"UNDER-COVER MAN" (1932)

[rmichaelpyle]

I watched a super pre-code last night called "Under-Cover Man" (1932) with George Raft and Nancy Carroll. This was Raft's first starring role. Nancy Carroll's big eyes are beginning to drive me crazy. I can't get enough of them! This is about the fifth Nancy Carroll film I've watched in the last five months or so. She's so fun to watch. Fine range as an actress, too. In this film the baddie is slimy Lew Cody. He didn't need to act the part. He was rather a slime bag in real life - husband to Mabel Normand. He's pretty awful - that is, his character is - in this film. Also in the film are Roscoe Karns, Noel Madison (she absolutely steals the acting honors in this film as a drunken floozy helping Cody: she surprised me to no end!), Gregory Ratoff (thick accent here), Paul Porcasi, David Landau, and William Janney. James Flood directed and he did a really fine job. The thing that set this film apart, though, was the writing. The dialogue is very, very genuine. From the outset it rings true. Even wooden Raft was quite decent in a part where he's looking for the person who murdered his father and goes undercover. Carroll's brother has been murdered and she and Raft discover that both murders are related and probably committed by the same person. She helps Raft, and both get deeply involved in a treacherous position. Very fine film. Run to see it if you can. Most have never heard of it and I can't understand why a gem like this one is so hidden in the depths of forgotteness!!

[diane]

I also have seen this. I couldn't go past it with Nancy Carroll and George Raft (my absolute favourites)
as a team. I thought they had a lot of chemistry, although Nancy didn't have much to do. I think the
last film I saw her in was "Hot Saturday" and even though she was second billed to Cary Grant, she
completely stole the film from him (in my opinion). Anyway she doesn't get much of a chance here.
I agree Lew Cody was the supreme villain (oddly last Saturday I watched "Mickey" - trying to introduce
my daughter to silent movies (she liked it!!) and Lew Cody played the oily Reggie who menaces Mabel
Normand). I also agree with you about Noel Francis - was there ever a more slinky villainess!!! (apart
from a few others I'm thinking about!!) She really got her comeupance in this movie!!! There are some
interesting little touches.
I know about Nancy Carroll's temperament etc, but when you see films like this you have to wonder
why Paramount let her slip through their fingers.

[Larry's 66 Diner]

I'm familiar with George Raft and Nancy Carroll, but I have never seen this movie. Likewise, I have never heard of it, as you mentioned most haven't, Michael. It sounds like one I will have to keep my eye out for. :thumbsup: