnny Angel," directed by Edwin L. Marin. In this crime noir, Raft played the titular character, a sailor searching for his father's killer. His performance as Johnny Angel showcased his ability to portray a determined and relentless character driven by vengeance. Raft's on-screen presence added a touch of grit and toughness to the film, enhancing its noir sensibilities.
While Raft may not have had as extensive a filmography in the film noir genre as some other actors, his contributions demonstrated his ability to convey a sense of danger and mystery in his performances. His presence and distinctive style brought a unique flavor to the films he appeared in, leaving a lasting impact on the noir genre.
Outside of film noir, Raft was also known for his roles in other crime dramas and gangster films, which often contained elements of noir. His on-screen persona, which combined charisma with a sense of danger, made him a memorable presence in the noir and crime genres.
Overall, George Raft's contribution to film noir was notable. His performances in "They Drive by Night" and "Johnny Angel" showcased his ability to embody the archetypal noir characters and added depth to the films' atmosphere. Raft's distinctive style and on-screen presence left a lasting impact on the noir genre, solidifying his place among the notable actors associated with it.
Overall, Fred MacMurray's contribution to film noir was significant. His performances in "Double Indemnity" and "The Caine Mutiny" demonstrated his versatility and ability to portray morally complex characters. MacMurray's presence added depth and authenticity to the films he appeared in, leaving a lasting impact on the noir genre and solidifying his place among the notable actors associated with it.
One of Raft's significant film noir roles came in the 1940 film "They Drive by Night," directed by Raoul Walsh. In this crime drama, Raft played Joe Fabrini, a truck driver caught up in a world of dangerous cargo, treacherous employers, and a femme fatale. Raft's performance captured the character's world-weary demeanor and stoic resilience, embodying the archetypal noir protagonist facing adversity and corruption.
Raft also appeared in the 1947 film "Johnny Angel," directed by Edwin L. Marin. In this crime noir, Raft played the titular character, a sailor searching for his father's killer. His performance as Johnny Angel showcased his ability to portray a determined and relentless character driven by vengeance. Raft's on-screen presence added a touch of grit and toughness to the film, enhancing its noir sensibilities.
While Raft may not have had as extensive a filmography in the film noir genre as some other actors, his contributions demonstrated his ability to convey a sense of danger and mystery in his performances. His presence and distinctive style brought a unique flavor to the films he appeared in, leaving a lasting impact on the noir genre.
Outside of film noir, Raft was also known for his roles in other crime dramas and gangster films, which often contained elements of noir. His on-screen persona, which combined charisma with a sense of danger, made him a memorable presence in the noir and crime genres.
Overall, George Raft's contribution to film noir was notable. His performances in "They Drive by Night" and "Johnny Angel" showcased his ability to embody the archetypal noir characters and added depth to the films' atmosphere. Raft's distinctive style and on-screen presence left a lasting impact on the noir genre, solidifying his place among the notable actors associated with it.
Overall, Fred MacMurray's contribution to film noir was significant. His performances in "Double Indemnity" and "The Caine Mutiny" demonstrated his versatility and ability to portray morally complex characters. MacMurray's presence added depth and authenticity to the films he appeared in, leaving a lasting impact on the noir genre and solidifying his place among the notable actors associated with it.
AVAILABLE FILMS:
ALL OF ME (1934)
BACKGROUND TO DANGER (1943)
BLACK WIDOW (1954)
BOLERO (1934)
BOWERY, THE (1933)
CHRISTMAS EVE (1947)
DANCERS IN THE DARK (1932)
DANGEROUS PROFESSION, A (1950)
EACH DAWN I DIE (1939)
EVERY NIGHT AT EIGHT (1935)
GLASS KEY, THE (1935)
HOUSE ACROSS THE BAY, THE (1940)
I STOLE A MILLION (1939)
IF I HAD A MILLION (1932)
I'LL GET YOU (1953)
INTRIGUE (1947)
INVISIBLE STRIPES (1939)
IT HAD TO HAPPEN (1936)
JET OVER THE ATLANTIC (1959)
JOHNNY ALLEGRO (1949)
JOHNNY ANGEL (1946)
LOAN SHARK (1952)
LOVE IS A RACKET (1932)
MADAME RACKETEER (1932)
MAN FROM CAIRO, THE (1954)
MANPOWER (1941)
MIDNIGHT CLUB (1933)
MR. ACE (1946)
NIGHT WORLD (1932)
NOCTURNE (1946)
OUTPOST IN MOROCCO (1949)
PALMY DAYS (1931)
QUICK MILLIONS (1931)
RACE STREET (1949)
RED LIGHT (1949)
ROGUE COP (1954)
RUMBA (1935)
SCARFACE (1932)
SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
SPAWN OF THE NORTH (1938)
STAGE DOOR CANTEEN (1943)
STOLEN HARMONY (1935)
TAXI! (1932)
THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT (1940)
TRUMPET BLOWS, THE (1934)
WHISTLE STOP (1946)
YOU AND ME (1938)
BACKGROUND TO DANGER (1943)
BLACK WIDOW (1954)
BOLERO (1934)
BOWERY, THE (1933)
CHRISTMAS EVE (1947)
DANCERS IN THE DARK (1932)
DANGEROUS PROFESSION, A (1950)
EACH DAWN I DIE (1939)
EVERY NIGHT AT EIGHT (1935)
GLASS KEY, THE (1935)
HOUSE ACROSS THE BAY, THE (1940)
I STOLE A MILLION (1939)
IF I HAD A MILLION (1932)
I'LL GET YOU (1953)
INTRIGUE (1947)
INVISIBLE STRIPES (1939)
IT HAD TO HAPPEN (1936)
JET OVER THE ATLANTIC (1959)
JOHNNY ALLEGRO (1949)
JOHNNY ANGEL (1946)
LOAN SHARK (1952)
LOVE IS A RACKET (1932)
MADAME RACKETEER (1932)
MAN FROM CAIRO, THE (1954)
MANPOWER (1941)
MIDNIGHT CLUB (1933)
MR. ACE (1946)
NIGHT WORLD (1932)
NOCTURNE (1946)
OUTPOST IN MOROCCO (1949)
PALMY DAYS (1931)
QUICK MILLIONS (1931)
RACE STREET (1949)
RED LIGHT (1949)
ROGUE COP (1954)
RUMBA (1935)
SCARFACE (1932)
SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
SPAWN OF THE NORTH (1938)
STAGE DOOR CANTEEN (1943)
STOLEN HARMONY (1935)
TAXI! (1932)
THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT (1940)
TRUMPET BLOWS, THE (1934)
WHISTLE STOP (1946)
YOU AND ME (1938)
VIDEO TRIBUTE:
George Raft

George Raft, born George Ranft on September 26, 1901, was an American actor and dancer known for his tough guy roles in crime films during the 1930s and 1940s. He became an iconic figure in the gangster genre and was often associated with his portrayal of charismatic and street-smart characters.
Raft was born in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and became involved in organized crime at a young age. However, he found his true passion in dancing and pursued a career as a professional dancer. Raft gained recognition for his skills in tap dancing and appeared in various Broadway shows as well as in speakeasies during the Prohibition era.
In the early 1930s, Raft transitioned from dancing to acting and made his film debut in the crime drama "Queen of the Night Clubs" (1929). His breakthrough role came in 1932 when he portrayed the character of Spats Colombo in the iconic gangster film "Scarface" alongside Paul Muni. This performance solidified Raft's association with the gangster genre and led to a series of similar roles.
Some of Raft's notable films include "Each Dawn I Die" (1939) opposite James Cagney, "Manpower" (1941) with Edward G. Robinson, and "Some Like It Hot" (1959) alongside Marilyn Monroe. Despite his success in portraying tough guys, Raft turned down several roles that would later become iconic, such as Sam Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and Rick Blaine in "Casablanca" (1942).
Raft's off-screen associations with organized crime figures, including his friendships with gangsters such as Owney Madden and Bugsy Siegel, further added to his mystique and enhanced his reputation as a real-life tough guy. However, it is worth noting that the extent of his involvement with criminal activities remains a subject of debate and speculation.
In the later years of his career, Raft continued to act in films and television shows. He also performed in nightclubs and made guest appearances on variety shows. However, by the 1960s, his popularity had waned, and he faced financial difficulties.
George Raft passed away on November 24, 1980, at the age of 79 in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to the gangster film genre and his distinctive tough guy persona continue to be remembered and appreciated by film enthusiasts. Despite never achieving the level of critical acclaim or superstardom as some of his contemporaries, Raft's impact on the cinematic landscape of his time remains significant.
Raft was born in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and became involved in organized crime at a young age. However, he found his true passion in dancing and pursued a career as a professional dancer. Raft gained recognition for his skills in tap dancing and appeared in various Broadway shows as well as in speakeasies during the Prohibition era.
In the early 1930s, Raft transitioned from dancing to acting and made his film debut in the crime drama "Queen of the Night Clubs" (1929). His breakthrough role came in 1932 when he portrayed the character of Spats Colombo in the iconic gangster film "Scarface" alongside Paul Muni. This performance solidified Raft's association with the gangster genre and led to a series of similar roles.
Some of Raft's notable films include "Each Dawn I Die" (1939) opposite James Cagney, "Manpower" (1941) with Edward G. Robinson, and "Some Like It Hot" (1959) alongside Marilyn Monroe. Despite his success in portraying tough guys, Raft turned down several roles that would later become iconic, such as Sam Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and Rick Blaine in "Casablanca" (1942).
Raft's off-screen associations with organized crime figures, including his friendships with gangsters such as Owney Madden and Bugsy Siegel, further added to his mystique and enhanced his reputation as a real-life tough guy. However, it is worth noting that the extent of his involvement with criminal activities remains a subject of debate and speculation.
In the later years of his career, Raft continued to act in films and television shows. He also performed in nightclubs and made guest appearances on variety shows. However, by the 1960s, his popularity had waned, and he faced financial difficulties.
George Raft passed away on November 24, 1980, at the age of 79 in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to the gangster film genre and his distinctive tough guy persona continue to be remembered and appreciated by film enthusiasts. Despite never achieving the level of critical acclaim or superstardom as some of his contemporaries, Raft's impact on the cinematic landscape of his time remains significant.
Quotes:
"I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly."
[on acting] "You see, I found it tough work. What I would do would be to think over the scene in my mind and try to become whoever I was playing. I would try to feel like the person in that particular scene. Sometimes my words would be different from the script."
[In a 1936 interview, discussing former jobs before getting into the acting profession] "My one ambition then was to drive a horse. So I got a job driving a delivery wagon for a large grocery company. I drove up and down Ninth avenue like I was daffy. I raced all the other delivery wagons. I gave all the boys rides. Deliveries were always late, customers complained, and I was fired."
- George Raft
Trivia:
He turned down High Sierra (1941), which gave Humphrey Bogart his big break, The Maltese Falcon (1941), and Double Indemnity (1944).
Not much is known about his marriage to Mulrooney except that she was some years his senior. Although separated early, they were never divorced, and he continued to support her faithfully until her death in 1970.
Was a close friend of notorious gangster Benjamin Bugsy Siegel since their childhood in New York. Siegel actually lived at Raft's home in Hollywood for a time while trying to make inroads for organized crime within the movie colony.
According to James Cagney's autobiography Cagney By Cagney, (Published by Doubleday and Company Inc 1976), a Mafia plan to murder Cagney by dropping a several hundred pound klieg light on top of him was stopped at the insistence of George Raft. Cagney at that time was President of the Screen Actors Guild and was determined not to let the mob infiltrate the industry. Raft used his 'many' mob connections to cancel the hit.
In his autobiography, none other than Fred Astaire attested to the dance talent of George Raft, writing, "...I saw what I consider the neatest, fastest Charleston dancer ever. George Raft. He practically floored me with his footwork." Fred later told the Cafe de Paris in London that Raft would be a great attraction.
Not much is known about his marriage to Mulrooney except that she was some years his senior. Although separated early, they were never divorced, and he continued to support her faithfully until her death in 1970.
Was a close friend of notorious gangster Benjamin Bugsy Siegel since their childhood in New York. Siegel actually lived at Raft's home in Hollywood for a time while trying to make inroads for organized crime within the movie colony.
According to James Cagney's autobiography Cagney By Cagney, (Published by Doubleday and Company Inc 1976), a Mafia plan to murder Cagney by dropping a several hundred pound klieg light on top of him was stopped at the insistence of George Raft. Cagney at that time was President of the Screen Actors Guild and was determined not to let the mob infiltrate the industry. Raft used his 'many' mob connections to cancel the hit.
In his autobiography, none other than Fred Astaire attested to the dance talent of George Raft, writing, "...I saw what I consider the neatest, fastest Charleston dancer ever. George Raft. He practically floored me with his footwork." Fred later told the Cafe de Paris in London that Raft would be a great attraction.