The Glass Key (1935 film)


The Glass Key, released in 1935, is the first of two film adaptations of the suspense novel The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett. The film stars George Raft, featuring Edward Arnold and Claire Dodd, and directed by Frank Tuttle.
The film was remade in 1942, with Alan Ladd in Raft's role, and Brian Donlevy and Veronica Lake in the roles previously played by Arnold and Dodd.

Plot

Paul Madvig controls crime and politics in the city, helped by the brains and brawn of Ed Beaumont. As he throws his support behind Janet Henry's father in a political campaign, Paul also plans to marry her.
Janet's brother Taylor is a gambler heavily in debt to O'Rory, a gangster whose club Paul intends to put out of business. Taylor, who has been romancing Paul's younger sister Opal, is found dead. The temperamental Paul falls under suspicion.
Ed pretends to betray Paul while offering to work for O'Rory's organization. He is beaten by Jeff, a brutal thug who works for O'Rory, and has to flee for his life.
Paul is going to face murder charges, but Janet knows who is really behind her brother's death. It's up to Ed to get her to reveal the truth.

Cast

In September 1930 Paramount paid $25,000 for the novel when it was in galleys. The following year Paramount announced Gary Cooper would star in a version called Graft but it was not made.
In August 1934 Paramount announced Frank Tuttle would direct George Raft in an adaptation of The Glass Key.
Elissa Landi was once announced for the female lead before being replaced by Claire Dodd. Filming started 25 February 1035/

Reception

Writing for The Spectator, Graham Greene described the film as "unimaginatively gangster" and grouped it with the contemporary comedy No More Ladies to describe both as "second rate" and "transient". Nevertheless, the film became one of Raft's biggest box office hits of the 1930s.