Al Rigali
Actor
About Al Rigali
Al Rigali was an obscure American actor from the late 1930s who appeared in exploitation films during Hollywood's pre-code and early enforcement era. His only known film credit is in Dwain Esper's controversial 1938 exploitation film 'Sex Madness,' which dealt with the taboo topic of venereal disease. Like many actors in exploitation cinema of this period, Rigali was likely a non-professional or bit player hired for minimal pay to appear in sensationalized content that major studios wouldn't touch. These films were often shown in roadshow circuits and independent theaters, capitalizing on controversial subject matter to attract audiences. Rigali's career appears to have been extremely brief, spanning only the single year of 1938, after which he seemingly vanished from the film industry altogether. Little is known about his background, training, or what became of him after his brief foray into cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Sex Madness' (1938)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Al Rigali represents the countless anonymous actors who populated the exploitation film circuit of the 1930s, a shadow corner of Hollywood history that dealt with taboo subjects major studios avoided. His participation in 'Sex Madness' places him within the tradition of sensationalist cinema that pushed boundaries of what could be shown on screen during the early enforcement of the Hays Code. While his individual contribution was minimal, actors like Rigali were essential components of the exploitation film ecosystem that provided alternative entertainment to mainstream Hollywood fare.
Lasting Legacy
Al Rigali's legacy is that of a typical exploitation film actor - virtually unknown but representative of a significant underground film movement. His single known appearance in 'Sex Madness' makes him part of cinema history's more controversial chapters, documenting how filmmakers circumvented censorship to address socially relevant but taboo topics. Today, he serves as an example of the many anonymous performers who contributed to early American cinema outside the studio system.
Who They Inspired
Due to his extremely limited filmography and obscurity, Al Rigali had no discernible influence on other actors or filmmakers. He represents the transient nature of exploitation cinema casting, where performers were often used for single productions and never heard from again.
Off Screen
No personal information is available about Al Rigali, as he was an obscure actor who appeared in only one known film and left no historical record beyond this single credit.
Did You Know?
- Al Rigali's only known film appearance was in the exploitation film 'Sex Madness' (1938)
- The film he appeared in was directed by Dwain Esper, a notorious exploitation filmmaker
- 'Sex Madness' was one of many films in the 1930s that dealt with venereal disease as a cautionary tale
- Exploitation films like 'Sex Madness' were often shown in independent theaters and roadshow circuits
- Most actors in exploitation films of this era were non-professionals or bit players paid minimal wages
- The film was later re-released under various titles including 'Human Wreckage' and 'They Must Be Told'
- Rigali's specific role in the film is not documented in surviving records
- Like many exploitation film actors, he likely used his real name rather than a stage name
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Al Rigali?
Al Rigali was an obscure American actor from the late 1930s who appeared in only one known film, the exploitation movie 'Sex Madness' (1938). He was part of the underground exploitation film circuit that dealt with controversial topics mainstream Hollywood avoided.
What films is Al Rigali best known for?
Al Rigali is known only for his appearance in 'Sex Madness' (1938), an exploitation film directed by Dwain Esper that dealt with the taboo subject of venereal disease.
When was Al Rigali born and when did he die?
No birth or death information is available for Al Rigali, as he was an extremely obscure actor who left no historical records beyond his single film credit in 1938.
What awards did Al Rigali win?
Al Rigali received no awards or nominations for his brief film career, as he was a minor actor in exploitation cinema which was not recognized by mainstream award organizations.
What was Al Rigali's acting style?
No information is available about Al Rigali's acting style, as his only known appearance was in an exploitation film where most actors were non-professionals or bit players with minimal documented performances.
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Films
1 film
