SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

SpunkySelfTwitter It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

Josephina Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Spikeopath Race Street, directed by Edwin L. Marin and adapted to screenplay by Martin Rackin from a story by Maurice Davis. Starring George Raft, William Bendix, Marilyn Maxwell, Frank Faylen, Gale Robbins and Harry Morgan. Music is by Roy Webb and cinematography by J. Roy Hunt.Story centers around two friends played by Raft and Bendix, the former is a turf accountant and night club owner, the latter a plain clothes policeman. With a syndicate racket moving in on the Frisco bookmaking circuit, Dan Gannin (Raft) refuses to co-operate, putting himself in grave danger. Barney Runson (Bendix) wants to move in and do it the official way, begging Dan to step aside and let the police do their job. But when the syndicate make a deadly move that hits Dan close to home, he's not for turning.In the grand scheme of Raft and Bendix movies, or classic era film noir pics in fact, this one is small fry, but strong cast and solid production foundation ensure it's an enjoyable experience. Story isn't strong, where two old friends lock horns while some villain throws his weight around, but in true noir fashion there's some sneaky surprises in store and a none cop out finale.Technically it's interesting, one quite dreadful process backed sequence aside, Marin and Hunt hit the noir bars for mood compliance. The absence of chiaroscuro is a shame, for a number of scenes here cry out for it, but the lighting techniques and shadow indulgence keeps the eyes pleased. There's even a startling sequence that appears to show Gale Robbins floating in and around the night club crowd as she sings a song, while a bit of zoom play and nifty Frisco locations add further quality.Good honest noirville enjoyment. 6.5/10

gordonl56 RACE STREET – 1948This is the last of a half dozen films done by George Raft and director Edwin L. Marin. In this one Raft is a San Fransisco bookie on the verge of quitting the racket. He has just opened a night club and is in love with a hot looking dame, Marylyn Maxwell. The plan comes crashing down when childhood friend, Harry Morgan is murdered. A group of thugs are offering "accident protection" to the local bookie crowd. Morgan refuses to cough up and he goes for a long tumble down a flight of stairs. In the mix now is another of Raft's childhood buddies, William Bendix. Bendix is however a San Francisco Police Detective. Bendix knows all about the heavy boys leaning on the bookies and wants help from Raft. Raft refuses to help as he intends to settle the score his own way. Raft however is not as bright as he thinks. The racket boys take him for a ride and tell him it is his turn to "join" the protection scheme. He asks for time to think the matter over. By all means, the mob tells Raft as they give him a right curb stomping. Bendix finds Raft recovering from his "friendly talk" in a hospital ward. Raft still will not help Bendix with any info.Needless to say the story continues with Raft seeking payback. A nice turn here is dolly Maxwell ending up to be not quite, the loving girlfriend. She is quite sharp looking in a non-blonde role. There are a couple of twists and turns in the film but nothing really wild.Director Marin and Raft both did better work on their earlier films, the under-rated NOCTURNE and JOHNNY ANGEL. Some nice cinematography though is featured throughout this one from, Roy J. Hunt. Hunt's work includes, I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, TRAIL STREET, THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE, CROSSFIRE, RETURN OF THE BADMEN, KILL OR BE KILLED and THE LAWLESS.Worth a watch.

krorie One of the best of the film noir movies was "Nocturne" directed by Edwin L. Marin starring George Raft. The two teamed once more in an attempt to recreate the magic of that movie. Though the result "Race Street" doesn't have the compactness nor the intricate story lines of "Nocturne," it is worthwhile film noir. George Raft while not a great actor had an aura about him that gave authenticity to roles such as that of Dan Gannin. William Bendix, perhaps the most underrated actor Hollywood ever produced with the possible exception of Bob Mitchum, steals the show as always. Marilyn Maxwell makes a dandy femme fatale and the rest of the cast do their part to make this one a winner.The cinematography of the San Francisco area is crisp black and white at its best. Who ever designed the stairs that Harry Morgan is thrown down to his death deserves special recognition. Later George Raft is beat up on the same stairs. They appear menacing with the cold drab look of death about them.The music is appropriate and the songs well chosen to capture the necessary mood of the piece. Even the title is a good one. "Race Street" may indicate horses since the film is about double dealing bookies but it is also a metaphor for the story.

bkoganbing Noted San Francisco bookie and club owner George Raft is being muscled by the syndicate. He shrugs it off until pal Harry Morgan is thrown down a flight of stairs and killed. After that Raft is hot for revenge.Though this film was produced by RKO it has a Paramount look to it because of the presence of William Bendix as a police lieutenant and Frank Faylen as the syndicate's man in San Francisco.Raft gets a lot of good advice from Bendix in the film, most of which he ignores. Raft also has some very treacherous associates as the viewer will find out.George Raft films are always art imitating life when they are about gangsters. Except for horror film stars like Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, I doubt there was ever a major star whose own life so closely got involved in the roles he played. Raft was hardly a great actor, but in gangster films he knew the mob literally from the inside out so it was never acting.Bill Bendix of course is always good, films with him in it should be seen if for no other reason than to watch him.Race Street is an average noir film which I'm sure entertained the audiences who came to see whatever A picture was playing with it.