George Raft

I have been in love with George Raft from the moment I first saw him in "Manpower", and this book just made me love him more! His story is poignant because he seemed to have been a man who truly had so much to give to the right woman but was barred from that all his life because of a greedy, clutching estranged wife. I loved reading his own accounts of his life, his loves, his behind-the-scene accounts during the making of his films. I admired the fact that he was such a gentleman, never resorting to bad-mouthing those who were his antagonists. The man had class with a capital "C". He did not turn his back on his friends, many of whom were big names in organized crime, and stood by them, in spite of Hollywood's trepidation and warnings. He was a true man who stood by his own code. His sexual prowess was intriguing reading, but was delightfully pretty much what I would have suspected, as his physical chemistry has always been so overpowering and alluring. The accounts of his intimate encounters and relationships were exactly as my fantasies had always portayed them to be. I relished the author's insight and portrait of what made George Raft click---his surprising lack of self esteem which pursued him all his life. His amazing generosity and sensitive heart. His gritty determination and ability for survival during a crazy days of 20's; his screen image cementing during the 30's into the most mermorable "gangster" of all time; his leading man image of the 40's; and his gradual decline afterwards. If you are a George Raft fan (and even if you're not) this biography is fantastic reading and an intimate portrait of one of the sexiest, vital and sensitive actors in film history.

The biography, although not totally accurate when reciting Raft's early existency (no Raft biography is), is heartfelt and insightful in explaining the motivations behind one of the most interesting figures of the 21st century. You see George Raft as he was, a sweet, charming "gentle"-man who's rise to fame was fueled by feelings of inadequacy. Mr. Yablonsky's has done a masterful job in bring the real George Raft to life; in contrast to the mean-spirited attempt by James Robert Parish. Please visit the George Raft Family and Friends Memorial Website to share your feelings and sights about George Raft.