Watch The Racket

The Racket is a black-and-white silent film that was released in 1928. Directed by Lewis Milestone, the film stars Thomas Meighan, Louis Wolheim, and Marie Prevost. The film follows the story of a police captain who is trying to stop corruption and organized crime in the city. The movie is based on a play by Bartlett Cormack and was one of the first films to tackle the issue of corruption in the police force. The story revolves around the character of Captain James McQuigg who is determined to bring down the criminal empire controlled by Nick Scarsi, a notorious gangster.

Thomas Meighan delivers a strong performance as Captain McQuigg, a tough and honest cop who refuses to be intimidated by the powerful criminal underworld. His character is both brave and principled, and he is determined to do whatever it takes to clean up the city.

Louis Wolheim plays the role of Nick Scarsi, the ruthless and cunning gangster who rules the city with an iron fist. His character is a menacing presence on the screen, and he exudes a palpable sense of danger and malevolence. Wolheim's performance is nuanced and layered, and he brings a depth and complexity to the character that makes him much more than just a generic villain.

Marie Prevost plays the role of Helen Hayes, a young woman who becomes caught up in the conflict between McQuigg and Scarsi. Her character is somewhat of a damsel in distress, but she is also feisty and independent, and she resists being controlled by either man.

The Racket is a gripping, intense film that is filled with suspense and drama. It is an unflinching portrayal of the corrupt and morally bankrupt world of organized crime, and it doesn't shy away from showing the brutal violence and criminality that goes on behind closed doors.

The film is shot in a classic film noir style, with lots of chiaroscuro lighting, deep shadows, and sharp contrasts between light and dark. The look and feel of the film perfectly captures the seedy and dangerous atmosphere of the city, and it creates a sense of tension and unease that never lets up.

The Racket is not just a great crime film, it is also an important social commentary on the state of American society in the 1920s. The film was released at a time when the country was still reeling from the effects of Prohibition and the rise of organized crime, and it spoke directly to the fears and anxieties of the American public.

Overall, The Racket is a timeless classic that deserves to be seen by anyone who loves great films. It is a powerful and affecting drama that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released over 90 years ago.

The Racket is a 1928 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.