If the guy pulls that trigger, not only does Raffles end up with a hole in his leg, but his fingers’ll get scorched, too. And Lady Melrose will not be happy with a hole in her carpet.
Raffles (1939) follows A. J. Raffles, Brit cricket star, thievery addict, and all-around good guy, as he finds a friend of his, a gambling fiend named Bunny Maunders, is well below the surface of the gambling swamp, and in desperate need of immediate help.
Which could be found in the form of Lady Melrose’s jewelry.
Lord Melrose, a fan of cricket, has conveniently invited Raffles to visit their estate for a party, and the guest list includes Inspector MacKenzie of Scotland Yard, incognito, who suspects the thief will be present, and Bunny’s sister, Gwen.
The latter for whom Raffles falls, hard. So hard he bounces.
Thieves are hardly romantic figures, though, even in 1930s England, so Raffles finds his challenge to be coming off as heroic to Gwen, not at all a thief to MacKenzie, and at least not offensive to the Melroses – as offending landed British gentry can introduce unneeded burdens to one’s career.
Even one as dubious as Raffles’.
It’s fun, but only the final scene, in which Raffles must face Gwen, MacKenzie, and the man he’s framing for the theft – did I forget to mention Raffles is just a bit of a cad? – approaches memorability.
Watch if you need a bit of diversion for an hour or so. Or you love David Niven, whose tiny little mustache must, as usual, do all the work of being charming for him.
