Riff-Raff (1947)

Anecdotes

Riff-Raff is a 1947 American film noir starring Pat O'Brien, Anne Jeffreys and Walter Slezak. It was directed by Ted Tetzlaff, who later directed The Window (1949) and worked as a cinematographer for over 100 films, including Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious (1946). The music was composed by Roy Webb and Joan Whitney.

Production

The film was based on an original screenplay by Martin Rackin. It was known first as The Big Angle and was bought by RKO in February 1946. Rackin had previously written two films for Pat O'Brien at RKO, Bombardier and Marine Raiders, and he was attached to the project from the start. Rackin reportedly wrote the story while serving in the air force. By May the title had been changed to Riff-Raff and Walter Slezak was signed to support.

At one stage the film was known as The Amazing Mr Hammer.

Cinematographer Ted Tezlaff had started directing motion pictures before serving in World War II. When he returned to Hollywood he shot a number of films for RKO as cinematographer but he wanted to return to directing. Producer Jack Gross assigned him to direct Riffraff, although it meant Tetzlaff took a salary cut to get the job.

Pat O'Brien wrote in his memoirs in 1967 that Rackin "had skill as a dramatist, and his comedy writing was superb. I went to [RKO head of production] Charlie Koerner and asked that he be given a studio contract. The boy had been in the Air Force and the going was not too easy after his discharge from the service. Marty is now one of the top executives at Paramount Studios. Strange I don't hear from him any more."

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