Though his credits for stage and screen were numerous, Robert Riskin is most often remembered for the films he wrote for director Frank Capra. These nine motion pictures contain Riskin's finest work and demonstrate his ability to create populist heroes. His hallmarks were an ear for down-to-earth, sometimes poetic dialogue and an aptitude for stories that dealt with earthy themes or "bread-and-butter" issues.

Robert Riskin was born in New York City, one of five children of Russian immigrants. His father and grandfather spent much time discussing philosophy; his mother treated life with a touch of humor. These influences enriched the lives of the young Riskins and compensated for the very modest financial circumstances of their early years. Riskin was educated in New York and Baltimore. At thirteen, he left school and went to work as an office boy in a textile mill.

During the years at the mill...