Film Overview"Riffraff" is a 1936 American film directed by J. Walter Ruben. This drama is an engaging representation of the battles of working-class people during the Depression era. The film features some Hollywood greats, including Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy.
Plot SummarySpencer Tracy represents Dutch Mueller, a tuna angler working under intense conditions. Jean Harlow plays a character called Hattie, who works in a cannery system. Dutch and Hattie develop a love, resulting in their unscripted marital relationship. However, their union is anything however tranquil as they struggle to make ends meet while fighting the financial difficulties of the Great Depression.
The plot unfolds as the couple's relationship is strained when Dutch gets involved in a labor conflict at his office. A worker passes away due to hazardous work conditions, causing a strike, with Dutch unwillingly taking the role of the spokesperson for his co-workers. In action, the cannery owners lay off their employees, pitting the working class against each other.
Character ArcsAlthough dutch is depicted as an intense leader, his own home appears to be breaking down. Hattie can not comprehend his actions, given the ramifications on their precarious monetary scenario. Dutch, on the other hand, fights passionately for the rights of his fellow workers, inclining the cost. This develops a stark contrast in between him and his other half.
Hattie leaves Dutch, unable to bear his neglect and their aggravating monetary status. She finds herself drawn toward an upscale guy named Nicky (Mickey Rooney), who ruins her with glamorous items and celebrations. Dutch is jailed for inciting the strike that results in a violent turn of occasions.
ResolutionDutch is later on released through Hattie's manipulative enthusiast, with the condition that he leaves town. He stays undaunted, standing his ground to eliminate for the rights of his fellow workers. Upon reflection, Hattie is sorry for leaving Dutch and abhors her affluent sweetheart's nonchalance towards the predicament of the working class.
Climax and ConclusionThe climax of the movie is when Hattie bravely uses her life savings to money the striking workers. Dutch pursues retreating strike-breakers, resulting in a mishap that triggers him to be caught under a collapsed dock. Despite their separation, Hattie finds out about the occurrence and anxiously rushes to the scene.
The conclusion sees the working-class triumph as the fishery's supervisor gives in to the strikers' needs for safer working conditions. Dutch amazingly survives the mishap and is rescued.
Styles"Riffraff" explores styles such as class battle, economic turmoil, employee rights and the power characteristics in society. It masterfully uses romance and drama to convey the struggles of everyday individuals, making it a compelling narrative still appropriate in today's world.
Final Thoughts"Riffraff" is anything but a common love story. The movie supplies a heavy but realistic representation of the battles dealt with by the working class during the Great Depression era. It is not only about the romance between Dutch and Hattie however also showcases the fight between the working class and their oppressors. With remarkable efficiencies by Tracy and Harlow, it is rightfully considered a classic of the American movie theater during the 1930s.
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