This between takes photo of Jack Lemmon and George Raft was shot during the filming of the iconic comedy, “Some Like It Hot”, released 63 years ago on March 19, 1959. It starred Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon with co-stars George Raft, Pat O’Brien, and Joe E. Lewis. It was an instant hit …
Dancers in the Dark was released on March 11, 1932. The pre-code drama starred Miriam Hopkins as a taxi dancer and Jack Oakie as a band leader, but this lobby card featured George Raft who played a gangster and patron of the dance hall. Though very early in his career and with little thespian background, George …
Bolero starring George Raft and Carole Lombard was released on February 23, 1934. Best remembered for the tour-de-force performance to Ravel’s “Bolero”, this movie had several musical numbers including a tango to a piece written for George called “Raftero”. Though Carole had never performed as a dancer, her athleticism made it possible to keep up with …
It Had to Happen, released on Valentine’s Day, 1936, starred George Raft and Rosalind Russell in their only screen pairing. The original print ad tagline proclaimed, “The “Rendezvous” Girl Keeps A Daring Date With The Screen’s Irresistible Lover!” A well-wrought story with fine performances, this film was a box office hit.
Film noir crime drama Red Light starring George Raft is on Movies! this month. Among his eleven films in the genre, it is a lesser known but highly watchable 1949 release. Skilled director Roy Del Ruth brings out a subtly nuanced performance from George whose character conceals a deeply felt loss with a stoic demeanor …
George starred with Carole Lumbard in Rumba released on February 8, 1935. This was their second pairing in a musical and followed the hit film Bolero from the previous year. Their off-screen admiration and fondness for each other enhanced their on-screen romance in this film. Every motion in the final rumba is exquisitely performed, sensuous …
Whistle Stop was released on January 25, 1946. Classified as a crime film noir, George and Ava played the romantic leads well with Victor McLaglen turning in a pitch-perfect supporting performance. George Raft Films currently has this movie available free along with many others.
Jimmy knew that George was the best dancer for his opponent in the dance competition in the movie Taxi!, released on January 23, 1932, and recommended him for the uncredited role. George was a terrific ballroom dancer and had been a professional for many years before this film was made. Although Jimmy was a dancer, …
Carole Lombard and George Raft made two films together, Bolero (1934) and Rumba (1935). They were very fond of each other and that chemistry came through in both movies. Sadly, Carole died in a plane crash on 1/16/1942, eighty years ago today. What a shock it was to the Hollywood community. Her husband, Clark Gable, …
George passed away on November 24, 1980, from emphysema in a Los Angeles hospital. This image is from his last interview. He spent 62 years entertaining audiences, a very long career in any field. Stylish and charismatic to the end, he never lost his wit or charm. The full interview with Mike Douglas from February, …