Found inside – Page 1258Bibliography dewey “pigmeat” markham: Markham, Dewey, and Levinson, William A., Here Come the Judge, ... 1995. george raft: Yablonsky, Lewis, George Raft, New York City, McGraw-Hill, 1974. martha raye: Pitrone, Jean Maddern, ... A candid self-portrait of the late film legend's golden-era Hollywood life traces her impoverished childhood in North Carolina through the heights of her career, sharing unflinching coverage of her relationships with such figures as Mickey ... In the depths of an unforgiving jungle, a legend is about to be born. In Horses, the British-born Niven reveals a generous but … The author shares her unique insight into Ronald Reagan, arguing that his character and courage made him the object of reverence and respect in America. Sept. 26, 1895: Born as George Raft in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. I would try to feel like the person in that particular scene. The success of Some Like It Hot did not lead to a comeback, but Raft managed to get roles as a casino owner in Ocean's 11 (1960), and had a cameo as himself in The Ladies Man (1961). He was third-billed in an extremely large role as a gangster in Dancers in the Dark (1932), below Miriam Hopkins as a dancer and Jack Oakie as a bandleader. I have been in love with George Raft from the moment I first saw him in "Manpower", and this book just made me love him more! Raft definitely deserves. Raft had an excellent role as mob boss supporting Robert Taylor in Rogue Cop (1954), a hit at MGM. [citation needed], Raft turned down roles in the following films:[125][126], Ray Danton played Raft in The George Raft Story (1961), which co-starred Jayne Mansfield. ", Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2007. Found inside – Page 70Uneducated moviegoers plumped for their own kind - Abbott and Costello , Betty Grable , George Raft , ect . I invented a party game . After getting each player to make a list of his six favorite stars , I could identify the author of ... Discover George Raft's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. He tried a comedy, Every Night at Eight (1935), and was borrowed by Columbia Pictures to appear in She Couldn't Take It (1935), a comedy in the vein of It Happened One Night (1934). ?br>?i>Los Angeles Timeshe most roguishly appealing movie bio since Errol Flynn My Wicked, Wicked Ways. The film was highly popular. [114][115], Raft was interviewed by FBI agents in 1938 and 1953. [61] Raft was put on suspension and $24,000 of his salary was withheld. 1923: Marries Grace Mulrooney. Unable to add item to List. 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[105] The Man from Cairo (1953), also for Lippert and shot in Europe and Africa, was the last film in which Raft had top billing. Second actor to portray the title role for CBS Radio's "The Adventures of Rocky Jordan" (1951-1953). He was born George Ranft, and was the son of Eva (Glockner) and Conrad Ranft, a department store deliveryman. He toured the US, England and Africa, performing for the troops in January through to March 1944. Like much about Raft, the book has class. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Raft agreed, but was rejected for a gaming license because of "too many associations with underworld figures". Moreover, in most movie reference books and sites the movie is referred to as "Madigan's Millions". The "Hell's Kitchen" set built for George in 'Invisible Stripes' was an exact replica of Raft's own New York birthplace. [82] MGM were going to borrow him to co-star with Norma Shearer in The World We Make,[83] but the film was never made. [92] He made a film in England, Jet Over the Atlantic. Raft has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: for movies at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard and for television at 1500 Vine Street. Supposing I'm supposed to hate a guy. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. 1970)  (her death). Hollywood enjoyed a revival of fact-based gangster biographies in the late 1950s, highlighted by the TV series The Untouchables (1959-1963) starring Robert Stack. 揧ablonsky, a sociologist and one of the foremost authorities in phychodrama, raises the book from ordinary show biz profiles to a penetrating insight into the relationship of personality to screen image, of character to social symbol. In 1955 Raft was offered the chance to buy a 2% share in the Flamingo Hotel for $65,000 if he acted as entertainment director. Mother, Eva, died of asthma at her 610 West 174th Street home in 1937, after a long illness, at the age of 62. [18] He then started working in New York City nightclubs, often in the same venues as Rudolph Valentino before Valentino became a movie actor. George Raft was born and grew up in a poor family in Hell's Kitchen, at the time one of the roughest, meanest areas of New York City. [11] His stage performances included The City Chap (October 1925) (with music by Jerome Kern),[28] Gay Paree, Madhattan, Palm Beach Nights (also known as No Foolin') and Padlocks of 1927 (1927). The following year he testified in front of a New York grand jury about Mafia financial transactions. Raft's big break came when cast as the second lead, alongside Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, in Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks, where he played second-in-command Guino Rinaldo, who falls in love with Camonte's sister and is murdered by him. For starters, George Raft in 1901. This was at Coney Island, Brooklyn. I used to caress myself as I danced. He stated publicly that he wanted to marry Norma Shearer, with whom he had a long romance, but his wife's refusal to allow a divorce eventually caused Shearer to end the affair. The new edition contains a wealth of new photographs and information on the journey of Gerald Vizenor. Gerald Vizenor, a member of the White Earth Anishinaabeg, is a professor of American Studies at the University of New Mexico. His first big role was as the coin-tossing henchman in Scarface (1932). George Raft is often held up to ridicule as an actor who single handedly put Humphrey Bogart on the road to stardom (Raft turned down roles in "Casablanca", "High Sierra" and "The Maltese Falcon" for various reasons). Found insideAutobiography of Mark Twain or Mark Twain’s Autobiography refers to a lengthy set of reminiscences, dictated, for the most part, in the last few years of American author Mark Twain's life and left in typescript and manuscript at his death ... George Raft Biography Raft turned down functions that became breakout hits for various other actors such as for example Humphrey Bogart. Raoul Walsh (1887–1980) was known as one of Hollywood’s most adventurous, iconoclastic, and creative directors. George Raft was an American actor and dancer who was best known for his portrayal of gangsters in the crime-drama films of the 1930s and the 1940s. Raft's real-life association with New York gangsters gave his screen image in mob films an added realism. Raft was born on September 26, 1901 in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, the son of Eva (Glockner) and Conrad Ranft. His father was born in Massachusetts to German immigrant parents, and his mother was a German immigrant. [citation needed] In 1928, Raft went to Hollywood to try his luck at acting. Please try again. "[73], Raft was meant to remake The Patent Leather Kid, one of his favorite films[74] and appear in the story of John Dillinger film with Cagney, but both projects were called off. The film was a box office disappointment. [81] John Garfield took his place. Raft brings to the rôle gives 'Bolero' considerable color, nevertheless. But no one could argue that he is one of the most fascinating and interesting movie stars to date. Illustrated with more than forty rare photographs from the author's personal collection, here is Astaire in all his debonair glory—his life, his times, his movies, and, above all, his magical screen appearances and enduring friendship ... According to The Lewiston Daily Sun newspaper June 1936, George was 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighed 155 pounds, had an olive complexion, black hair and brown eyes. A stylish leading man in dozens of movies, Raft is remembered for his gangster roles in Quick Millions (1931) with Spencer Tracy, Scarface (1932) with Paul Muni, Each Dawn I Die (1939) with James Cagney, Billy Wilder's comedy Some Like It Hot (1959) with Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, and as a dancer in Bolero (1934) with Carole Lombard and a truck driver in They Drive by Night (1940) with Ida Lupino and Humphrey Bogart. In his youth, he showed a great interest in, and aptitude for, dancing. The oldest of nine children he was very close to his mother but him and his father never saw eye to eye. Fred later told the Cafe de Paris in London that Raft would be a great attraction. [26] A boyhood friend of gangster Benjamin Siegel, and later a "wheel man" for the mob, Raft acknowledged having narrowly avoided a life of crime. He did the occasional driving job for Owney Madden. That merry-go-round was a family affair, began by George's grandfather. Mr. Ray Danton portrays Raft and the film was directed by Joseph M. Newman. None of Raft's scenes remain in the film. Banned from entering Britain in 1966 because of his alleged Mafia connections. George Raft had perhaps the worst judgement of any film star in Hollywood history. Bizarre childhood stories of a boy growing up in a remote Australian mining town. Moving and disturbing, brutal yet hilarious. He was one of several Paramount stars who appeared in the episodic comedy/drama If I Had a Million (1932), playing a forger hiding from police, suddenly given a million dollars with no place to cash the check. [65], However, Raft agreed to return to Paramount and the film when his part was rewritten to be more sympathetic. [11][108], He was hired by Santo Trafficante, Jr. to work as a greeter at the Capri Casino in Havana, Cuba,[109] where he was a part owner. The character has to have some ray of warmth, some redeeming quality – or it just isn't real."[11]. [2] He also co-hosted an episode of the Mike Douglas Show the year he died. "[93] His price as a guest star on radio was $1,500-$2,500. George Raft (born George Ranft; September 26, 1901 – November 24, 1980) was an American film actor and dancer identified with portrayals of gangsters in crime melodramas of the 1930s and 1940s. Born and raised in New York, George quit school at the age of 12 and began working as an electrician’s apprentice to make money. I think of a girl I could be crazy about and though I'm saying to the actress "I love you, darling", all the time I keep thinking of the other party. Found insideAn Autobiography Eric Ambler. detective story writer in search ... I had not expected to enjoy myself – Background to Danger with George Raft had made me very queasy – but I had not expected a screen Dimitrios to give me stomach cramps. That, combined with his dark good looks and sharp dressing, made him a local favorite at such spots as the El Fey Club with Texas Guinan. There was a problem loading your book clubs. Many women like Norma Shearer wanted to marry George but his wife refused to give him a divorce despite many attempts throughout his life. Whatever you do, please do not read Rooney's account of this affair in his autobiography. 20th Century Fox hired him to a contract so he could appear in a musical, Nob Hill (1945), replacing Fred MacMurray;[96] directed by Hathaway, it was a huge hit. [2], Raft said he never regarded himself as an actor. " --Variety "For the lover of Kurosawa's movies...this is nothing short of must reading...a fitting companion piece to his many dynamic and absorbing screen entertainments." --Washington Post Book World The slightly shady reputation may have helped his popularity early on, but it made him somewhat undesirable to movie executives later in his career. Found insideFrom Paul Dickson, the Casey Award–winning author of Bill Veeck: Baseball's Greatest Maverick, the first full biography of Leo Durocher, one of the most colorful and important figures in baseball history. New York – AP – March 27, 1934 – George Raft, screen star, was called “cruel and inhuman” by his wife today in a separation suit in which she asked $25,000 counsel fees and $1,200 a week alimony. Born 'George Ranft' in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, the son of Eva (Glockner) and Conrad Ranft. [April, 1944] Here I am, back in a musical comedy picture. Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2018. [92] In March 1943 he was voted the 6th most popular star among African American movie audiences – Variety said "Raft has always been a prime favorite with the Negro filmgoer. In Taxi! This book is for the true fan of James Cagney. Mr. Cagney tells his story as no one can. Raft's performance was notable for his character's frequently flipping a coin (a nickel) during scenes, which became an iconic trope in gangster films. One of the hottest summer reads is a showbiz bio that the subject tried to suppress and her ghostwriter never finished. "But I won't take a role that's pure heel. In February 1934 Raft admitted to having been involved in three fights during his career as a dancer and actor, including one where he hit the producer of Bolero. Success is just a few simple disciplines repeated over time. Although most sources and articles have claimed over the years his birth year as 1895, including his gravestone, New York census reports suggest Mr. The Mexican starlet met Bogart at an after party for Casablanca in 1942, two years before he met Bacall. Paramount announced him for Millions for Defence, with Ray Milland and Frances Farmer, about the Barbary War, but the film was not made. It is very truthful yet respectful. [116], Raft was investigated for tax evasion in 1942. However, he did not like this role either and was suspended again. And that's not all. Mini Bio (1) George Raft was born and grew up in a poor family in Hell's Kitchen, at the time one of the roughest, meanest areas of New York City. She refused to divorce him and got 15% of his income through out his life. George Raft. Found inside – Page 116Raft, according to some reports, had been a genuine rum-running gangster in NY before coming to Hollywood. I thought wouldn't it be great to do his bio. One day I called Reece and said, I would like to do George Raft's bio. His parents were married on November 17, 1895, in Manhattan. In 1937 Raft was the third highest paid star in Hollywood, behind Cooper and Warner Baxter, earning $202,666. [21], "I could have been the first X-rated dancer", he said later. In November 1942, Raft bought himself out of his Warners contract in order to do Hell's Kitchen on stage. ?br>?i>Kirkus Reviewshe story of my good friend George climb from the rowdy speakeasy clubs on Broadway in the twenties to the top of Hollywood stardom is an exciting American saga. George and Carole Lombard (one of many actresses he was intimate with; Lombard reportedly told close friends that Raft was, in the bedroom sense, the best lover she ever had) made two dance films together, “Bolero” (a big hit for Paramount in early 1934, including a scene where Carole dances in lingerie and stockings!) Both roles were played by Humphrey Bogart. They could only do this while making movies that Raft turned down; eventually Warners ran out of movies and they would have to go back to paying him. Born in "Hell's Kitchen" to Jewish parents, Georgie grew up streetwise on the sidewalks of Broadway where he became New York's"fastest Charleston dancer" and a friend and confidante of true hoodlums like Owney Madden, Meyer Lansky, Benny Siegel, and Mickey Cohen. It really was a great read and recommend this to any Raft fan or any old Hollywood fan too. In June 1947, Raft received some bad publicity when his friend the Las Vegas mobster Bugsy Siegel was murdered. Raft's next three films were all directed by Marin: Christmas Eve (1947), at United Artists for Bogeaus, a box office disappointment; Intrigue (1947) at United Artists for Star Films; Race Street (1948) at RKO. To see our price, add these items to your cart. [14], Raft received an offer from Andy Neatrour to work as a host and part owner of a gambling club in London, the Colony Club. A great surprise i had when reading this book was seeing for the first time many unique photographs and studio stills, perfect. Great Biography on the Great George Raft! Raft's screen debut was in Queen of the Night Clubs starring Guinan, who insisted Raft have a small role. In films, he frequently tossed a coin with one hand, while looking straight-on. [47] He returned to Hollywood to make Midnight Club (1933), set in London. The author did a good job describing Raft’s life and his acting in movies. He played "the owner of a cabaret in Cairo whose life is steeped in intrigue." As previously reported, he turned down the roles of Roy "Mad Dog" Earle in "High Sierra (1941)", Sam Spade and "The Maltese Falcon (1941)", These parts were picked up by Humphrey Bogart, and each one was essential in making Bogart a superstar. He was announced for The World Applauds and Two-Time Loser. [87] Hapless assassin and bumbling anarchist, Dimitri Borja Korozec wreaks havoc from Sarajevo to Hollywood as he unintentionally triggers a number of significant twentieth-century events and meets people including Mata Hari, Al Capone, and ... George Raft ~ Norma met George Raft at one of Charles Boyer's dinner parties. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Miles discusses his life and music from playing trumpet in high school to the new instruments and sounds from the Caribbean. I’m not sure when exactly they broke up, but I do know that by late 1939 George and widowed Norma Shearer were the hot couple of the moment. According to both the 1900 and 1910 Censuses for New York City, Raft only had one sibling named Eva "Katie" Ranft, born on April 18, 1896 in Manhattan. [51][52] In May 1934, Raft signed a new contract with Paramount to reflect his star status. [citation needed] Raft attended the opening of the Flamingo Hotel. Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2020. George's father, Conrad Ranft, was born in Massachusetts, to German parents, Catherine Weil and Christopher Ranft. "I wanted to be me," he said. Then I saw guys dancing... and getting paid for it!"[11]. [55] He was suspended again, then allowed to do a comedy: The Lady's from Kentucky (1939). Verita Bouvaire Thompson, the hard-drinking mistress and long-time companion of Humphrey Bogart who described herself … Was in Barnes & Noble tonight and leafed through a new book, "Clark Gable: Tormented Star." On to dancing both on Broadway Theatre and in Prohibition-era nightclubs total ( including tax shown... Music from playing trumpet in high school to the altar - of not wanting be... That far a story of drug use and recovery, of finding your way back.. Period in history that each chapter captures am, back in a syndicated TV series I! 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