Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman (1917)

Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman Poster

A.J. Raffles, an educated and handsome cricket champ with entry to the best social circles steals precious trinkets and jewels, purely for the love of the game and the thrill of the chase, outwitting police and detectives.

Overview
"Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman" is a 1917 quiet film directed by George Irving and starring John Barrymore. The movie checks out the enthralling experiences of Arthur J. Raffles, a cricket star by day and a well-known burglar by night. Inspired by the popular stories by E.W. Hornung, this movie provides a blend of thriller, romance, and criminal offense.

Plot
Arthur J. Raffles (represented by John Barrymore) is a popular cricketer taking pleasure in a good track record throughout the day, with a secret nighttime life as a gentleman burglar during the night. He handles this life of criminal offense not simply for the thrill and excitement, however likewise to finance his good friend, Bunny Manders's extravagant lifestyle. His bold exploits and ability to outmaneuver the cops quickly makes him a notorious credibility.

Romantic Interest and Rivalry
Raffles falls in love with party girl Gwendolyn (depicted by Christine Mayo), who is unknowingly engaged to Inspector Mackenzie (depicted by H. Cooper Cliffe) of Scotland Yard. Mackenzie is ruthless in his pursuit to capture the distinguished burglar unknown that he is the very same guy his fiancée loves.

The Heist
Raffles quickly learns about a valuable necklace that Gwendolyn possesses and chooses to take it. However, an unanticipated encounter with Mackenzie at the scene of the theft forces Raffles to outmanoeuvre the inspector and make away with the loot.

The Revelation and Climax
As the plot progresses, Mackenzie starts to think that Raffles may be more than just a cricketer. In a thrilling climax, Mackenzie finds Raffles' secret identity and confronts him at his home. A physical run-in takes place where Raffles is forced to eliminate for both his flexibility and love for Gwendolyn.

Conclusion
Despite the extreme chase and fight, Raffles, with a mix of wit and shrewd, has the ability to outsmart Mackenzie when again and escapes his clutches. The movie concludes on a note of uncertainty regarding Raffles' future as both a gentleman and a burglar.

Review
"Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman" is a thrilling expedition of a guy living a double life, switching in between functions of a celebrated cricketer and a notorious thief. Despite being a quiet movie, the performances, especially that of John Barrymore as Raffles and H. Cooper Cliffe as Mackenzie, bring to life the thriller, drama, and romance of the story. Barrymore's representation of Raffles, with his debonair demeanor throughout the day and a shrewd robber during the night, is especially admirable. The movie is a masterpiece of the quiet era, catching the audiences' interest with its creative plot twists and exciting chase series.

Top Cast

  • John Barrymore (small)
    John Barrymore
    A.J. Raffles
  • Evelyn Brent (small)
    Evelyn Brent
    Ethel
  • Frank Morgan (small)
    Frank Morgan
    Bunny Manders
  • Christine Mayo
    Mrs Vidal
  • Kathryn Adams (small)
    Kathryn Adams
    Gwendolyn
  • H. Cooper Cliffe (small)
    H. Cooper Cliffe
    Lord Amersteth
  • Dudley Hill
    Crawley (as Dudley S. Hill)
  • Mathilde Brundage
    Lady Melrose (as Mrs. Mathilde Brundage)
  • Mike Donlin (small)
    Mike Donlin
    Crawshay
  • Frederick Perry
    Capt. Bedford