George Raft, Molly Picon, Rudy Vallee, George Jessel--1980 TV Interview and Songs

[@porttowns1885]

George Raft comes across a soft-hearted sweetheart.

[@hawkspeak8592]

great interview and what a classy guy Georgie Raft was

[@gmaureen]

Great to see George Raft here, what an interesting man. I know he wasn't well, he died of leukemia a few months after this aired, but (to me) he was still a handsome man. And, it's no wonder the ladies fell for him because he also seems quite the gentleman.

[@NelsonStJames]

Every time I see a man like George Raft looking that good well into his 80's, I don't feel so bad about getting older. I miss the class all these older actors and celebrities used to exude in public. Note: Orrin Graf competed until the age of 85 and lived to be 96. He died in 2006.

[@carolynargabright8132]

+Nelson Smith Raft was underrated, he was my favorite of the tough guys, and he had style, enough so, that he was ranked one of the most stylish men of all time by GQ.

[@davidmorris6443]

Nelson Smith make the kind of money he makes and you too could look like this

[@inkyguy]

Nelson Smith, sadly, his lungs were those of a much older man. He died within months of this interview.

[@aa697]

Greatness which we will never see again. Thanks for posting and thanks for KZbin

[@richardmcleod1930]

Such entertainment Stars that entertained audiences around the World, and sing "You're a Grand Ole Flag" in enthusiastic appreciation of being a citizen of the United States of America. This should warm the herts of many people in the United States watching this video. Such Actors are indeed rare today if they exist at all. What a shame Hollywood and the World of entertainment cannot compare to the greatness of these Actors. The United States was indeed fortunate to have such people whose influence can still be felt today. A joy to hear.

[@charlbeckjewellers7418]

George Raft, One of the greats.

[@MOGGS1942]

I love George Raft. Such a classy man. In my book he's an 11.

[@lendrury2771]

More like a 13 in the lower extremities I heard if you know what I mean

[@jaycee990]

Agreed! Broke the mold in Hollywood after George

[@raftfan]

Yes, this was George Raft's final TV appearance and though he was suffering from advanced emphysema and likely - as yet - undetected leukemia, he really looks pretty well and even comes onstage doing a bit of a dance. Comes across not as a scrappy tough guy but a true gentle gentleman. My idol and I was privileged to write one of his bios. And for the record George himself confirms his birth year as 1895 despite others claiming he was born in 1901. God rest your soul, Georgie!

[@donaldfeeney7586]

+raftfan What was the title of your book?

[@raftfan]

+Donald Feeney GEORGE RAFT: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE BOGART.

[@davidmorris6443]

raftfan George Raft used to be the runner for Al Capone

[@inkyguy]

david morris , nearly everybody in 1920s Chicago was a runner for Capone. 😀

[@bambinoandmore46]

Loved the book definitive. What year was george boxing? You mention his brothers in your book yet no one else seems to know them. They all use the census but l know they are Not correct from my own family. George's dad was something to do with fair ground or carnival rides i think you call them. Do you think george had some gypsy blood?

[@maureenlumino3906]

Raft still dressed so well. His clothes were tailored and he looked very good in this interview. Throughout his movie career he was quite dapper.

[@JSB1882]

I have never seen George Raft interviewed. He was really a charming and nice man. I think he looks more handsomer here than in his movies. Georgie Jessel was hysterical, but always was and it's too bad no one remembers him. Molly Picon is delightful. I forgot that Vallee dyed his hair like that! lol Boy! Thank you for posting this!

[@backwardmen8090]

Such joy to see these legends. Bless them all.

[@citizen1163]

People talk about the swinging sixties but the 20s/30s must have been a far more amazing time to live through for so many reasons.

[@guileniam]

pamla motown Cagney said it was good but not too different to today (he was speaking in the 70s) everybody did what they could do to make a buck and went to work to make a living, just like now. In the depression they fantasted about the gangbangers sticking it to the elite, moral standards and culture was different some good some not so good. But a lot is rose tinted glasses, theres great stuff i wouldnt have dreamed of now if you look for it"

[@citizen1163]

Yes, get the rose tinted glasses but no denying the hard times produced larger than life characters, some good, some bad but never boring. Majority of today's celebs pale into insignificance for me.

[@inkyguy]

pamla motown, if you lived to see the 20s and 30s. An entire generation of young men died in the First World War and many millions more died of the influenza pandemic. One reason people partied as though there was no tomorrow is because they had witnessed just how tenuous and brief life can be.

[@cindersmolloy6584]

The great George Raft, so talented, and a gentleman too, stood up for the lady, unlike the other man

[@shellybaby5th]

George was the utmost epitome of swagger!

[@spockboy]

Always loved Cagney, Bogart and Robinson and ignored Raft movies. This interview, and the man's humble and fascinating life made me take a second look and I actually enjoy the guy now.

[@louisdelmar2431]

I truly enjoy every commercial took me back to being a kid in the eighties...George Raft a classic gentleman Rudy Vallee my favorite.

[@TheTrashStash]

raft's mind stayed razor sharp til the end. seems like he remembers it all like it happened to him yesterday. rip

[@AlfredHawthornBennyHill]

There's no more comedy like this anymore and it's a shame. People today don't get or want that kind of humor and that's saddening.

[@tracypaxton1054]

I miss Mike. He had class and always had an entertaining show.

[@kidblast41]

You've really outdone yourself, Alan Eichler, posting these ole Mike Douglas classics! Thanks so much ...

[@rachelllouise]

George Raft Is such a a Sweetie Pie

[@beatlessteve1010]

All I can say is that I think George is absolutely top shelf in my book, his acting seemed effortless like he was just being himself. but many of his roles seemed typecast so he never swayed too far from the same theme , i loved his movie w8th Gary Cooper called Souls at Sea and with Bogart where they play brothers in the truck driving industry ...Anne Sheridan and Ida Lupino starred as well 1940 They Drive by Night

[@jbirdperez6003]

Great interview .. George Raft. outstandin job Mr. Mike Douglas

[@mikeowen657]

What a bloody treasure is this video A+++

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From a 72yo Aussie fan.

[@ralphyhernandez5559]

George raft. What a legend

[@robg71]

George Raft. Pure Class.

[@showtunestarpower]

Molly Picon is one of my favorite stars of all time! It is so great to have her on this tape. Thank you Mike Douglas - and Alan Eichler!

[@SuperHartline]

+Star Sky I found in researching the Ostrovsky branch of my family that Molly Picon and I were descended from two brothers who lived near Kiev.I had the photo of HER ancestor but not mine.

[@showtunestarpower]

Wow!

[@DB-47]

I also like her as she starred in movie musical Yidn mitn Fidl (Yiddle with his fiddle)

[@inkyguy]

Reuben Hart, I know someone preparing a biography of Molly Picon. He might be interested in your photo. If you would be wiling to share a copy of it please let me know.

[@gabinadina]

Love these old Mike Douglas Shows, used to watch it every day way back when.

[@WinslowLeach1974]

Raft is awesome, and so sharp here. Love all the old Warners crew. Also, great how Raft protects the girl's identity (Lucille Ball), and then has to put his foot down to Douglas not to reveal who she was. Class act all the way.

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Jessel is a scream! A true star - always had it.

[@a1wireless1964]

thanks for posting this what a great episode I'm adding it to my vintage TV collection all three of them what a Class Act I wonder if 50 years from now if somebody will be looking at the Kardashians Or Duck Dynasty or Madonna or any of today's supposed celebrity and say wow what a Class Act... More like they'll be saying wow what a bunch of trash I can't believe people actually like that stuff

[@Bigwave2003]

The kids these days don't know from Mr. George Raft, Mr. Georgie Jessel, Mrs. Molly Picon and Mr. Rudy Vallee. Foist class entertainers.

[@friendlier]

This is fabulous. Thank you for posting, Mr. Eichler.

[@rachelllouise]

40:32 George Raft such a sweetheart gentleman

[@coryblum104]

As George Raft would say in Each dawn I Die. Here's to square guy. God bless you Mr Raft. 1939!

[@StingWolfpack]

this is great, full with commercials, many thanks

[@mildredpierce4506]

We used to love watching the Mike Douglas show.

[@wrightmf]

thanks for including the commercials, that Greyhound Bus ad is classic!

[@carolynargabright8132]

I loved the Mike Douglas Show.

[@diankreczmer6595]

George raft. Classy dresser!

[@kirby19711]

AWESOME OLD CHESTNUT!!!...Thanks for uploading! I've subbed. .

[@stephenannese8228]

Great talk show growing up in the 70's.....this and Merv's show,...I believe they were both on one after the other (Boston,Ma.) Mike on NBC and Merv/CBS?....love the commercials from 1980/as I type this,....*memories*.

[@raymondsteen5316]

Despite the fact that he was closely associated with real life gangsters like Benny " Bugsy" Segal, George Raft was still ok in my book as an actor when it comes to portraying a gangster!!!!!

[@wrightmf]

Interesting George said much of his dancing was self taught. Imagine if he got coaching from top instructors but then he probably wouldn't have developed his signature style in dancing.

[@raftfan]

Thanks Alan for posting this wonderful George Raft interview.

[@clivewilliams916]

Please can you tell me were you got the George Raft photograph from the start of this video I'd like to have a print 😀😀😀😀😀 Paula x

[@robertszvetics210]

jessel is a riot i wonder if he ever saw charlie callas do him

[@lisabrooks8092]

Was George Jessel not able to stand when Miss Picon came on stage? George Raft was the perfect gentleman towards her. A gentleman should always stand when a lady enters the room!

[@chevydude658]

I think he was very ill here. He died about six months after the taping of this show.

[@a1wireless1964]

Lisa Brooks unfortunately Mr Jessel was near death doing this episode is multiple health conditions it's a wonder he was able to even appear at all but still all three of them a pretty Class Act

[@inkyguy]

That rule died by the 1970s. This was 1980. I was taught it was an antiquated rule, and any of my women friends would be insulted and embarrassed to have all of her social equals stand when she enters. It is from an era when women were treated as princesses on a podium but given no real power or genuine respect.

[@brenter55]

great to see rudy vallee jessel and raft such great talent clever witty

[@jamesten]

May 6th, 1980, it seems. Absolutely grand stuff - a reason for KZbin.

[@sergioalpert66]

This aired April 29th, 1980. Raft passed away November 24th, 1980 from leukemia.He sounds good but he doesn't look very well here.

[@arosencrantz18]

your right cuz at one point he coughed and he sounded like he was very congested

[@beatlessteve1010]

you dont think George looks good here, to me he looks amazing for 80

[@michael69040]

The studio band sounds tight. Where are those guys today?

[@bettyprettyprincess]

What showgirl did George raft help

[@randomhuman8928]

Molly is so cute I've watched her for years I think she was in my favorite episode of car 54 were are you. also she was in come blow your horn with Sinatra.i never knew her name.till now

[@TomDaly943]

Mrs Bronson in 3 episodes. So funny!

[@thegreatdominion949]

George Jessel got that Purple Heart disembarking from a burning helicopter in Vietnam when he was 70 years of age.

[@arosencrantz18]

can anybody identify the news commentator?

[@sthompson4049]

commercials topped out at about 3:30 unlike today .......

[@inkyguy]

George Raft died of emphysema on 24 November 1980, within months of this interview.

[@aeichler]

1901 is generally accepted as the correct year of Raft's birth.

[@beckybarhen1700]

Did he lie about his age? or he was told wrong by his parents? According to Wkipedia he died the year of this video. Correct?

[@elchoya100]

cant seem to find those stouffers hot Italian sandwiches on the freezer aisle anymore!

[@robertszvetics210]

poor george raft he turned down so many great roles

[@sonijam]

Who was the chorus girl George Raft gave $300 to?

[@NeverIntimidated]

sonijam Lucille Ball 👩🏻‍🦰

[@randomhuman8928]

Jessel really hated all Jolson didn't he .jessel always cracked me up.

[@mushmorant9253]

I can see what Art Linkletter was talking about when he lamented in one of his latter interviews that Rudy Vallee ended his career doing off-colour stand up comedy.

[@arosencrantz18]

I thought Rudy vallée was really funny and very professional and he probably was smart enough to know that either his voice wasn't good anymore or people wouldn't care for his style singing anymore so he segued into comedy and I thought he was great

[@cmcb09]

+Mush Morant He was a terror behind the scenes, when he did an episode of Here's Lucy he cussed like a sailor backstage. Lucy who was known for having a bit of a mouth didn't react to it but when there were children present on set and he didn't stop she really let him have it. Also when he did a 3 episode arch on Batman with Glynis Johns, while they raved about how much a sweetheart Glynis was not a single good thing about Rudy.

[@mushmorant9253]

I guess "Rudy" lived up to his name then.

[@katylake212]

I wonder who George Raft gave the $300 to that Mike Douglas wouldn't say.

[@hnk2227]

I would guess Lucille Ball.

[@MOGGS1942]

I think that's a pretty good guess.

[@porttowns1885]

Lucille Ball told the story on herself. She said that she was a chorus girl working as an extra. She went to George Raft and told them that she was behind on her rent and her mother was coming to town. So Lucy said that he gave her $100 but also a limo and his driver to drive around her mother while she was in town.

[@arosencrantz18]

wow, Rudy Vallee really stole the show and he wasn't even a comedian! I'm going to have to write down those lyrics! mother's little hamentashen haha I love the line close to the end where he said you powder your face with gunpowder cuz your face is all shot to heck!

[@almeggs3247]

This Is false advertising! It implies a movie and it’s not!

[@troybirch]

Where does it imply its a movie? "1980 TV movie?"

[@bornyesterday21]

TIGER 7 ... lol

[@ImYourHuckleberry_29]

George got sum big ears

[@aileen694]

Tabish29 from 7 years ago, yes but they don't stick out! 😁 And anyway, with those eyes, that voice and (still) charisma, plus his reputation as a great but respectful lover, who cares about ears!

[@olderthanyoucali8512]

This host has the same goofy haircut as the I'm not bald Trump.

[@martyrobinson4474]

Raft and Jessel are sporting some terrible toupees ... and Vallee's dye job needs a touch-up!

[@brassplyer]

Supposedly Raft got knocked on his ass by Harry James in a restaurant when Raft went on an insulting tirade toward Betty Grable.

[@aileen694]

brassplyer from 7 yrs ago, - never heard that tale before, and I've read hundreds on Raft! And he was dating Grable for awhile. Also, he had a firm reputation of respect and privacy towards women... I think that story may be backwards, Harry J dumping on Betty G and Raft (former pro boxer and a bona fide tough guy) socked Him!