Review of Riffraff (1936) by Tara H — 12 May 2014

That suits me right down to the ground.

Dutch is a tuna fisherman that is great at his job as well as at fighting. His union struggles with a greedy dock owner and Dutch strong arms his way to the leader of the union and leads them against the dock owner. Dutch falls in love and marries a local girl that has also caught the eye of the dock owner. Once they're married Dutch's stubbornness often keeps them apart and he eventually loses his position as head of the union. Can Dutch make up with his wife and get their life back together?

"Nick's got a little surprise for you.".

"I don't want it. What is it?".

J. Walter Ruben, director of Secret Service, The Roadhouse Murder, Ace of Aces, Old Hutch, Trouble for Two, and The Bad Man of Brimstone, delivers Riffraff. The storyline for this picture is outstanding and reminded me of On the Waterfront. The characters were so well presented and delivered and the script was awesome. The cast includes Spencer Tracy, Jean Harlow, Una Merkel, Joseph Calleia, and Mickey Rooney.

"Sit down. You're getting on my nervous system.".

I DVR'd this picture during a recent Spencer Tracy marathon on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). I absolutely adored this film. I was shocked at how great the characters are. I have recently become a huge Jean Harlow fan and was mesmerized by her performance and Tracy delivered his character flawlessly. I strongly recommend seeing this picture.

"I'm so tough you probably couldn't get a knife into me.".

Grade: A.