The Racket

1928
Passed
1h 24m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

An honest police captain vows to bring down a powerful bootlegger who is protected by corrupt politicians and judges.An honest police captain vows to bring down a powerful bootlegger who is protected by corrupt politicians and judges.An honest police captain vows to bring down a powerful bootlegger who is protected by corrupt politicians and judges.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

1.7K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 1 nomination total

Photos18

+ 13

Top cast28

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Thomas Meighan

Captain James McQuigg

Louis Wolheim

Nick Scarsi

Marie Prevost

Helen Hayes

G. Pat Collins

Patrolman Johnson
(as Pat Collins)

Henry Sedley

Spike

George E. Stone

Joe Scarsi
(as George Stone)

Sam De Grasse

District Attorney Welch
(as Sam DeGrasse)

Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher

Miller
(as Skeets Gallagher)

Lee Moran

Pratt

John Darrow

Dave Ames - Cub Reporter

Lucien Prival

Chick

Dan Wolheim

Sgt. Turck

Frank Austin

Man at Funeral
(uncredited)

Walter Brennan

Man on Street in Front of Barber Shop
(uncredited)

Jimmy Dime

Rival Gang Lookout
(uncredited)

Jim Farley

Detective
(uncredited)

Sherry Hall

Orchestra Leader
(uncredited)

Sydney Jarvis

Bartender
(uncredited)

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Only one copy of the film is known to have survived. It was long thought lost before being located in Howard Hughes' film collection after his death. The film was restored and preserved by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas film department. The restored copy is frequently shown on Turner Classic Movies in the US.

Goofs
McQuigg's holster is embossed with his name and rank, but it also says CITY OF followed by a blank space.

Quotes
Cub Reporter Ames: I told you not to look after me... Why did you do it?
Helen Hayes: Because - -- because you affect me like a mammy song.

Alternate versions
In 2004, The University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Flicker Alley, LLC copyrighted a new digital version with a new orchestral score composed, arranged and conducted by Robert Israel. It was produced by Jeffery Masino and runs 84 minutes.

Connections
Referenced in Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film (2008)

User reviews31

Featured review

9/10

Now available-- and worth the wait

I am watching it right now on TCM. It has been digitally restored and a new soundtrack added. The music is excellent. I was sure it was 'period' until I saw the credits, which are rolling as I type.

Marie Prevost is amazing, she dominates every scene in which she appears. Her expressions and body language are astounding. It helps you understand what silent movie acting is all about.

This was a Howard Hughes production. I believe the picture is longer than 60 minutes, though.

The University of Nevada at Las Vegas is credited with this restoration project. They did a great job. I love this movie.