Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Cast & Crew
George Irving
John Barrymore
Frederick Perry
H. Cooper Cliffe
Frank Morgan
Christine Mayo
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
While aboard a steamship off the coast of Australia, Raffles, a gentleman crook, wins the favor of Mrs. Vidal and through her learns that the great Rose Ruby is aboard, in the possession of an international swindler. Discovered while stealing the ruby, Raffles jumps overboard and swims to land. A year later, his arrival in London coincides with the occurrence of several burglaries. While at a house party at the Melroses, he meets Captain Bedford of Scotland Yard who is investigating the thefts. That night, a burglar has arranged with Lady Melrose's maid to steal the Melrose necklace, but as the maid drops the jewels from an upper stairway, Raffles catches them. In the uproar that follows, the thief is arrested and the necklace not missed until morning, when suspicion points to Raffles. Captain Bedford goes to Raffles' apartment to arrest him, but the crook outwits him by making a sensational escape from behind a clock.
Director
George Irving
Cast
John Barrymore
Frederick Perry
H. Cooper Cliffe
Frank Morgan
Christine Mayo
Evelyn Brent
Mike Donlin
Mathilda Brundage
Nita Allen
Kathryn Adams
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Sources vary as to the production company of this film, with some crediting the Hyclass Producing Co. and others L. Lawrence Weber Photo Dramas, Inc. The Vitagraph Co. of America released a one reel film entitled Raffles, the Amateur Detective in September 1905. Universal Pictures released a new version of Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman on May 24, 1925, directed by King Baggot and starring House Peters (see AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1921-30; F2.4420). United Artists released a Samuel Goldwyn production of Raffles on July 26, 1930, directed by Harry D'Abbadie D'Arrast and George Fitzmaurice, and starring Ronald Colman and Kay Francis (see AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1921-30; F2.4419). United Artists released a later Samuel Goldwyn production of Raffles in December 1939, directed by Sam Wood, and starring David Niven and Olivia de Havilland.
