The Rat (1925)
A roguish king of the Paris underworld finds love and danger in this gripping British silent melodrama from Gainsborough Pictures.
The Rat - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Rat
- Release Year: 1925
- Directed by: Graham Cutts
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 14m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 7, 1925 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: The Rat of Paris (US)
- Production Companies: Gainsborough Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Rat - Plot
When bored courtesan Zelie de Chaumet begs her lover, the corrupt and powerful Stetz, to take her slumming, the pair encounter Pierre Boucheron, alias 'The Rat', boy-king of the Paris underworld, and the innocent Odile. Love, life and jewels are risked and lost in this powerful romantic melodrama as the four characters' lives are changed by this chance encounter for ever.
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The Rat - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Graham Cutts
Main Cast
- Ivor Novello
- Mae Marsh
- Isabel Jeans
- Robert Scholtz
- James Lindsay
- Marie Ault
- Julie Suedo
- Hugh Brook
Writers
- Constance Collier
- Ivor Novello
- Graham Cutts
Producers
- Michael Balcon
The Rat - FAQs
What is The Rat (1925) about?
The Rat follows Pierre Boucheron, a roguish king of the Paris underworld, whose world is upended when a bored courtesan and her powerful, corrupt lover stumble into his domain. A chance encounter sets off a chain of passion, betrayal, and sacrifice involving four very different lives.
Did Ivor Novello write and star in The Rat?
Yes — Ivor Novello co-wrote the story alongside Constance Collier and director Graham Cutts, and also played the lead role of Pierre Boucheron. It was a remarkable dual achievement that helped cement Novello's reputation as one of British silent cinema's most compelling talents.
Who are the main actors in The Rat?
The cast is led by Ivor Novello as the charismatic Pierre Boucheron, with Mae Marsh as the innocent Odile, Isabel Jeans as the seductive courtesan Zelie de Chaumet, and Robert Scholtz as the villainous Stetz. James Lindsay, Marie Ault, Julie Suedo, and Hugh Brook round out the ensemble.
Is The Rat a silent film?
Yes, The Rat is a British silent film from 1925. Produced by Gainsborough Pictures and directed by Graham Cutts, it was made during the height of the silent era. The film relies entirely on visual storytelling, expressive performances, and intertitles to convey its romantic melodrama.
Where can you watch The Rat (1925)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Rat on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a century-old silent film, availability may vary, so JustWatch is your best starting point for finding where it's currently accessible.
Who produced The Rat and which studio made it?
The Rat was produced by Michael Balcon for Gainsborough Pictures, the British studio that would go on to become one of the most celebrated names in UK cinema history. Balcon's early productions, including this film, helped establish Gainsborough as a major force in British silent film.
Did The Rat spawn any sequels?
Yes — the success of The Rat led to two follow-up films: The Triumph of the Rat (1926) and The Return of the Rat (1929), both continuing the adventures of Pierre Boucheron. Ivor Novello reprised his iconic role in all three, making it one of British silent cinema's notable franchise series.
Was The Rat released under a different title?
Yes — for its US release, the film was retitled The Rat of Paris. The original UK title is simply The Rat, which refers to the street-smart nickname of the protagonist Pierre Boucheron. Both titles refer to the same 1925 British silent film directed by Graham Cutts.
More About The Rat
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