Madame Racketeer 1932
Step into the world of 1930s screwball comedy with *Madame Racketeer (1932)*, directed by Alexander Hall. This delightfully chaotic film follows the escapades of Alison Skipworth as Martha Hicks—alias Countess von Claudwig—a globe-trotting con artist freshly sprung from prison.
Director: Alexander Hall
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madame Racketeer (1932) about?
After serving time in prison, international con artist Martha Hicks fakes her identity to stay at her estranged husband's Wisconsin spa. There, she secretly reconnects with the two daughters she abandoned as infants, setting off a chain of lies and hilarity.
Who directed Madame Racketeer?
The film was helmed by Alexander Hall, a director known for his work in 1930s comedies and pre-Code films.
Who stars in Madame Racketeer?
The lead role is played by Alison Skipworth, with Richard Bennett, George Raft, Evalyn Knapp, and John Breeden rounding out the ensemble cast.
Is Madame Racketeer (1932) worth watching?
For fans of early comedies and fast-talking antiheroes, *Madame Racketeer* offers a brisk 72 minutes of entertainment. Its blend of farce, romance, and a touch of redemption makes it a solid pick, even if it's not as widely remembered today.
How long is Madame Racketeer?
The runtime is 72 minutes, perfect for a quick, engaging watch.
About Madame Racketeer (1932) — Screwball Comedy with a Con Artist Countesses
Step into the world of 1930s screwball comedy with *Madame Racketeer (1932)*, directed by Alexander Hall. This delightfully chaotic film follows the escapades of Alison Skipworth as Martha Hicks—alias Countess von Claudwig—a globe-trotting con artist freshly sprung from prison. Seeking refuge from her aching joints, she retreats to a rustic Wisconsin spa owned by her long-estranged husband, only to check in undercover while reconnecting with the two daughters she abandoned decades earlier. With sharp dialogue, slapstick humor, and a dash of maternal redemption, the film blends farce with surprisingly tender moments.
Starring Richard Bennett as the beleaguered husband, George Raft as a charming guest who stirs unexpected trouble, and Evalyn Knapp as one of the daughters caught in the web of deceit, *Madame Racketeer* crackles with the wit and energy of early talkies. Its themes of second chances and hidden identities unfold against a backdrop of lavish hotel intrigue, making it a gem for fans of vintage comedy and daring dames on the run.