The Racketeer (1929) Director: Howard Higgin Studio: RKO Radio Pictures Starring: Robert Armstrong, Carole Lombard, Roland Drew Release Date: November 1, 1929 Runtime: 71 minutes Format: Black & White | Mono | Sound | Crime Drama Country: United States Language: English Genres: Crime | Drama | Romance | Pre-Code Summary: The Racketeer tells the story of Rhoda Philbrooke, a down-on-her-luck violinist who becomes entangled with the enigmatic and dangerous mobster William "Willie" Stark. As Rhoda struggles to rebuild her life and career, Stark offers help—but his motives may be more complex than they seem. When her former love reenters the picture, Rhoda must navigate a world of crime, corruption, and conflicting loyalties. Blending gangster grit with romantic tension, the film explores how far someone will go to escape poverty and how love can survive in the shadow of crime. Background: Released during the early sound era, The Racketeer was one of RKO’s first talking pictures and helped launch Carole Lombard’s career. She was only 21 at the time and billed under her birth name, Jane Peters, in earlier roles. This film marked her transition into more prominent parts. Director Howard Higgin utilized a straightforward yet moody style, typical of late silent-era influence. The dialogue is minimal but effective, supported by sharp editing and a stark portrayal of Depression-era hardship. Trivia: One of Carole Lombard’s earliest major speaking roles, showcasing her early screen presence before her rise to comedy fame in the 1930s. Robert Armstrong, who later starred in King Kong (1933), plays the charismatic gangster. The film is notable for its gritty portrayal of organized crime during the Prohibition era. Made just before the strict enforcement of the Production Code, it contains themes of moral ambiguity typical of Pre-Code films. Public domain status has made it widely available in classic film collections and archives. Hashtags: #TheRacketeer #CaroleLombard #RobertArmstrong #PreCodeHollywood #1929Cinema #EarlyTalkies #RKOPictures #ClassicCrimeDrama #VintageFilm #GangsterMovies #PublicDomainFilm #DepressionEraCinema #OldHollywood #RomanticDrama #FilmHistory