The Rat (1937)
A charming Montmartre cat burglar, a scheming socialite, and a deadly love triangle collide in this sharp British crime drama.
The Rat - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Rat
- Release Year: 1937
- Directed by: Jack Raymond
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 11, 1937 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Die Ratte (DE)
- Production Companies: Herbert Wilcox Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Rat - Plot
Jean Boucheron the cat burglar is the darling of the Montmartre whores--and catches the eye of slumming socialite Zelia de Chaumont, who decides to "reform" him. A complication is his lovely young ward Odile... murder and a grand courtoom scene ensue.
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The Rat - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Raymond
Main Cast
- Ruth Chatterton
- Anton Walbrook
- Rène Ray
- Beatrix Lehmann
- Mary Clare
- Felix Aylmer
- Hugh Miller
- Gordon McLeod
- Frederick Culley
- Nadine March
Writers
- Romney Brent
- Hans Rameau
Producers
- Herbert Wilcox
The Rat - FAQs
What is The Rat (1937) about?
The Rat follows Jean Boucheron, a dashing cat burglar who is the toast of Montmartre's underworld. When a wealthy socialite named Zelia de Chaumont sets out to reform him, complications arise involving his young ward Odile, ultimately spiraling into murder and a gripping courtroom showdown.
Is The Rat based on a true story or source material?
The Rat is an adaptation of a popular stage play originally created by Ivor Novello and Constance Collier in the 1920s. The story had already been filmed twice as a silent picture before this 1937 sound version brought it back to life with Anton Walbrook in the lead role.
Who are the main actors in The Rat?
The film stars Anton Walbrook as the roguish cat burglar Jean Boucheron and Ruth Chatterton as the socialite Zelia de Chaumont. Rène Ray plays the young ward Odile, with strong supporting turns from Beatrix Lehmann, Mary Clare, and Felix Aylmer rounding out the cast.
Where can you watch The Rat (1937)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for The Rat on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to see where it's currently accessible.
What role does Anton Walbrook play in The Rat?
Anton Walbrook plays Jean Boucheron, nicknamed 'the Rat' — a charming, street-smart cat burglar beloved by the women of Montmartre. The role was a significant showcase for Walbrook's magnetic screen presence, coming just as he was establishing himself as a major star in British cinema.
Who directed The Rat and who produced it?
The Rat was directed by Jack Raymond and produced by Herbert Wilcox through his production company Herbert Wilcox Productions. The screenplay was written by Romney Brent and Hans Rameau, with cinematography by the legendary Freddie Young and a score composed by Anthony Collins.
What are some films similar to The Rat (1937)?
If you enjoy The Rat's blend of crime, romance, and a charming thief at the center, you might also like Raffles (1939), To Catch a Thief (1955), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). For something closer in era and tone, Headhunters (2011) and The Cat Burglar (1961) are worth exploring.
How long is The Rat (1937)?
The Rat runs for 72 minutes — a brisk, compact runtime that keeps the story moving at a lively pace. At just over an hour, it's a tight, efficient crime drama that doesn't overstay its welcome, making it an easy watch for fans of classic British cinema.
More About The Rat
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