''Stolen Harmony'' is a 1935 American

crime film Crime films, in the broadest sense, is a film genre inspired by and analogous to the crime fiction literary genre. Films of this genre generally involve various aspects of crime and its detection. Stylistically, the genre may overlap and combin ...

directed by

Alfred L. Werker Alfred L. Werker (December 2, 1896 – July 28, 1975) was a film director whose work in movies spanned from 1917 through 1957. After a number of film production jobs and assistant directing, Werker co-directed his first film, ''Ridin' the Wind ...

and starring George Raft, Ben Bernie and Grace Bradley. It is a semi-musical, featuring

Big Band A big band or jazz orchestra is a type of musical ensemble of jazz music that usually consists of ten or more musicians with four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. Big bands originated during the early 1910s ...

numbers. It was produced and distributed by

Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...

Plot

A saxophone-player/dancer ( George Raft) joins a Big Band upon his release from jail. The film climaxes with a car chase.Everett Aaker, ''The Films of George Raft'', McFarland & Company, 2013 p 57

Cast

* George Raft as Ray Angelo * Ben Bernie as Jack Conrad * Grace Bradley as Jean Loring * Iris Adrian as Sunny Verne * Lloyd Nolan as Chesty Burrage * Goodee Montgomery as Lil Davis * Charles Arnt as Clem Walters *

Purv Pullen Almy Purves "Purv" Pullen (February 2, 1909 – October 18, 1992), later known by the stage name Dr. Horatio Q. Birdbath (or simply Dr. Birdbath), was an American voice actor. He was known for mimicking the sounds of animals and birds. Early li ...

as Little Nell (uncredited) *

Ruth Clifford Ruth Clifford (February 17, 1900 – November 30, 1998) was an American actress of leading roles in silent films, whose career lasted from that era into the television era. Early years Clifford was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the daughter ...

As Nurse (uncredited) * Jane Wyman as Chorus Girl (uncredited) * Bess Flowers as Musician (uncredited) *

Carol Holloway Carol Holloway (April 30, 1892 – January 3, 1979) was an American actress of the silent film era. She appeared in more than 110 films between 1914 and 1941. She was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts and died in California. Partial f ...

As 6 Children members (uncredited) * Fred Toones as Henry (uncredited) * William Cagney as "Schoolboy" (lookalike brother of

James Cagney James Francis Cagney Jr. (; July 17, 1899March 30, 1986) was an American actor, dancer and film director. On stage and in film, Cagney was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He ...

)

Production

The film was based on an original story by Leon Gordon and was announced in December 1934. From the beginning it was envisioned as a vehicle for George Raft and bandleader Ben Bernie.Studio Workers to Be Kept Busy During Holidays Los Angeles Times 14 Dec 1934: 7.

References

External links

* 1935 films Films directed by Alfred L. Werker 1935 crime films American black-and-white films 1935 musical films American crime films American musical films 1930s English-language films 1930s American films Paramount Pictures films {{musical-film-stub