Page "Mean Streets" Paragraph 21

The screenplay for the movie initially began as a continuation of the characters in Who's That Knocking.

Scorsese changed the title from Season of the Witch to Mean Streets, a reference to Raymond Chandler's essay " The Simple Art of Murder ", where he writes, " But down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid.

" Scorsese sent the script to Corman, who agreed to back the film if all the characters were black.

Scorsese was anxious to make the film so he considered this option, but actress Verna Bloom arranged a meeting with potential financial backer, Jonathan Taplin, who was the road manager for the musical group, The Band.

Taplin liked the script and was willing to raise the $ 300, 000 budget that Scorsese wanted if Corman promised, in writing, to distribute the film.