Tonight's Movie: Raffles (1930)

RAFFLES (Ronald Colman) is a famous cricket player who has a secret life as a London jewel thief known only as "The Amateur Cracksman."

The quick-thinking Raffles seems to enjoy the thrill of the challenge -- and one suspects he also needs a way to support his high-flying social life. When he becomes engaged to Gwen (Kay Francis), Raffles decides it's time for the Amateur Cracksman to retire. But will he remain on the straight and narrow?

Colman and Francis are perfectly cast as the charming thief and his love. This is one of those films designed for the audience to root for a man who is, after all, a crook -- but it's all very much make believe and quite fun. The Scotland Yard inspector (David Torrence) clearly enjoys his battle of wits with the elegant Raffles, and Raffles' victims don't seem to mind overly much, being more concerned with keeping their names out of the paper than recovering their jewelry!

RAFFLES was remade very closely in 1939, starring David Niven and Olivia deHavilland; I reviewed it last June. The films even share the same cinematographer, Gregg Toland. (Toland was aided on the 1930 version by George S. Barnes.) The most significant difference between the two versions is the ending; the pre-Code conclusion of 1930 was not acceptable by 1939 filmmaking standards, when justice had to prevail. Although I also liked David Niven in the lead role, I think that overall Colman's pre-Code version works better.

The supporting cast includes Bramwell Fletcher, Alison Skipworth, and Frederick Kerr. Virginia Bruce is said by IMDb to have a bit part; I'll have to be on the lookout for her next time.

RAFFLES was directed by George Fitzmaurice and the uncredited Harry d'Abbadie d'Arrast. It runs 72 minutes.

This film has had a release on VHS. It does not appear to have had a DVD release.

RAFFLES can be seen on Turner Classic Movies.