Richie-67-485852 George Raft has his own style of doing things unique unto him which makes for memorable movie watching. Throw in a decent story, some dames and someone trying to kill someone and you have Hollywood doing what it did best in the 30's, 40's and 50's. Imagine you were out for the night and wanted to catch movie, this would be one of thousands that the studios would churn out. Here we have Raft playing a straight shooter and a mystery of mysteries just pops up right in front of him and becomes personal as it unravels. Ships at sea, fog, large amounts of money, women, bad guys, good guys and various sound affects soon weave a tale of entertainment. I recommend a sandwich with a tasty drink plus some delicious personal candy favorite for this little gem. By the way, it was always the custom for the good guy to get the girl in many movies of that time because that is what was going on more often than not. No exception here and the only thing is, which girl? Also, you had to be good with your fists and guns were last resorts or no fair. Enjoy

Leonard Thomason JOHNNY ANGEL (1945) would have a better status today, if it wasn't for its Gangster Theme Title. The Danish Title 'Gold From Casablanca' would have been a far better marketing handle. The film's plot is written well. All three writers, who contributed to the script, are renowned for their work in Film-Noir: Frank Gruber – The Mask of Dimitrios (1944), Charles G. Booth – The House on 92nd Street (1945) & Steve Fisher – Dead Reckoning (1947). The film's Cinematographer Harry J. Wild is also well-known for his great work in the Film-Noirs Murder, My Sweet (1944) & Macao (1952). There are excellent Character Actors who have appeared over the years in several of Humphrey Bogart's Great WWII Adventure/Film Noir Flicks – Claire Trevor - Key Largo (1948), Hoagy Carmichael -To Have and Have Not (1944) & Martin Miller - Dead Reckoning (1947). JOHNNY ANGEL is a Great 'B' that garnered 'A' returns for RKO Radio Pictures, it should be made available on DVD.

pyamada While the true high point of this film may well be Hoagy Carmichael playing and singing Memphis In June--and let's face it, THAT IS A HIGHLIGHT!--Raft is compelling as the ship's captain who wants to solve the murder of his father, also a ship's captain. Claire Trevor is smooth and devious, and like all the best noir, several characters die. Not available on video, but ABC affiliates with access to Movietime films may show this once a year or so. You had best remember to tape it!

Cajun-4 Shades of the "Mary Celeste" as a seemingly deserted ship looms out of the mist off the coast of New Orleans. It's boarded by George Raft whose father was it's captain. Raft (more animated than usual} uncovers a complex plot. The colorful New Orleans backgrounds and good performances make this an above average noir film. Claire Trevor is excellent as a double crossing blonde and Hoagy Carmichael plays to type as a ubiquitous taxi driver and sings "Memphis In June". All very nicely put together.