Broadway (1942) was released on March 23, 1942 and starred George Raft, Pat O’Brien, Broderick Crawford and Janet Blair. George played himself in this drama about crime, speakeasies, bootleggers and nightclub dancers, a backdrop with which George was very familiar. At a time when the public was suffering through a war, this entertaining film provided escape from trying times and consequently was a hit.
Written for George’s talents, Broadway is replete with musical numbers including a sensuous tango with Janet Blair who was a most able partner. He was considered one of the best dancers of the day and this film gave him ample opportunity to do what he loved best.
George called himself “a stylist” and perhaps that could be said of a few of his solo routines. However, when it came to ballroom dancing, he was a smooth, elegant and gracious partner. Men wanted to dance like him and women wanted to dance with him. Broadway satisfied them both.