The George Raft Story

The George Raft Story, released in 1961, is a mesmerizing and thrilling journey into the world of Hollywood’s golden era. Directed by Joseph M. Newman and headlined by the talented Ray Danton in the eponymous role, this biographical drama explores the life and career struggles of the renowned American film actor and dancer, George Raft.

Ray Danton embodies the spirit of the iconic actor, delivering an engrossing performance that plunges us into the myriad shades of Raft's life. The screenplay, penned by Crane Wilbur, adeptly captures George Raft's journey through the heady, glamorous climes of 1930s Hollywood and his personal struggles.

Jayne Mansfield plays Lisa Lang, the fictional love interest of George Raft in the movie. Known in Hollywood for her sex-appeal and her Marilyn Monroe-esque persona, Mansfield gives a touch of glamour and worldliness to the film that is in sync with the romance and high stakes of Raft's life. The inclusion of Julie London in the cast as Sheila Patton adds a substantial emotive vein to the story, with her portrayal of an actress who is also Raft's longest companion.

The movie begins by setting up Raft's modest early life: Born to poor parents in the U.S., Raft's early years were embroiled in the shadowy fringes of society. A talented dancer, Raft gets his introduction to showbiz through gigs at small-time establishments, offering us a glimpse into an era of raw and grassroots-level entertainment. His impressive dancing skills help him climb the ladder in the entertainment world, but the glamour of Hollywood is initially elusive and serves as a backdrop to his turbulent personal life.

Exposing the darker side of stardom, the film dives deep into Raft's doomed relationships and the loneliness that often comes with fame. It is in these moments that Danton’s acting finesse truly shines. He vividly portrays Raft's emotional turmoil, as well as the actor's determination to rise above his circumstances.

In the movie, we also get an insight into the significant roles George Raft passed on, which would later become legendary. These missed opportunities further enhance the catch-22 that ensues within his professional life. His reputation for being associated with the underworld is also touched upon, giving an added layer of complexity to the narrative.

The George Raft Story is more than just a straightforward biographical film. It explores the themes of fame, fortune, identity, and personal conflict with Hollywood as its sparkling yet testing landscape. It paints a portrait of Raft as a man who desired to be a serious actor but was typecast due to his looks and roots in the dance industry.

One of the major strengths of The George Raft Story is its focus on authenticity. The production design and costumes effectively create the atmosphere of the 1930s and 1940s era Hollywood, taking the audience back in time. The movie's music, composed by Joseph Mullendore, plays a pivotal role in reflecting the era's vibe and further lacing the narrative with poignancy and drama.

Director Joseph M. Newman does an excellent job of crafting a narrative that unfolds with emotional depth and evocative nostalgia. He adeptly balances the dark undertones of Raft's personal struggles with the glitz and glamour of his professional world. The cinematography is fluid and encompasses a keen attention to detail, communicating the narrative’s mood shifts.

In essence, The George Raft Story takes us on a stirring and emotionally loaded yet engrossing ride through George Raft's career highs and personal lows. Ray Danton instills an enduring charisma to the title role, presenting a convincing picture of a celebrity whose life lurched between looming shadows and shining spotlights. With strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Jayne Mansfield and Julie London, the movie offers a compelling slice of Hollywood history through a biographical lens.