The Racket

Plot

Captain James McQuigg, an incorruptible police captain, arrives in a city dominated by crime boss Nick Scarsi and immediately makes enemies by refusing to accept bribes or bow to corruption. McQuigg's relentless pursuit of Scarsi puts him at odds with both the criminal underworld and his own compromised police department, leading to threats against his life and family. The tension escalates as Scarsi uses his political connections and violent methods to try to eliminate McQuigg, who must rely on his wits and a few loyal officers to fight back. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where McQuigg must risk everything to bring Scarsi to justice, exposing the deep-rooted corruption that has infected the entire city. Throughout the battle, McQuigg's determination serves as a moral compass in a world where crime and politics have become indistinguishable.

Historical Background

The Racket emerged during a pivotal moment in American history and cinema. Released in 1928, it came at the height of Prohibition (1920-1933), when organized crime syndicates controlled bootlegging operations and wielded enormous political influence in major cities. The film's depiction of corruption between criminals and politicians reflected real concerns about the breakdown of law enforcement and democratic institutions. In cinema, 1928 was a transitional year between silent films and the coming sound revolution - 'The Racket' was among the last major silent releases before 'The Jazz Singer' changed the industry forever. The gangster genre was just beginning to emerge as a distinct category, with this film helping to establish many of its conventions. The film's production coincided with increased calls for film censorship, which would soon lead to the enforcement of the Hays Code in 1930. Its nomination at the first Academy Awards reflected Hollywood's attempt to establish itself as a respectable artistic institution, even as it produced films about the darker aspects of American life.

Making Of

The production of 'The Racket' was marked by several significant challenges and innovations. Director Lewis Milestone employed innovative camera techniques for the time, including low-angle shots to emphasize the power dynamics between characters. The casting of Louis Wolheim as the villain was particularly inspired - Milestone had worked with him previously and knew his distinctive appearance and gravelly voice would create an unforgettable antagonist. The film's urban setting was created entirely on studio backlots, with impressive miniature work for cityscapes. The production team faced pressure from real-life political figures who were concerned about the film's negative portrayal of city government. During filming, Thomas Meighan insisted on performing many of his own stunts, including a dangerous fall from a height that required careful coordination. The studio invested heavily in the film's marketing, creating an extensive campaign that emphasized its 'ripped from the headlines' authenticity. The transition from stage play to film required significant adaptation, with Milestone adding visual elements and expanding outdoor scenes to take advantage of the cinematic medium.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'The Racket,' executed by veteran cameraman Charles Lang, showcases the visual sophistication of late silent cinema. Lang employed innovative techniques including dramatic low-angle shots to emphasize the power of the gangster characters and high-angle shots to convey the vulnerability of victims. The film features extensive use of chiaroscuro lighting, creating stark contrasts between light and shadow that would later become hallmarks of film noir. Lang's camera work is particularly notable in the action sequences, where he uses dynamic movement and rapid editing to create tension and excitement. The urban sets are photographed with remarkable depth, creating a convincing sense of a sprawling, corrupt city. The film also features impressive tracking shots that follow characters through complex environments, demonstrating the technical prowess of late silent cinema. Lang's use of close-ups is particularly effective in conveying the psychological states of the characters, especially in the confrontations between McQuigg and Scarsi. The visual style balances realism with expressionistic elements, creating a distinctive look that elevates the material beyond typical genre fare.

Innovations

The Racket showcased several technical innovations that advanced the art of filmmaking in the late silent era. The production employed sophisticated miniature photography for establishing shots of the city, creating convincing urban environments that were far more detailed than typical studio backlots. The film's editing, supervised by Lewis Milestone, featured rapid cutting techniques that were ahead of their time, particularly in action sequences where cross-cutting between parallel storylines created maximum tension. The soundstage construction for interior scenes was particularly ambitious, featuring multi-level sets that allowed for complex camera movements and blocking. The film also made innovative use of process photography for certain exterior shots, allowing for the combination of location footage with studio work. The lighting design was unusually sophisticated for its time, using multiple light sources to create depth and dimension in the compositions. The film's special effects, while subtle, included carefully executed matte paintings and glass shots that expanded the visual scope of the production. The preservation and restoration process in 2016 also represented a technical achievement, using digital technology to stabilize the image, repair damage, and enhance contrast while maintaining the film's original visual character.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Racket' was originally presented with musical accompaniment that varied by theater and location. The score was typically provided by the theater's house organist or orchestra, using compiled music from various sources rather than a composed score. The film's mood and pacing were enhanced through carefully selected musical cues, with tense scenes accompanied by dramatic, dissonant music and moments of triumph underscored with heroic themes. The original cue sheets, discovered with the preserved print, suggest a mix of classical pieces, popular songs of the era, and specially arranged stock music. For the 2016 restoration, a new musical score was commissioned to accompany screenings, though it remains faithful to the style and spirit of 1920s silent film accompaniment. The restored version uses a combination of period-appropriate orchestral music and original compositions that enhance the film's dramatic moments without overwhelming the visual storytelling. The music effectively supports the film's themes of corruption and justice, using leitmotifs for different characters and situations. The soundtrack's role in creating atmosphere is particularly important in scenes without intertitles, where music carries the emotional weight of the narrative.

Memorable Scenes

• The tense confrontation in Scarsi's office where the mob boss tries to bribe Captain McQuigg, showcasing the moral battle between corruption and integrity
• The dramatic rooftop chase sequence where McQuigg pursues one of Scarsi's henchmen across the city skyline, demonstrating innovative camera work and stunt coordination
• The climactic courtroom scene where McQuigg presents his evidence against Scarsi, revealing the extent of the corruption network
• The opening sequence establishing the city's criminal underworld through a series of quick cuts showing various illegal operations
• The emotional scene where McQuigg's family is threatened, raising the personal stakes of his battle against crime

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Racket' for its bold storytelling and realistic depiction of urban crime. The New York Times hailed it as 'a powerful and timely drama that pulls no punches in its portrayal of city corruption,' while Variety noted its 'gripping narrative and outstanding performances.' Critics particularly singled out Louis Wolheim's performance as the mob boss, with many calling it one of the most convincing villain portrayals of the silent era. The film's direction by Lewis Milestone received widespread acclaim for its innovative camera work and tight pacing. Modern critics have reevaluated the film as an important precursor to the gangster genre, with the British Film Institute describing it as 'a remarkably sophisticated crime drama that anticipates many of the themes and visual styles of later film noir.' The film's nomination for Best Picture at the first Academy Awards was seen as validation of its artistic merits, though some contemporary critics questioned whether such gritty subject matter deserved recognition alongside more prestigious productions. Today, film scholars appreciate 'The Racket' for its historical significance and its role in establishing conventions that would define American crime cinema for decades.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1928 responded enthusiastically to 'The Racket,' drawn by its timely subject matter and reputation for being 'ripped from the headlines.' The film performed strongly at the box office, particularly in urban areas where audiences could relate to its depiction of city corruption and gangster violence. Moviegoers praised the film's excitement and suspense, with many commenting on its realistic portrayal of crime and its fast-paced action sequences. The chemistry between Thomas Meighan and Louis Wolheim was particularly well-received, with audiences enjoying their cat-and-mouse dynamic. The film's success led to increased demand for more gangster pictures, helping establish the genre as a commercial staple. Despite some controversy over its violent content, 'The Racket' avoided the moral panic that would later greet films like 'Little Caesar' and 'The Public Enemy,' perhaps because its hero was clearly established as a moral authority figure. Modern audiences who have seen the restored version often express surprise at its sophistication and visual style, with many noting how well it holds up compared to later sound gangster films. The film's preservation has allowed new generations to appreciate its contribution to American cinema history.

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