The Glass Key starring George Raft, Edward Arnold, Claire Dodd and Ray Milland was released on June 15, 1935, and was one of Paramount’s highest grossing movies of the year.
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 adding a femme fatale, the original version is a hardboiled thriller about politics, loyalty, and murder.
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 adding to its audience appeal.
For a bit of film trivia, Ann Sheridan had a bit part as a nurse who puts George in his place. It is one of five films she appeared in with him, eventually co-starring 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 catch it while it is available.
