IMDb plot summary: A distinguished English gentleman has a secret life--he is the notorious jewel thief the press has dubbed "The Amateur Cracksman". When he meets a woman and falls in love he decides to "retire" from that life, but an old friend comes to him with a predicament that entails him committing one last job.
Directed by George Fitzmaurie. Starring Ronald Colman, Kay Francis, and David Torrence.
Raffles tells the story of a charming man-about-town who happens to be at a dinner party on a night when the police suspect a home robbery will take place. We begin to learn that he might have criminal ties himself, putting at risk his relationship with another rich socialite. There's something about Raffles' roguishness that absolutely endears him to the audience, despite learning he is clearly being a thief partway through the film. He seems to wish the people around him no ill will and even see them with fondness while also making plans to steal their valuables. The actual narrative arc is a little thin, and the cinematography is not especially noteworthy, but watching these characters interact is more enjoyable than I expected, and the final showdown scene is satisfying, if tied up a little too neatly. It's certainly not the BEST gentleman thief movie around, but it's an adequate one.
How it entered my Flickchart:
Raffles < Fahrenheit 451
Raffles > Annie (1999)
Raffles > Adventures in Babysitting
Raffles > Venom
Raffles > Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
Raffles < The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini
Raffles > Unbroken
Raffles > Kate
Raffles > Smokin' Aces
Raffles < The Librarian: Quest for the Spear
Raffles < Free Guy
Raffles < Maverick
Final spot: #1857 out of 3587, or 48%.
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