The Glass Key starring George Raft, Edward Arnold, Claire Dodd and Ray Milland was released on June 15, 1935, and was one of the highest grossing movies of the year for Paramount.
Adapted from the novel by Dashiell Hammett, The Glass Key is a crime drama that borders on film noir. It benefited from a clever script, intriguing photography, deft directing, and a fine cast. Though a 1942 remake would simplify the story and push it further into the film noir genre, the original version is a hardboiled thriller about politics, loyalty, and murder.
To be certain, George’s character is the focus of the film, but the intertwined relationships of the other characters contributed to a complex and at times unpredictable story. The attention to style and detail made this an eminently watchable film and as was so often the case, George was handsomely dressed.
For those who enjoy film trivia, Ann Sheridan had a bit part as a nurse in this, one of the five films she appeared in with George eventually co-starring opposite him in the 1940 hit, They Drive By Night.
The Glass Key is currently available in the movies section of GeorgeRaft.com. This film comes and goes, so watch it while you can.
