George Raft

Carole Lombard

Sally Rand

Frances Drake

William Frawley

Gertrude Michael

Ray Milland

Gloria Shea

Elinor Fair

Ann Sheridan

Wesley Ruggles

Horace Jackson

Carey Wilson

Kubec Glasmon

Leo Tover

Hugh Bennett

Travis Banton

Ralph Rainger

John Leipold

Bernhard Kaun

Drama

Bolero

Paramount Pictures

United States of America

CinemaSerf

I wasn't aware of this film until I saw it last night at the BFI in London. I had always just assumed that George Raft is/was and always would be a gangster. Well he certainly isn't in this. His portrayal of a ruthlessly ambitious professional dancer is quite an eye opening experience - and he can definitely dance. Carole Lombard is equally engaging as his dance partner as they try to rise (largely with constant investment from his brother) from downbeat New York dance halls to glitzy Parisien salons. Ravel's "Bolero" was never my favourite piece of music (I blame Torvill & Dean) but it works really well here. It isn't an amazing film, but it has plenty of style, even a little humour and bags of charm

English