George Raft

[Western Guy]

Robert Stack, of course, appeared in two movies with Rock -- and I think it's fair to say that Stack stole both films from Rock and fellow co-stars. Man, any semblance of gangbuster Eliot Ness DOES NOT exist in "Written on the Wind". For those familiar only with Stack's turn on "The Untouchables", catching him in that picture is sure to throw you for a loop. Maybe had that role come about following his role as Eliot Ness, Stack would have won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

[charliechaplinfan]

I haven't seen him in The Untouchables, is that a TV series? He I really liked him in he Sirk movies, good actor, I want to watch his earlier work again now.

[Western Guy]

"The Untouchables" indeed was a TV series, based on the Desilu production of Eliot Ness's book of the same name. It originated as a two-part mini-series called "The Scarface Mob", which stuck pretty close to what Ness (together with Oscar Fraley) wrote. The TV series, however, veered wildly off into fiction, with Ness and his men actually going up against the likes of . . . Ma Barker??!!

Still, it was a vastly entertaining program and the first three seasons are available on DVD.

[ChiO]

the first three seasons are available on DVD.

And there are some episodes on YouTube, including Episode 5 -- unquestionably the finest episode. Especially starting at about 1:30.

[knitwit45]

Why did I know TC would be in this, even before I started it????

[ChiO]

Because you're prescient and have extraordinary taste!

[knitwit45]

[charliechaplinfan]

I will save The Untouchables for when I return, I'd love to watch Robert Stack as Elliot Ness, we have to forgive TV for borrowing other crimes to fit their purposes, if it's a winning formula stick with it even if it's untrue.

Stone you'll be able to breathe for a couple of weeks, no more questions about George whilst I'm on my vacation, I have packed The House Across the Bay and Each Dawn I Die although I think it's wishful thinking on my part with the Olympics being on but I can hope that I might get an opportunity to watch them.

[Western Guy]

No problem, Alison. As I said, it's a breather for me to visit this great site when I need a break from writing my latest Western. I especially enjoy being questioned about George. Have done quite a few radio interviews and am gratified to know that there actually are other Raft fans out there.

You haven't watched "Each Dawn I Die" yet? One of the top five. "House Across the Bay"? I'd give it an okay. There's a draggy middle section where Raft pretty much disappears from the action and we're left with Joan Bennett and (help us Lord!) the phlegmatic Walter Pidgeon. Lloyd Nolan, though, is great. Plus -- Gladys George!

But if "Each Dawn I Dies" creates an improbable scenario, wait 'til you see what happens in "House".

[moirafinnie]

I just found All of Me (1934) with Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins, George Raft & Helen Mack on youtube:

[Western Guy]

Thanks Moira. I don't know why I like this film as much as I do, but it actually is one of my favorite Raft Paramounts. Would like to see some of these broadcast on TCM. Obviously they're available.

[moirafinnie]

Thanks Moira. I don't know why I like this film as much as I do, but it actually is one of my favorite Raft Paramounts. Would like to see some of these broadcast on TCM. Obviously they're available.

Paramount/Sony is rather notorious for not knowing the wealth of material they have in their library--but a trickle of their films seem to find their way to the marketplace each year. I am hoping that this one is in their vault (and looks clearer than this particular print on youtube).

[charliechaplinfan]

What a treat to have All of Me available on youtube. I didn't have a chance to watch any of George's film on holiday, too much to do and the Olympics to watch. I did get to watch The House Across the Bay today, it does sag when George isn't in it, I do love Joan Bennett but even she couldn't save the bits that George wasn't in, it isn't Walter Pidgeon's finest hour, why on earth would she entertain his character? I normally like Walter Pidgeon but he's ill used here. George was great, charismatic, handsome and convincing as the guy who stretched the law and got found out. I had to suspend my disbelief at him swimming the bay then jumping back in and paying the price but belief suspended I really enjoyed his segments.

For a guy who couldn't swim he's a natural in the water, both here and Spawn of the North, he's completely convincing.

Coming back home from Austria and Germany I wondered if you knew if George could speak German?

We all had a splendid 2 weeks and were very lucky with the weather and we picked up our first puppy the day after we returned, it's like having a toddler, my visits here will have to be fit around toileting Lara and doing the holiday washing. I'm glad to be back, I missed talking movies.

[feaito]

Welcome back Alison and I'm happy to read that you had a good time.

[charliechaplinfan]

We did, I'm still coming back to earth. When I say that we didn't have time for movies there was one glaring exception, The Sound of Music which one can't avoid in Salzburg, the kids have seen it and liked it but weren't overly fussed at seeing the sites where the movie was filmed, they were more amused at the tour buses painted with scenes from the film.