The Rat (1937)

A famous Parisian jewel thief (Anton Walbrook) is known as "The Rat". When his friend (George Merritt) is sentenced to death, he asks The Rat to look after his daughter (Rene Ray). Not surprisingly, the young girl fall in love her protector but when a wealthy woman (Ruth Chatterton) enters the picture, complications ensue. Based on the play by Ivor Novello which was previously made into a film in 1925 starring Novello. This is rather enjoyable albeit minor melodrama with juicy roles for Walbrook and Chatterton. It's not a serious enough film to invest too much of one's self into it but it moves quickly (it has a 70 minutes running time) and smoothly. Its characters are all archetypes (smooth thief, rich matron, innocent ingenue etc.) and it's quite obvious where the movie is going but there's a certain shabby charm to it all. Directed by Jack Raymond. With Leo Genn, Felix Aylmer, Beatrix Lehmann and Mary Clare.