Raffles (1939) in Color — Starring David Niven & Olivia de Havilland

Raffles (1939) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Raffles, the 1939 adventure-comedy starring David Niven and Olivia de Havilland, now available as a professionally colorized version. This delightful film brings together wit, romance, and suspense in equal measure, showcasing one of classic Hollywood’s most charming pairings. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

A.J. Raffles is the toast of London society — a celebrated cricket player and charming gentleman admired by everyone from debutantes to duchesses. What his adoring public does not know is that Raffles leads a secret double life as a daring jewel thief, using his social connections to identify targets and his athletic agility to pull off seemingly impossible heists. His reputation on the cricket pitch gives him access to the grandest houses in England, and nobody suspects the man behind the wicket of being the man behind the mask.

When he falls in love with the beautiful Gwen, played with grace by Olivia de Havilland, Raffles resolves to abandon his criminal ways forever. He imagines a quiet life of respectability, married to the woman who has captured his heart. But fate has other plans. His old friend Bunny desperately needs money to pay off crushing gambling debts that threaten to ruin him socially and financially, and Raffles agrees to one last job — stealing a priceless necklace from a society hostess during an elegant weekend gathering.

The heist quickly becomes far more complicated than Raffles anticipated. Inspector Doyle from Scotland Yard is a guest at the same party, and his shrewd instincts tell him that something is amiss. As Raffles navigates the intricate social dynamics of the weekend, flirting with Gwen while keeping Bunny calm and the inspector at bay, every moment crackles with tension. The film builds to a breathless climax as Raffles must rely on every ounce of his legendary wit and charm to pull off the theft, protect his friend, and avoid losing the woman he loves to the truth about his secret life.

Cast & Crew

Director: Sam Wood

Stars: David Niven, Olivia de Havilland, Dudley Digges, May Whitty, Douglas Walton

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Raffles was originally filmed in elegant black and white, perfectly suited to the sophistication of its London high-society setting. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, bringing the lush green cricket grounds to vivid life as Raffles bats with effortless style. The glittering ballrooms glow with warm golden light, and the evening gowns worn by de Havilland and the society ladies shimmer in rich silks and satins. The English countryside estate where the climactic weekend takes place reveals its manicured gardens and stately interiors in beautiful color. The colorized version adds new dimensions to the glamorous world of this restored classic film, highlighting the contrast between Raffles’ polished public persona and the shadowy excitement of his nocturnal exploits. Now also available in colour.

Buy Raffles in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Based on E.W. Hornung’s classic literary character first introduced in 1898, the 1939 Raffles was the second major Hollywood adaptation of the gentleman thief’s exploits, following the 1930 version starring Ronald Colman. Hornung created Raffles as a deliberate mirror image of his brother-in-law Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes — where Holmes was a detective who occasionally broke the law, Raffles was a criminal with the manner and morals of a gentleman. David Niven’s suave performance defined the character for a generation, bringing an effortless charm that made audiences root for the thief despite his crimes. Director Sam Wood crafted the film with a light touch that perfectly balanced comedy, romance, and suspense. The supporting cast, including the formidable Dame May Whitty and the sharp Dudley Digges as the suspicious inspector, provided rich texture to this sophisticated entertainment. This colorization breathes new life into one of Hollywood’s most entertaining pre-war comedies.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD restored
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: Original mono restored
• Runtime: Approximately 72 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this based on a book?
A: Yes, the character A.J. Raffles was created by E.W. Hornung in 1898 as a gentleman thief counterpart to Sherlock Holmes. Hornung was Arthur Conan Doyle’s brother-in-law, and the character first appeared in “The Amateur Cracksman.”

Q: Is this film a remake?
A: Yes, it is a remake of the 1930 film of the same name that starred Ronald Colman in the title role. The 1939 version gave David Niven one of his most memorable early leading roles.

Q: How does David Niven’s portrayal compare to Ronald Colman’s?
A: While Colman brought a more brooding intensity to the role, Niven’s Raffles is lighter and more playful, leaning into the comedy and charm that became his trademark as an actor throughout his career.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as an MP4 file compatible with virtually any device or media player.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
• Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood (1942)
• Golden Salamander (1950)
• This Gun for Hire (1942)
• Circle of Danger (1951)