I remember reading the James Cagney book were he spoke of George Raft. Long story short, he competed in dance competitions with his mum with piano wire as shoe laces to cut off the circulation so they would not feel the pain and could dance longer. Not enough time for the full story but all I’d say is that George Raft was, and probably is totally under appreciated.
Jimmy Cagney had wonderful taste in people...he went all out to help Audie Murphy with PTSD and find him roles. If we go through another Depression can we have movies like we used to....without the scummy bits?
Those moves are straight from the Cotton Club and the Harlem Renaissance! George was highly under-rated by Hollywood. He puts his heart and soul in his dancing!
That's because George was a self-taught dancer and would go up to Harlem to learn the latest in dance moves. You are right he was underrated in dancing and acting as well. Since he was self-taught he never took his place in the movies as did Astaire or Kelly but I'll tell you where he excelled. In people's hearts because it looked like he was just a darn good dancer like any of us wished we could be. Any woman could dream of dancing with him without having to have years of professional dancing behind them and just have a ball dancing with him that night.
Exactly Kate ! I agree 100% here on all points. I like Raft dancing better than Astaire and yes, apparently he spent a lot of time ‘ uptown’ but he internalized what he learned from black dancers as opposed to Astaire who obviously copied. With Astaire it looks like he works hard at it. With Raft it’s just, sexy.
@@grahamhaynes9201 Actually Fred loved George's dancing. He would go to the speakeasy's to see him dance. Fred included him in his Bio. You get double points for saying he was sexier because that he was, in spades. LOL Join my FB group for George you'll see more of sexy George Raft. facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
@@grahamhaynes9201 Astaire was a "tap" dancer and a great one. Raft did a bit of tap but was a ballroom dancer -- a champion Charleston dancer and did a stylized "strut." Apples and oranges.
@@Lolabelle59 George was excellent in Bolero but I think he was Uber sexy in Rumba. The dance scene on the stairs and I think his partner is Margo? Anyway, that scene is hot stuff. You can get the movie on UA-cam. Watch it. It’s quite a treat!
I grew up in the 50s and loved to watch all the dancing greats. I would see George Raft in the movies, playing a gangster, and never saw him dance. This is all a pleasant surprise. I’m just 70 years late. This guy can dance. 🤦🏼♂️
Same here. Was always one of my favorite actors. Didn't have the slightest idea he could dance so well. Back in the early part of movie history, the movie moguls demanded their players to be multi-talented. He 'footed' the bill well. And he didn't learn to dance like that downtown. That's for sure.
George Raft started as a dancer. You really need to see him in the film "Bolero." Mighty fine dancing there. This is the Charleston and the original clip is also on youtube. It's said he had the fasted Charleston in Hollywood. He sure could dance!
Ah yes, that's what I do is to show off George Raft's dancing ability. I love Cagney's dancing. Cagney loved George's dancing they were good friends. Did you see my other clip of George & Cagney in the dance contest from Taxi! 1932. Read my description for that one you'll like it.
My first time seeing him dance was in Yankee Doodle Dandy. I don't know if that was his first on screen performance, but I doubt it as that movie came along around the time of WWII.
Another thing about Raft was he was a very smooth dresser. This suit had to be cut especially for him to dance in it like that. His middle button on the 3 piece suit is buttoned but it's very smooth. The suit breathes and swings with him a Raft trait ! Attention to details with his suits. Astaire was a sharp dresser too, more in the tweed Anglo style . Geirge had more 'Uptiwn' in his swag !!!
Dang... At one point, he does, what looks like a very early version of the "moonwalk"... I can't quite see the steps that he's taking, but it looks like it... Dang, that Raft Could Dance!!! 😎😎😎😎😎😎👆👆👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍹🍹🍹🍹🍹🥃🥃🥃
If you think this is Moonwalking by Raft hold onto your hat. He did a better job in Quick Millions 1931. I'll put that clip up on this channel just for you. I hope you get notified when I do. :-)
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Oh, my... yes, I showed the clip to my 52 yr. old son and said he had moves like MJ. These were moves also performed by dancers at The Cotton Club in the 20's which many assume were performed for the first time by MJ. Raft was so smooth in the Quick Millions dance, I watch it often and it makes my heart smile.
Join my Facebook group for George where I teach his legacy. You may learn he didn't pass on all those parts you thought he did. Hmm! facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
George started off as a dancer. That was his love. He danced for 15 yrs before going to Hollywood playing Gangster roles. Now you know Mr. Raft was a dancer first. I have his FB group maybe you should join and learn all of his legacy.
I'm watching him on television acting and You Tube dancing. Crazy for him since I was little till now @ 74 years old. Thanks for the memories. Another Queens Girl.
Thank you so much for putting together this terrific video. Amazing that the clip even exists. George was so talented and a real joy to watch. Too bad he didn't get to dance more often in films. Swing George, swing!
Hahaha, I knew. The man sure could dance. Thanks for stopping by. Watch my other clips and go to see George's YT movie channel and you can see whole movies he danced in. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/channels/ThnWwV7GvnG9Z_cLzL5R0Q.html
George started off as a dancer before he played "Gangster" and what a great dancer he was. If you like join my FB group for him where you get to see more of his legacy.
George Raft danced in the same Speakeasy's as Valentino and became good friends. George Raft resembled Valentino in dance and looks so much that Valentino's ex-wife wanted George to take Valentino's place in her show. George refused not wanting to become famous on someone else's fame.
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Nazimova (sp?) seemed more of a damage to Valention than a help. Very sad story, especially if she never lived A Falcon's Lair. Do you know if Miriam Hopkins and George Raft were good friends. They obviously knew each other as the were both in "Dancer's in the Dark". I once read Miriam Hopkins bought the home of John Gilbert after his death. Do you happen to know if this is true?
@@michdoug1 Not many people do know anymore. They did in the '30s & '40s maybe the 60's. Even then they only saw him older teaching Jerry Lewis the Tango. Most of George's older dance movies are never shown anymore on TV that's why I also have another YT channel with his older movies. Here's the link ua-cam.com/channels/ThnWwV7GvnG9Z_cLzL5R0Q.html
@ LOL, LOL, and LOL you are right George was far from Gay. I can't keep up with the stories and pics I have of him with tons of women. I don't know a third of their names. Remember he was also a Gangster in most of his movies like "Scarface" 1932.
Back in the day they did. It was not until he passed that new generations never got to see his wonderful dancing. Ask an 80 or 90 yr old if they remember Raft and the will say 2 things he was very handsome and a great dancer.
Recently I saw The Bowery and surprised that he danced very well. I reached this motion video and am happy to know that he was a great self taught dancer and sexy, too. Thank you for this wonderful video!
Yes, they didn't do enough together. Did you see my clip of them dancing together in the dance contest? Do you belong to my Facebook group for George Raft? facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
Wow!! That’s my favorite swing instrumental of all time and watching George Raft dance to it was heavenly!! To the woman who poured her heart into syncing the music with the moves I say BRAVO! 👍💋💃🕺🏻👑👏
You wanted to see more with better music so I gave it to you. I'm glad I picked the right song without knowing. Now everyone can see just how great a dancer he was!
Don't compare to Astaire. George had a different style of dancing. He was a street dude and that is reflected in the way he danced. He definitely hung out where black people socialized. He is smooth in his dance style.
I agree...but you cannot deny he had the moves...though it seemed that the steps were repetitious and I lost a couple of pounds watching it...ha,ha...terrific scene and music.
@@noel888 In case you didn't read the description it tells you I edited the dance to go longer to fit the song. It's facelift from the original it's called creativity and I'm glad you lost a couple of pounds. When I edited it slowly I realized I would be giggling by the time it was finished. LOL
Jeanette Duette Fred Astaire would go to watch George every night at the speakeasy where George danced. Fed loved Georges dancing. He knew George was a self-taught dancer and appreciated George's natural talent, so much so Astaire writes about George in his own Bio.
george did say he used to go to harlem to watch and learn dance steps and what he did was put more sex appeal into his moves which he learned from Black Americans and Cuban dancers of the time
This is my favorite Swing Band music and to have my favorite movie star dance to it is a dream come true! Great job Queen of Nite! You and George Swing!
Oh boy, do I swing. I took me days to get Mr. Raft to dance to Sing Sing Sing and I had to dance through all of the replays. Just to make sure they were right. I think I lost a few pounds. Thank you for liking the new thinner me and Mr. Raft Swinging. :- )
Actually, lookin at this again, I see that this dance routine Raft is doin is taken straight from a black Cotton Club dancer named ‘ Snake Hips ‘. Snake Hips did this dance with Duke Ellington at the Cotton Club. Raft copied the routine but in his copying it, he internalized it, in other words, he got the steps AND the feel ! This doesn’t always happen. Raft makes it his own !! He rocks it ! Thank you George and thank you Snake Hips.
Remember George was dancing before Ellington. The Duke may have copied a step or two from George. LOL There were other reasons why George was called Snake ask Mae West she nicknamed him the Black Snake. ;-)
From Lewis Yablonsky’s biography on Raft, “No aspiring professional athlete, scientist or teacher trained harder than George to achieve success. He went to Harlem clubs and sat for hours studying the dance steps performed by the great black hoofers, whose most famous exponent was the legendary Bojangles. When Raft did these same dances downtown, he was hailed as sensational.”
Yo! This dude had to be the most soulful and funky white cat in history! He could dance almost as good as the great James Brown! He had to be a student of the Black and Tan jazz clubs in Harlem during the famed jazz era of prohibition! This dude George Raft was a highly talented performer. They don't make them like this cat anymore.
Maybe he was so soulful because George Raft wasn't Jewish. His Dad was German Catholic and his Mom was Italian. She was the one that taught George to dance. George Raft was baptized when he was 3 mos. old. George was a natural born dancer. You are right he did go to Harlem to learn new dances. Why not join my FB group for him where I teach all about Mr. Raft.
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 I just purchased a biography about Mr.Raft by Lewis Yablonsky, so I will be an expert on the legend after the fact. However, I wasn't aware that German and Italian were soulful dancers either. There is no way any person of European descent could have possibly created dance moves like that without being influenced and taught by Black American jazz performers!
@@zroy9263 This Bio is only a starting point. By now I know more than any of his written Bio's. I didn't say that Germans had exceptional rhythm. I said his Italian Mom taught him how to dance. That's how he had natural rhythm he was born with it just like most Black American have. I being of Italian descent have plenty of rhythm and I have also danced on the stage. You would think I was taught by jazz performers too. I also sing in Jazz.clubs. I'm not looking to turn this into a Black VS White comment. If you are a good dancer you have to have rhythm and style, period. Try looking at some other of his dance video's I have here and you will see he excelled in Spanish dancing and brought those dances to America.from his time in Europe.
@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Great choice and job! It's very enjoyable and has sparked even more of an interest in George Raft. However, my first interest in him came from his roles in gangster films, as well as his associations with real-life gangsters such as Bugsy Siegel and Owney Madden, in addition to being one of my dudes Sinatra homies.
You will be happy to learn TCM finally is putting on a whole day of Raft. It might be because of all the Fans I have gathered for him from having his first and only FB page and group. Join the group I will be celebrating the day and let you know why they don't have all his movies. facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
Theresa Chiorazzi Yes he was. Knew people in shady life styles who knew Raft who I loved ( I am 82 yo) who said he was tough as in his role as driver he was also body guard. Imagine what he ran into and had to face and survive. Always loved Raft as his real persona showed in his eyes and saw it in some other real life toughguys who could turn gentle emotion off as fast as a toggle switch and were compelling in power.
@@sophieseeker929 You should join my FB group for George. My Dad knew George he was brought up in Hell's Kitchen too and won dance contests at Roseland. Let me know who you are if you join we can have a chat on messenger. You will love what I have done to keep George's legacy alive. Here's the link:facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
I know where he went to party. he was an uptown Saturday night partier. Probably Small's (aka Minton's), Cotton Club. He certainly didn't learn to dance like that downtown.
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Of course. Is there another? I was there during some pretty rowdy times. Frank Lucas, of 'American Gangster' fame, was there a whole lot, enough for me to have seen him twice.
No, I wanted to make it a bit more up to date. The original is in the movie "Side Street" 1929. Besides my liking Prima I edited the video to make it longer and show off Georges fabulous dancing. It took quite a while of editing to piece and sync all of this together. I hope you liked it.
The idea was to show George Raft's dancing skills, not the old original song that was horrible and forgettable. You can always find the original on UA-cam. UA-cam is for recreation, not just the same usual clip. TY
I am pretty sure that's Benny Goodman's version of Sing Sing Sing not Louis Prima's. I love both versions but that's definitely Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa on drums
The video is from a 1929 film in which George Raft had one dance number, but Louis Prima did not record Sing Sing Sing until 1936. Louis Prima was only 19 in 1929 and did not yet have a big band. Very clever substitution of the later music.
Yes, I know it's called artistic license. I edited it to display George's dancing talent and to give the clip a facelift. It is explained in the description. It is widely done on UA-cam. Nobody destroyed the original so now you have a choice. :-)
Where has George been all your life? LOL Since you've come this far why not join my FB group for Raft and tell your story there. facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
A dance movie that doesn’t show dancer’s feet. Fred Astaire had a rule: All dance scenes must show his whole body. We miss so much of George’s talent without his foot moves.
You have a good point there the man had rhythm and grace. His feet hardly touched the ground. LOL Too bad no one preserved Georges dance movies as they did with Astaire.
But what we do see of Raft here is extremely smooth, elegant and in the pocket. I would even dare to say he was smoother than Astaire. George must have spent a lot of time checkin out guys up in Harlem at the Cotten Club where his buddy Owney Madden ran things
Comcast as 18 movies available, but most are buy or rent! However, I watched Scarface the other night (free) and there are a couple more up there...Some of his last films from the 60's are there, too.'Time to start searching, Pluto, Tubi, and Peacock for me...Comcast provides all those for free at my level...
George was very close friends with Rudolph Valentino and whenever they would go to the clubs they looked so much like people couldn’t tell the difference
there are some older 30s and 40s films which show african american dancers doing their stuff and it is amazing, the acrobatic moves , speed and energy was completely missing in many of their white counter parts
George Raft would go up to Harlem to dance. He was a self-taught dancer and loved to dance. He could pick up any type of dancing in a minute. It was natural to him and he had grace, style, and speed. He was quite light on his feet.
This is about all that is left of that movie. The rest was destroyed long ago. George only had a small part in it and this is that part. The name of the movie is in the description.
That same year 1929 was the crack in New York this is what I wanted to know if I was already an actor george raft.....coincidentally it was also the massacre of San Valentin
Of course that isn’t real music because that song was not even written yet when this was recorded. They are doing a Charleston. George Raft’s forte was the Peabody.
You are right. I took artistic liberties to put in a more popular song. It wasn't easy either. I had to get George to dance 3 minutes longer than what the clip actually was in order to get in a song that lasts 5 min and not 2 mins😅 Though George was great at the Peabody he was able to pick up any dance steps without formal training. He was most known for his Fench Tango. Though if you watch the other video's I have here he did a great tap dance too.
You may have that backward. LOL George was older than Calloway. George was born in 1895, Calloway was 20 yrs younger and he started dancing in 1927. George started dancing in 1914 and by the 20's he was dancing in speakeasy's and on B'way. George would go up to Harlem to learn to dance he knew where the best dancing and rhythm was. George was a natural dancer and taught himself every type of dancing. I'm sure George admired Cab Calloway, I love Calloway. Now you know why I gave George his first and only FB page and group many people still don't know he was a trendsetter for others in dance and dress. Join his group we would love to have you facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
Wow that man could dance ... fantastic 😍
I remember reading the James Cagney book were he spoke of George Raft. Long story short, he competed in dance competitions with his mum with piano wire as shoe laces to cut off the circulation so they would not feel the pain and could dance longer. Not enough time for the full story but all I’d say is that George Raft was, and probably is totally under appreciated.
You are so correct. Hardly anyone knows what great self taught dancer he was anymore. Jimmy loved George and vice versa..
The book was Cagney by Cagney. I read it too.
Jimmy Cagney had wonderful taste in people...he went all out to help Audie Murphy with PTSD and find him roles. If we go through another Depression can we have movies like we used to....without the scummy bits?
Those moves are straight from the Cotton Club and the Harlem Renaissance! George was highly under-rated by Hollywood. He puts his heart and soul in his dancing!
That's because George was a self-taught dancer and would go up to Harlem to learn the latest in dance moves. You are right he was underrated in dancing and acting as well. Since he was self-taught he never took his place in the movies as did Astaire or Kelly but I'll tell you where he excelled. In people's hearts because it looked like he was just a darn good dancer like any of us wished we could be. Any woman could dream of dancing with him without having to have years of professional dancing behind them and just have a ball dancing with him that night.
Exactly Kate ! I agree 100% here on all points. I like Raft dancing better than Astaire and yes, apparently he spent a lot of time ‘ uptown’ but he internalized what he learned from black dancers as opposed to Astaire who obviously copied. With Astaire it looks like he works hard at it. With Raft it’s just, sexy.
@@grahamhaynes9201 Actually Fred loved George's dancing. He would go to the speakeasy's to see him dance. Fred included him in his Bio. You get double points for saying he was sexier because that he was, in spades. LOL Join my FB group for George you'll see more of sexy George Raft. facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
@@grahamhaynes9201 Astaire was a "tap" dancer and a great one. Raft did a bit of tap but was a ballroom dancer -- a champion Charleston dancer and did a stylized "strut." Apples and oranges.
WHAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW IS THAT GEORGE USED TO DANCE IN AL CAPON'S NIGHT CLUB
He was wonderful. I love watching him dance. Carole Lombard was good eye candy but Raft was the real talent. He was eye candy too.
George was a great self taught dancer and quite sexy to boot.😃😼
Yes, in Bolero. Loved it.
@@Lolabelle59 George was excellent in Bolero but I think he was Uber sexy in Rumba. The dance scene on the stairs and I think his partner is Margo? Anyway, that scene is hot stuff. You can get the movie on UA-cam. Watch it. It’s quite a treat!
@@maureenlumino3906 Thank you. I will check it out.
I grew up in the 50s and loved to watch all the dancing greats. I would see George Raft in the movies, playing a gangster, and never saw him dance. This is all a pleasant surprise. I’m just 70 years late. This guy can dance. 🤦🏼♂️
You betcha! LOL
Join my FB Group for him I teach his complete legacy. facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
Same here. Was always one of my favorite actors. Didn't have the slightest idea he could dance so well. Back in the early part of movie history, the movie moguls demanded their players to be multi-talented. He 'footed' the bill well. And he didn't learn to dance like that downtown. That's for sure.
George Raft started as a dancer. You really need to see him in the film "Bolero." Mighty fine dancing there.
This is the Charleston and the original clip is also on youtube. It's said he had the fasted Charleston in Hollywood.
He sure could dance!
I don't know who would be better George Raft or James Carney!
I remember seeing Cagney dance for the first time, I was amazed. Count me amazed again.
Ah yes, that's what I do is to show off George Raft's dancing ability. I love Cagney's dancing. Cagney loved George's dancing they were good friends. Did you see my other clip of George & Cagney in the dance contest from Taxi! 1932. Read my description for that one you'll like it.
My first time seeing him dance was in Yankee Doodle Dandy. I don't know if that was his first on screen performance, but I doubt it as that movie came along around the time of WWII.
@@lamontlewis You mean Cagney not Raft.
Another thing about Raft was he was a very smooth dresser. This suit had to be cut especially for him to dance in it like that. His middle button on the 3 piece suit is buttoned but it's very smooth. The suit breathes and swings with him a Raft trait ! Attention to details with his suits. Astaire was a sharp dresser too, more in the tweed Anglo style . Geirge had more 'Uptiwn' in his swag !!!
What a delightful gift Mr. Raft has given us. I was grinning ear to ear watching him dance.
George Raft, along with Adolph Menjou, were the top 2 best dressed actors of that era.
George paid attention to every detail of his dress from top to bottom. His taste in clothes was always ahead of the pack.
@@luciavaughn3793 I'm glad you grinned too. I edited this video to put Sing, sing in and I giggle every time I watch it. I guess I did it right.
@@garymorell6924 Menjou didn't compare in starting trends.
Total classy dancing. He was great..
Dang... At one point, he does, what looks like a very early version of the "moonwalk"... I can't quite see the steps that he's taking, but it looks like it... Dang, that Raft Could Dance!!! 😎😎😎😎😎😎👆👆👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍹🍹🍹🍹🍹🥃🥃🥃
If you think this is Moonwalking by Raft hold onto your hat. He did a better job in Quick Millions 1931. I'll put that clip up on this channel just for you. I hope you get notified when I do. :-)
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Oh, my... yes, I showed the clip to my 52 yr. old son and said he had moves like MJ. These were moves also performed by dancers at The Cotton Club in the 20's which many assume were performed for the first time by MJ. Raft was so smooth in the Quick Millions dance, I watch it often and it makes my heart smile.
He dance moves are perfection
I agree with you 💯%!
Just amazing so smooth and like no other!!!! George could do everything!!!! Love him!!!!!
I’m reading a book about him....sounds like George could do a lot of things... capeesh?
@@spnkysy791 Have read many books about him. Enjoy
He was Great 👍 👌 👏 😀 plus George Raft is one of my favorite actors!!!!!
Then join my FB Group for him. He could always use another fan. facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
There's nothing like a man that can move like that! Shivers!
Nothing beats these old black and white dancing movies, it's amazing how your mind just goes along with the whole performance
and George performed well.
Wow ! I love how George Raft dances and all the ladies are great too ! What fun they all had back then !
Wow, George Raft could really dance.
That wasn't no downtown swing dance. That was pure uptown Saturday Night in Harlem dance.
George Raft was terrific. I never get tired of watching him. He certainly past up some great parts in outstanding movies.
Join my Facebook group for George where I teach his legacy. You may learn he didn't pass on all those parts you thought he did. Hmm! facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
George is in his own world!!! Outstanding Dancer...Astaire can't touch him!!!
I agree.
Raft felt the rhythm.
I always thought of George Raft as a gangster. That dude has the moves on that song.
George started off as a dancer. That was his love. He danced for 15 yrs before going to Hollywood playing Gangster roles. Now you know Mr. Raft was a dancer first. I have his FB group maybe you should join and learn all of his legacy.
I'm watching him on television acting and You Tube dancing. Crazy for him since I was little till now @ 74 years old. Thanks for the memories.
Another Queens Girl.
Since I don't get these notifications directly this is the first time I reading this and I am glad to bring back those memories.
Thank you so much for putting together this terrific video. Amazing that the clip even exists. George was so talented and a real joy to watch. Too bad he didn't get to dance more often in films. Swing George, swing!
Wow who knew he was a first rate dancer too. People triple talents in those days. He has this hip rubber leg style that seems his alone!
Hahaha, I knew. The man sure could dance. Thanks for stopping by. Watch my other clips and go to see George's YT movie channel and you can see whole movies he danced in. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/channels/ThnWwV7GvnG9Z_cLzL5R0Q.html
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Jojoba Williams has a
AWESOME ACTOR. never knew he danced..ooo la la!!!
George started off as a dancer before he played "Gangster" and what a great dancer he was. If you like join my FB group for him where you get to see more of his legacy.
George Raft was as popular at Rudolf Valentino in the early days of Hollywood. A great dancer as was Valentino.
George Raft danced in the same Speakeasy's as Valentino and became good friends. George Raft resembled Valentino in dance and looks so much that Valentino's ex-wife wanted George to take Valentino's place in her show. George refused not wanting to become famous on someone else's fame.
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Nazimova (sp?) seemed more of a damage to Valention than a help. Very sad story, especially if she never lived A Falcon's Lair.
Do you know if Miriam Hopkins and George Raft were good friends. They obviously knew each other as the were both in "Dancer's in the Dark". I once read Miriam Hopkins bought the home of John Gilbert after his death. Do you happen to know if this is true?
Nice dancing George Raft!!!!.
That song is really jumpin'. I wanna be there! Raft destroying the dance floor with those awesome moves. Great tune great dancing.
Thanks and thanks for stopping by.
Raft was taught dancing by his mother. He was athletic, having been a boxer and baseball player before turning to dancing.
Thanks for the info but I do know it since I have George Rafts only FB group. :-)
I’m shocked! Never knew!
@@michdoug1 Not many people do know anymore. They did in the '30s & '40s maybe the 60's. Even then they only saw him older teaching Jerry Lewis the Tango. Most of George's older dance movies are never shown anymore on TV that's why I also have another YT channel with his older movies. Here's the link ua-cam.com/channels/ThnWwV7GvnG9Z_cLzL5R0Q.html
@ LOL, LOL, and LOL you are right George was far from Gay. I can't keep up with the stories and pics I have of him with tons of women. I don't know a third of their names. Remember he was also a Gangster in most of his movies like "Scarface" 1932.
Lovin Raft Queenofnite Thanks!
Just like Jimmy Cagney who was the most amazing dancer. No one could see past Raft being the bad guy :(
Back in the day they did. It was not until he passed that new generations never got to see his wonderful dancing. Ask an 80 or 90 yr old if they remember Raft and the will say 2 things he was very handsome and a great dancer.
Recently I saw The Bowery and surprised that he danced very well. I reached this motion video and am happy to know that he was a great self taught dancer and sexy, too. Thank you for this wonderful video!
You are welcome. It was pleasure to put this video up.
I just love George Raft, he is Great 👍
Join his Facebook Group if you think he's great.
Raft and Cagney. Dynamite.
Yes, they didn't do enough together. Did you see my clip of them dancing together in the dance contest? Do you belong to my Facebook group for George Raft? facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
Cagney learned to dance downtown. Cagney learned to dance uptown.
I told everyone that Raft moonwalked in 1933
George Raft, the great.
Wow!! That’s my favorite swing instrumental of all time and watching George Raft dance to it was heavenly!!
To the woman who poured her heart into syncing the music with the moves I say BRAVO!
👍💋💃🕺🏻👑👏
You wanted to see more with better music so I gave it to you. I'm glad I picked the right song without knowing. Now everyone can see just how great a dancer he was!
That’s Keely Smith singing! Love her!
8
He was such a great dancer. I did not know this until just now.
I'm glad I was able to introduce you to George being a fantastic self-taught dancer. Have you checked out my other dance videos for him?
Bring back those onderful dance movies, much better than a lot of what's on TV nowadays💃🕺
Never knew he had that many moves in him.
Yes! More sexy George Raft dancing, Thanks for posting!
How did I miss this comment? Too much George Raft in my eyes I guess. LOL
the man who taught Michael Jackson the moonwalk
You are so correct😆
Don't compare to Astaire. George had a different style of dancing. He was a street dude and that is reflected in the way he danced. He definitely hung out where black people socialized. He is smooth in his dance style.
I agree...but you cannot deny he had the moves...though it seemed that the steps were repetitious and I lost a couple of pounds watching it...ha,ha...terrific scene and music.
@@noel888 In case you didn't read the description it tells you I edited the dance to go longer to fit the song. It's facelift from the original it's called creativity and I'm glad you lost a couple of pounds. When I edited it slowly I realized I would be giggling by the time it was finished. LOL
Jeanette Duette Fred Astaire would go to watch George every night at the speakeasy where George danced. Fed loved Georges dancing. He knew George was a self-taught dancer and appreciated George's natural talent, so much so Astaire writes about George in his own Bio.
george did say he used to go to harlem to watch and learn dance steps and what he did was put more sex appeal into his moves which he learned from Black Americans and Cuban dancers of the time
This is my favorite Swing Band music and to have my favorite movie star dance to it is a dream come true! Great job Queen of Nite! You and George Swing!
Oh boy, do I swing. I took me days to get Mr. Raft to dance to Sing Sing Sing and I had to dance through all of the replays. Just to make sure they were right. I think I lost a few pounds. Thank you for liking the new thinner me and Mr. Raft Swinging. :- )
40’s swing sound to 30’s dancing, only on television
@@kathychinski8551 Sing Sing Sing 1937
Classic and classy!!
I'll tell George you said so.☺ :-)
Is he moon walking ?? Nice , real nice !! 😘😘
Actually, George did the Moonwalk in 1931 in the movie "Quick Millions". I should probably put that clip up here too. Come back and compare.
Fantastic! I ❤George Raft! Blessings
He was simply the best x🦋🦋
Actually, lookin at this again, I see that this dance routine Raft is doin is taken straight from a black Cotton Club dancer named ‘ Snake Hips ‘. Snake Hips did this dance with Duke Ellington at the Cotton Club. Raft copied the routine but in his copying it, he internalized it, in other words, he got the steps AND the feel ! This doesn’t always happen. Raft makes it his own !! He rocks it ! Thank you George and thank you Snake Hips.
ua-cam.com/video/mtbAJiPEq7U/v-deo.html
Remember George was dancing before Ellington. The Duke may have copied a step or two from George. LOL There were other reasons why George was called Snake ask Mae West she nicknamed him the Black Snake. ;-)
Lovin Raft Queenofnite en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Snakehips_Tucker
Lovin Raft Queenofnite en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Ellington
From Lewis Yablonsky’s biography on Raft, “No aspiring professional athlete, scientist or teacher trained harder than George to achieve success. He went to Harlem clubs and sat for hours studying the dance steps performed by the great black hoofers, whose most famous exponent was the legendary Bojangles. When Raft did these same dances downtown, he was hailed as sensational.”
The spatsman had moves,! Awesome...
Yo! This dude had to be the most soulful and funky white cat in history! He could dance almost as good as the great James Brown!
He had to be a student of the Black and Tan jazz clubs in Harlem during the famed jazz era of prohibition!
This dude George Raft was a highly talented performer. They don't make them like this cat anymore.
Maybe he was so soulful because George Raft wasn't Jewish. His Dad was German Catholic and his Mom was Italian. She was the one that taught George to dance. George Raft was baptized when he was 3 mos. old. George was a natural born dancer. You are right he did go to Harlem to learn new dances. Why not join my FB group for him where I teach all about Mr. Raft.
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708
I just purchased a biography about Mr.Raft by Lewis Yablonsky, so I will be an expert on the legend after the fact.
However, I wasn't aware that German and Italian were soulful dancers either. There is no way any person of European descent could have possibly created dance moves like that without being influenced and taught by Black American jazz performers!
@@zroy9263 This Bio is only a starting point. By now I know more than any of his written Bio's. I didn't say that Germans had exceptional rhythm. I said his Italian Mom taught him how to dance. That's how he had natural rhythm he was born with it just like most Black American have. I being of Italian descent have plenty of rhythm and I have also danced on the stage. You would think I was taught by jazz performers too. I also sing in Jazz.clubs. I'm not looking to turn this into a Black VS White comment. If you are a good dancer you have to have rhythm and style, period. Try looking at some other of his dance video's I have here and you will see he excelled in Spanish dancing and brought those dances to America.from his time in Europe.
@@zroy9263 BTW I edited this video to show off Rafts dancing and to do that I had to have rhythm myself.😆
@lovinraftqueenofnite7708
Great choice and job! It's very enjoyable and has sparked even more of an interest in George Raft.
However, my first interest in him came from his roles in gangster films, as well as his associations with real-life gangsters such as Bugsy Siegel and Owney Madden, in addition to being one of my dudes Sinatra homies.
I love it FEEL my Grandmom here w me watchin...shed 💘 it...me too
George's dancing is amazing and perfectly timed to the terrific music. Fantastic job of editing, Queenofnite!
Charming scene with Owen Moore looking on............watching George Raft dance!
Wanting to watch all of the movie why TCM doesn't show it never understood love watching George Raft doing this so so well
You will be happy to learn TCM finally is putting on a whole day of Raft. It might be because of all the Fans I have gathered for him from having his first and only FB page and group. Join the group I will be celebrating the day and let you know why they don't have all his movies. facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
I remember my mom saying George raft was a good dancer I liked him as a gangster in movies I wonder if he was that tough
Theresa Chiorazzi Yes he was. Knew people in shady life styles who knew Raft who I loved ( I am 82 yo) who said he was tough as in his role as driver he was also body guard. Imagine what he ran into and had to face and survive. Always loved Raft as his real persona showed in his eyes and saw it in some other real life toughguys who could turn gentle emotion off as fast as a toggle switch and were compelling in power.
George was tougher in real life ask Cagney. LOL Not that he was a real Gangster but he was personally tough.
@@sophieseeker929 You should join my FB group for George. My Dad knew George he was brought up in Hell's Kitchen too and won dance contests at Roseland. Let me know who you are if you join we can have a chat on messenger. You will love what I have done to keep George's legacy alive. Here's the link:facebook.com/GeorgeRaft.TheLegend.TheMan/
Wow! I thought techno swing was a new style! Obviously it has a great history! Thanks for the post.
LOL
Brilliant editing and wow, George sure could dance! I think I just lost a lb. or 2 just watching this.
:-) BTW I'm glad you could see the hard work it took me to edit this,
I know where he went to party. he was an uptown Saturday night partier. Probably Small's (aka Minton's), Cotton Club. He certainly didn't learn to dance like that downtown.
You are right. I have gone to Small's myself if you mean the Jazz Club. Do you?
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 Of course. Is there another? I was there during some pretty rowdy times. Frank Lucas, of 'American Gangster' fame, was there a whole lot, enough for me to have seen him twice.
@@lamontlewis I sing and belonged to University of the Streets We would all go to Smalls after our Jazz Jam.
Is this on here with its original 1929 soundtrack?
No, I wanted to make it a bit more up to date. The original is in the movie "Side Street" 1929. Besides my liking Prima I edited the video to make it longer and show off Georges fabulous dancing. It took quite a while of editing to piece and sync all of this together. I hope you liked it.
I wish the original music had been used here.
The idea was to show George Raft's dancing skills, not the old original song that was horrible and forgettable. You can always find the original on UA-cam. UA-cam is for recreation, not just the same usual clip. TY
I am pretty sure that's Benny Goodman's version of Sing Sing Sing not Louis Prima's. I love both versions but that's definitely Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa on drums
It is you can't find Prima doing it this way. That's why I put Prima wrote the song.
Knew him as an actor, but he was also a talented dancer.
Very :-)
George Raft and James Cagney...both could dance...who wouldve thought
Me.😂
The video is from a 1929 film in which George Raft had one dance number, but Louis Prima did not record Sing Sing Sing until 1936. Louis Prima was only 19 in 1929 and did not yet have a big band. Very clever substitution of the later music.
Yes, I know it's called artistic license. I edited it to display George's dancing talent and to give the clip a facelift. It is explained in the description. It is widely done on UA-cam. Nobody destroyed the original so now you have a choice. :-)
Raft did a variety of dancing...he started at 12 years old in NYC...
He started earlier with his Mom. George was a natural born dancer. He could pic up a dance style in a wink.
I only recently discovered GR danced.
Where has George been all your life? LOL Since you've come this far why not join my FB group for Raft and tell your story there. facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
Reminds me of Christopher Walken in pennies from heaven.
A dance movie that doesn’t show dancer’s feet. Fred Astaire had a rule: All dance scenes must show his whole body. We miss so much of George’s talent without his foot moves.
You have a good point there the man had rhythm and grace. His feet hardly touched the ground. LOL Too bad no one preserved Georges dance movies as they did with Astaire.
Chapman: Maybe a better dancer than Astaire - just throwing the idea out there.
Chapman: Thanks for your opinion.
But what we do see of Raft here is extremely smooth, elegant and in the pocket. I would even dare to say he was smoother than Astaire. George must have spent a lot of time checkin out guys up in Harlem at the Cotten Club where his buddy Owney Madden ran things
C. L. Bolen I agree. From the little I see here he had better feel and swing than Astaire, Cagney and Gene Kelley !
Comcast as 18 movies available, but most are buy or rent! However, I watched Scarface the other night (free) and there are a couple more up there...Some of his last films from the 60's are there, too.'Time to start searching, Pluto, Tubi, and Peacock for me...Comcast provides all those for free at my level...
Join my group for George I have a group and show the videos that YT doesn't allow me to put up.
Fred Astaire said George Raft danced the fasted Charleston he ever saw👏👏👏👏👏
Yes Astaire would go to speakeasy's to watch George dance. He also put that quote in his Bio.
What a great time to be alive mad i was born too late
George was very close friends with Rudolph Valentino and whenever they would go to the clubs they looked so much like people couldn’t tell the difference
That's very true. Valentino's Ex-wife wanted George to take Valentino's place in her show. George refused.
Raft was amazing
Wasn't he though? Join my FB group for him you will enjoy my teaching all of his legacy. facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
This is brilliant.
Would love to know the name of this great theme.
Ohh is Sing Sing .. by Louis Prima
there are some older 30s and 40s films which show african american dancers doing their stuff and it is amazing, the acrobatic moves , speed and energy was completely missing in many of their white counter parts
George Raft would go up to Harlem to dance. He was a self-taught dancer and loved to dance. He could pick up any type of dancing in a minute. It was natural to him and he had grace, style, and speed. He was quite light on his feet.
No one except maybe Astaire was more smoother ,cooler and masculine in their movements
Go George!
What's the name of this movie, it's Great 👍 especially with George Raft! 🥰😃
This is about all that is left of that movie. The rest was destroyed long ago. George only had a small part in it and this is that part. The name of the movie is in the description.
Танцор от бога, класс
James carne y. Fabuloso
George Raft could hoof.
You bet your boots.😆
what are the odds today? to find 12 females under 80lbs in one room
That same year 1929 was the crack in New York this is what I wanted to know if I was already an actor george raft.....coincidentally it was also the massacre of San Valentin
Do you mean was George Raft an actor in 1929?
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 ....yes honey
Great dancing try putting this to a northern soul soundtrack please
Give me a song but it takes months to sync it to a video.
I was today years old when I realized George raft was white passing
??
Man, how I miss my wild root cream........for that slick down hair look.
Hahaha. Try vaseline it's still out there and stop showing your age. :-)
Liberté d'expression
So much for Gene Kelley!
I have said that many times and George was a self-taught dancer. LOL That's why I made him a FB Group so others could remember his dancing.
George has his own style..
👍👍👍
Here's the link to join the first and only group for George Raft. If you join let me know it's you. facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
Handsome like George Rafr-Sopeanos!any fan here?👊
Pass that by me again.
Of course that isn’t real music because that song was not even written yet when this was recorded. They are doing a Charleston. George Raft’s forte was the Peabody.
You are right. I took artistic liberties to put in a more popular song. It wasn't easy either. I had to get George to dance 3 minutes longer than what the clip actually was in order to get in a song that lasts 5 min and not 2 mins😅 Though George was great at the Peabody he was able to pick up any dance steps without formal training. He was most known for his Fench Tango. Though if you watch the other video's I have here he did a great tap dance too.
Are the Young sisters in this clip? ... Loretta, Sally or Polly ....
Are they? I'm not sure you know more than me. Would they be credited in the cast of the original movie?
The backline choreography is dreadful. The girls are all over the place!
He was the Choreographer in this scene. He was only showing them what to do.
Old george is ripping off Cab Calloways moves, but hes doing a good job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You may have that backward. LOL George was older than Calloway. George was born in 1895, Calloway was 20 yrs younger and he started dancing in 1927. George started dancing in 1914 and by the 20's he was dancing in speakeasy's and on B'way. George would go up to Harlem to learn to dance he knew where the best dancing and rhythm was. George was a natural dancer and taught himself every type of dancing. I'm sure George admired Cab Calloway, I love Calloway. Now you know why I gave George his first and only FB page and group many people still don't know he was a trendsetter for others in dance and dress. Join his group we would love to have you
facebook.com/groups/414481055641108/
What movie is this?
It is in the description. "Side Street" 1929.
@@lovinraftqueenofnite7708 I couldn't find it on dvd or blu ray.
В каком году снят этот фильм?
The music doesn’t match the era. It’s Big Band era and the the movie was of the late twenties ??
It's called creativity that's what UA-cam is for.
geoorge was a dancing fool!
Who said whites didnt have rythm in the old days????
@@kaiyamarie2300 George was pretty much in a class of his own.