Watch The George Raft Story

The George Raft Story is a 1961 biographical film that follows the life of the legendary American actor, George Raft. The film is directed by Joseph M. Newman and features Ray Danton in the lead role as George Raft. The movie also stars Jayne Mansfield and Julie London in supporting roles. The film takes us through George Raft's life, starting from his childhood days in New York's rough neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen to his rise to stardom in Hollywood. The movie paints a picture of Raft's life as a tough guy, starting his career as a dancer in New York's nightclubs and leading up to his success as a movie star.

Raft's life is presented in a chronological way, starting with his early years as a young man who dreamed of becoming a dancer. He gets his first break when he becomes friends with comedian Joe E. Brown, who helps him land his first dancing job. Raft's career begins to take off as he becomes popular in New York nightclubs and eventually moves to Hollywood to pursue a career in movies.

The George Raft Story focuses on Raft's undeniable charm and grit that eventually made him a leading man in Hollywood. He is portrayed as a daring and confident man who also had a soft side, especially with the women he loved. In the movie, his romances with actresses Betty Grable, Marlene Dietrich, and Mae West are highlighted.

The film also touches on the darker side of Raft's life, including his association with notorious gangsters like Bugsy Siegel and his involvement in illegal gambling. It shows how he was drawn into this world and how it affected his career and personal life.

The George Raft Story also explores Raft's relationship with Hollywood studios and his struggle to maintain his image as a tough guy. The film depicts how studios tried to Rebrand him several times during his career, trying to make him play the romantic lead instead of the tough guy.

Throughout the film, Ray Danton delivers an impressive performance as George Raft, playing him with the right amount of charisma and toughness. Jayne Mansfield and Julie London are both excellent in their roles, adding depth and emotion to the story.

The film's direction is top-notch, and the costumes and sets do an excellent job of capturing the era and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the 1920s and 30s.

In conclusion, The George Raft Story is a fascinating biopic that takes the viewers on a journey through the ups and downs of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. It is a well-crafted film that captures the essence of Raft's life and the golden age of Hollywood in which he lived. With strong performances and direction, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood or the American film industry.

The George Raft Story is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.