Night After Night

Inconsequential drama of a disaffected gangster who falls for the equally disaffected Rich Girl who used to live in the house which he now runs as a speakeasy. Saved by the introduction of Mae West in her first screen role -- she royally steals the show, and gives the movie its only life.

Mae West's entrance has to be one of the greatest movie debut scenes in Hollywood history. The movie is surprisingly good on all counts. It looks great, and has good camerawork, a literate, well-structured script, and just the right balance between the gangster and romance elements. And a cast of actors with actual craft (a refreshing change from what's currently for sale)--leads with real appeal, and character actors with real character.

Introducing Mae West to Hollywood and was she something different! She's just like one of the fast talking guys, except with extreme female sex appeal. A little more down to earth but equally sensual is the girl with the greatest artist names in the movie industry; Constance Cummings! She's in the wrong movie industry with that name. In reality George Raft looked like he could easily been eaten alive with those two gals there, but they let him be the king of the gangster love story anyway.