Bolero (1934)

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