The Glass Key 1935 George Raft, Claire Dodd, Edward Arnold

The complete ORIGINAL version of The Glass Key in 1935 Starring George Raft the Story by: Dashiell Hammett also with Ray Milland Ann Sheridan as the nurse.
In an attempt at reform, crime boss Paul Madvig (Edward Arnold) closes down a gang member's gambling den, then offers support to Senator John Henry's re-election, hoping to marry Henry's daughter Janet. Paul and his loyal bodyguard, Ed Beaumont (George Raft), are soon immersed in the brutal murder of Janet's wayward brother Taylor -- whose girlfriend, Opal, is convinced of Paul's guilt. With the involvement of a vengeful gang member and a willing press, it falls to Ed to clear Paul's name.

[@aadamtx]

Edward Arnold is such an underrated character actor with one of the most distinct voices of the era. He was popular among directors, working with everyone from Curtiz to Whale to Capra.

[@doreekaplan2589]

Cant be 2 opposites at the same time.

[@samueldavidrucker7514]

Yes! I've never seen him in a movie where he wasn't truly brilliant

[@dalanmanbros8311]

I really loved his portrayal of Nero Wolfe, and wish he'd done more of Rex Stout's stories.

[@libertytreebud5406]

I liked him in "Come and Get It"

[@libertytreebud5406]

Thank you for great entertainment. I loved the movie 👍

[@Menschenfreund535]

George Raft in top form! Great cast, wonderful movie! Thanks H-TGA!

[@user-dh5cv6go1v]

The true Raft that I came to appreciate when I was small. My mom told me about him back then and then saw one of his films around 10 years old and was a fan ever since. Tku for post.

[@ashroskell]

That was a fair bit better than I thought it would be. A lot of Dashiell Hammett’s novel dialogue made it into the final draft of the script, which helped. Raft was not as wooden as I expected him to be. In fact, he was rather good in this. And the supporting cast was excellent, including that early appearance from a young and already talented Ray Milland as the doomed wastrel, which elevated the proceedings. I thought the director’s choices were rather elegant. His handling of violence was deft, making it feel all the more brutal when the camera shifted its gaze from the heartless beatings in the manner of a frightened witness with superb timing. I got invested in the story and felt there were real stakes at play. Had a great time with this. Thank you.

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

Thank you for the good review. It's a shame that no one gets to see that George's earlier movies that show he did have acting abilities. That's why I made this YT Channel for him. I was tired of so many people bad mouthing his acting since they never saw his movies from the 30's since they never shown on TV any longer. Go watch "It Had to Happen" another movie showing he wasn't a wooden actor.

[@aileen694]

​@@hollywood-thegoldenage5310 Just finished 3rd rewatch of "She Couldn't Take It", Raft with Joan Bennett, directed by Tay Garnett. This really was one of Raft's best films, 1935. A fast-moving, witty script with lots of *very* funny bits. Nothing wooden about his acting here; yes, his earlier work was surprisingly good. I remain a diehard fan.

[@aileen694]

This was great, thanks! So good to see one of Raft's earlier films where he showed his true acting chops.

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

You are welcome and I agree. Too bad TCM never shows this one anymore.

[@ashroskell]

Yeah, I was surprised to see him not phoning it in, like he did in so many later roles. He was actually pretty good in this. He conveyed the sense that he really cared about what was going on and, despite being the smartest man in the room, he wasn’t super-humanly capable of dispatching bad guys with a flick of the script. Dashiell Hammett’s writing, from the original novel, made it into the dialogue, which helped no end. And the supporting cast saw it all safely over the finish line, with some great performances in the key roles that mattered to make it all investing enough. Did you notice the young Ray Milland as the ner do well murder victim? He was clearly talented from early in his career. Had a great time and I’m glad I gave it a chance. Having read the novel, like 30 years ago or so, I was just curious enough. Rewarded for my curiosity.

[@aileen694]

@@ashroskell I've become addicted to these noir films. The artistry in lighting, shadow placement, angles, even the acting, all made the stories so believable. I like the frequent surprises of actors like Milland, Raymond Burr, Peter Lorre and even Boris Karloff ! popping up.

[@ashroskell]

@@aileen694 : I hope I didn’t miss that list of actors in this single movie? Just kidding. I’m a cinephile in general. For me it only needs to be a fine example of its type or genre. So I’ll rate a movie like Singin’ In The Rain up there with Alien or Terminator, or Something like Ben Hur with His Girl Friday or the first Topper film. I’ll be as excited to show my kids Laurel and Hardy in Way Out West as I am to share the Barbenheimer experience with them in the cinema. I knew the novel in this case, noir being my favourite genre, with Raymond Chandler being my favourite writer, though Dashiell Hammett is up there. And, again, that covers a broad spectrum from Bladerunner and LA Confidential to The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep. Nice to meet a fellow traveller from time to time.

[@paulinemarvin894]

It’s wonderful watching these George Raft movies 🎥 thanks you tube ❤

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Great movie ! Classic beat down of George Raft, as authentic as they come. Thanks for the movie 😊

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

You are right it is a Classic and Mr. Raft did a great acting job in this classic.

[@cassandrahanner8195]

Great movie with George raft, I like him. Love mystery crime old movies, thanks

[@davidhewson8605]

Raft , a good gangster ! . ❤ Thanks. Dave

[@Eric-iu3jk]

George Raft was Hardcore.

[@danielstump3204]

George Raft as Ned Beaumont. Wow! What a block buster!

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

It is a little known goody.

[@rudolphvalentinoconnection8298]

Fabulous RAFT!!!!! Not to be confused with "The Master Key" written by the John Fleming Wilson who wrote popular adventure novels and short stories....one the basis of The Uncharted Sea" which was an early Valentino vehicle...

[@FlipDahlenburg]

No one is confusing Hammett's novel with Fleming's, and George Raft STINKS!

[@georgestouros2280]

NOTE Ann Sheridan as George's nurse. Destinctive delivery and voice even then.

[@virginiastevens3782]

Great movie thank you.🇬🇧

[@dingodogrecords]

Excellent. I enjoyed that one. Thanks for sharing.

[@Oldeagle66]

George Raft. I'm in.

[@christiestaples8088]

I am just discovering George Raft I never heard of him before. Thank you for posting this wonderful film I liked it and subscribed to your channel. I look forward to seeing and learning more about him. He was absolutely amazing in this film. Thank you again

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

If you want more of Raft you are better off joining my FB group for him. I teach all about him there. Just click the link: facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/

[@christiestaples8088]

@hollywoodgoldenage Thank you for your FB info I will certainly do that. Thank you again for introducing me to a remarkable man

[@ALF782]

It was Cagney , Edward G and Raft in the 1930s for gangster movies. Sad to see Raft is forgotten by many.

[@kpflo123]

Check out all the roles he turned down. Casablanca, for one. Out of the Fog, another. Im not exactly sure, but I think, High Sierra. I Iiked him in Scarface. Enjoy! Read his bio.

[@aileen694]

​@@ALF782 But also *remembered* by many others! His earlier films showed how convincing Raft's acting talent really was, with a flair for wry humour. And the versatility of his dancing skill was just another level.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Great movie no bad language & everyone was so well dressed.

[@muffycrosswire2945]

Thanks for posting this

[@berylbattrick1246]

GREAT MOVIE, AS ALWAYS. THANK YOU.

[@stanedwards309]

Enjoyed seeing Ann Sheridan in an early role. I recognized her distinct voice, first.

[@joemonteleonezollo4967]

Great movie 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

[@rescuepetsrule6842]

One of the many films of the Film Noir movies, and it has everything it needs: crime, women/love/femme fatale sorta, and a cast that knew what they were doing. I still prefer B&W to color films mostly- I wonder why some studio hasn't capitalized on making B&W films exclusively for people like me. I'd buy a ticket... TY!

[@karensealy9782]

Thankyou 🎉

[@MiqueCapel]

adorable george raft, alas no dancing in this movie

[@Collados13]

Thanks. As one of George Raft's other character's would say (from a diff movie)~ He's some class ;)

[@FlipDahlenburg]

How could you possibly know?

[@bluelouie2704]

Great movie. Thank you for posting.

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@candy9986]

Loved it 💕🤗

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

TCM never shows this movie meanwhile Raft was better in this movie than the remake with Alan Ladd. Thanks for commenting.

[@yesterdaysnews1147]

Great cast and director and writer, Have not seen 1942 version, but now I want to. Fun to see Ray Milland and Ann Sheridan, stand out actors even in smaller roles here. 1:07 to 1:10 and other riveting George Raft scenes, wow... Frank Tuttle also directed Gunman In the Streets 1950 in France, another excellent noir. Thank you Hollywood TGA 🌹

[@lindaanthony7890]

Love George Raft and the great Edward Arnold ❤❤

[@ShadowsOnTheScreen]

Wow! A new posting. Thank you!

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

You are so welcome. I try to put as many of Raft's movies as I can and YT allows. Even though I get really busy with George's FB group. Thanks for commenting. Did you like the movie?

[@tubespring]

Thank you.

[@pmullins1495]

Mr Arnold again in his 'niche' role (a natural for him). Ditto for George Raft (natural in political 'go-to Mr. fix-it' roles)

[@sergusbower1270]

Better than the remake! ❤️

[@lovinraftqueenofnite7708]

That it is.

[@artmonk8576]

both are great. Personally, I prefer the remake with Ladd and Lake (and Bendix as Jeff).

[@FlipDahlenburg]

And Deadlier than the Male!!

[@baroqueman1]

An enjoyable flick, even though I do prefer the 1942 version with Brian Donlevy as Paul, and a most memorable William Bendix playing the dim-witted 'heavy' Jeff. However, in this version, the role of Ed was an ideal vehicle for George Raft, who played such parts so convincingly.

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

You are so correct. George was better than Ladd in this original movie.Too bad not enough people have seen this version.

[@artmonk8576]

Raft is iconic in the scene in the bar's private room. Guinn Williams great but not as good as Bendix in the 1942 remake.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Back when movie's were good.👍

[@ursulaglissmann6905]

The Glass Key

[@jeanettesdaughter]

The great great writing of the fantastic American writer Dashiell Hammett. I prefer him over Hemingway. Sacrilege, I know but Hammett had a much bigger world view although not so grand or ‘earnest.’ Hammett kept his politics local and his characters simple and plain. Only the criminals were deviant! No Gatsby he.

[@maxlinder5262]

Pretty good ... Interesting...😊

[@jacquelinelee9223]

I know that man's name isn't Midnight. But I guess it beats hey boy or the n word. Did Raft just kick that man? Lol. I love how Raft carries himself. Arnold reminds me of Robert Middleton a little. Good early Raft movie. Now he bit someone 😂😂😂.

[@gingerli5820]

There was a significant difference in this movie's conclusion from that of the 1942 version. In the later, Beaumont (Ladd) ended up with Janet Henry (Lake), the girl both he and Madvig (Donlevy) wanted. In this one, Beaumont (Raft) ended up with Madvig's (Arnold) daughter, Opal (Dodd). IMO, the 1942 movie was much better: Ladd was a better Beaumont and Veronica Lake was a much more rewarding prize.

[@artmonk8576]

I think Raft was excellent as Beaumont in this, but I think the 1942 remake is a better film, not only because of the Ladd/Lake chemistry but also because of Bendix's performance as Jeff.

[@maxinejarrett7077]

This film reminds me of Millers Crossing. Is this where the Coen Brothers got their inspiration from?!

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

Interesting I'll have to watch it again.

[@thomasrichmond2413]

Millers crossing is supposed to a cross of two Dashiel Hammet books: The Glass Key and Red Harvest

[@mikemcgrath5188]

i watched this instead of FJB's "big boy" noose conference.

[@patriciaheil6811]

I likes me some George Raft. only he didn't get to dance this time.

[@ChrisCarlin-is8wv]

Remakes just aren’t quite as good as the OG

[@victoriajarvis2260]

Anybody spot Ray Milland?

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

You couldn't miss him. Ray Milland was also in another movie with Raft. He was in "Bolero".

[@keithharvey7230]

You couldn't miss him you wally.

[@alexdavies7394]

I think George Raft is better in this kind of role than Alan Ladd, although the latter is a better actor.

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

Personally, I was never thrilled by Ladd's acting. Believe or not George was best in comedy and dancing but this does show if all is right he also could act.

[@alexdavies7394]

@@hollywood-thegoldenage5310 - I never rated George Raft as an actor.

[@FlipDahlenburg]

@@alexdavies7394 Neither Raft nor Ladd were great actors. Raft is too effete and vain for anyone to take seriously. Keep flipping that coin, George.

[@alexdavies7394]

@@FlipDahlenburg "Effete and vain?" A good job the man himself didn't hear you say that.

[@gostrum1]

@@alexdavies7394 The likes of George Raft don’t stand a chance against today’s keyboard warriors

[@MadMomma-kj9ks]

Wow!

[@jamesgillan3894]

Is that big QUINN ,playing the heavy .

[@jamesgillan3894]

Guinn Willams.

[@ricardolorrio8228]

it's all most scene for scene the same as the remake

[@donnarouse9432]

Too bad they hadn't created debit cards back then.

[@jacarts2793]

The 1942 version with Alan Ladd was much better

[@kpflo123]

Of course I enjoyed this but I gotta say, I prefer the Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake version.

[@swoondrones]

Have you got the 1942 version?

[@hollywood-thegoldenage5310]

Why would I have the 1942 version when I have this channel for George Raft's movies not seen on TV anymore. The '42 version with Alan Ladd is somewhere on KZbin, I guess.

[@FlipDahlenburg]

@@hollywood-thegoldenage5310 Snippy, aren't you? Thought you liked movies.

[@spgard]

I think this is really well acted, but the story and character subtleties are butchered. Blame it on Hollywood, no shade to the actors. The goody-goody crime boss is beyond belief, and has no business in a "Hammett" story. The hatchet man remaining and falling for his boss' daughter removes all the psychological complexity. I hope Hammett distanced himself from this movie. And who had the bright idea to change Ned to Ed? Ike Hammer, anyone? Hil Marlowe? What an insult to change the main character's name. I would probably have enjoyed this more if I'd never read the book. I think it was Hammett's best book, but this movie reduced the story to stupid.

[@elliottschertzer876]

Released June 15th,1935