On the Waterfront: A Detailed Description
Introduction
On the Waterfront is a 1954 American crime drama film directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. The movie is set in the 1950s and revolves around the corruption and violence on the waterfronts of Hoboken, New Jersey. This film is renowned for its powerful portrayal of union corruption and its impact on the lives of dockworkers. It features a stellar cast, including Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, and Lee J. Cobb, among others. The movie’s success was not limited to its performances; it also won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Plot Summary
The narrative centers around Terry Malloy (played by Marlon Brando), a former boxer turned dockworker. Terry’s career as a boxer was cut short when he was instructed to lose a fight by mob boss Johnny Friendly (played by Lee J. Cobb). Now, Terry works for Friendly’s labor union as a longshoreman. His older brother, Charley (played by Rod Steiger), is Friendly’s right-hand man and lawyer.
The story begins with Terry being instructed to lure Joey Doyle (played by Ben Wagner), a fellow longshoreman who was planning to testify before the Waterfront Crime Commission, onto a rooftop. Joey is later thrown from the roof by Friendly’s henchmen, and Terry is shocked by the event. This incident sets off a chain of events that forces Terry to confront the corruption and violence on the waterfront.
Terry’s relationship with Edie Doyle (played by Eva Marie Saint), Joey’s sister, deepens as he becomes more involved in the moral dilemma. Father Barry (played by Karl Malden), a priest who is also a union supporter, plays a significant role in guiding Terry towards making the right decision. The film’s climax revolves around Terry’s decision to testify against the union bosses after his brother is murdered by Friendly’s gang.
Cast and Crew
Directors and Producers
Director: Elia Kazan
Producer: Sam Spiegel
Writer: Budd Schulberg
Cinematography: Boris Kaufman
Editor: Gene Milford
Music Score: Leonard Bernstein
Cast
Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy
Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle
Karl Malden as Father Pete Barry
Lee J. Cobb as Michael J. Skelly (Johnny Friendly)
Rod Steiger as Charley the Gent Malloy
Pat Henning as Timothy J. Kayo Dugan
Leif Erickson as Lead Investigator for Crime Commission
James Westerfield as Big Mac
Tony Galento as Truck
Tami Mauriello as Tillio
John F. Hamilton as Pop Doyle
John Heldabrand as Mott
Rudy Bond as Moose
Don Blackman as Luke
Arthur Keegan as Jimmy
Abe Simon as Barney
Fred Gwynne as Mladen Slim Sekulovich (uncredited)
Martin Balsam as Gillette, Secondary Investigator for Crime Commission (uncredited)
Filming Locations and Production Notes
The film was shot on location in various places in Hoboken, New Jersey, including the docks, workers’ slum dwellings, bars, littered alleys, and rooftops. The historic Our Lady of Grace church, built in 1874, was used for exterior scenes, while the interiors were shot at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul at 400 Hudson Street.
Awards and Recognition
On the Waterfront received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards. Some of the notable awards include:
Academy Awards (1955): Best Picture, Best Director (Elia Kazan), Best Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Supporting Actress (Eva Marie Saint), Best Writing-Story and Screenplay (Budd Schulberg), Best Cinematography-Black and White (Boris Kaufman), Best Art Direction-Black and White (Richard Day), and Best Music Score (Leonard Bernstein).
Influence and Legacy
The film’s success can be attributed to its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and its ability to expose the corruption on the waterfronts. The movie was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1989, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Movie Poster and Artwork
The movie poster for On the Waterfront features a dramatic image of Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy, with the iconic waterfront backdrop. The poster’s design is classic and evocative, capturing the essence of the film’s themes of corruption, violence, and redemption. The artwork is often reproduced as a framed print or canvas print, making it a popular choice for film enthusiasts and art collectors.
Themes and Motifs
The film explores several themes, including:
Informing as the Correct Moral Choice: Terry’s decision to testify against the union bosses is a central theme of the movie.
The Transforming Power of Faith: Father Barry’s influence on Terry is a significant motif.
Power Corrupts: The corruption and abuse of power by union bosses like Johnny Friendly are highlighted throughout the film.
Symbolism
Several symbols are used in the movie to convey its themes:
The Rooftop: Represents a retreat from the world and a place of contemplation.
Crucifixion Dialogue: Terry’s conversations with Father Barry often reference the crucifixion, symbolizing his moral struggle.
Hooks and Gloves: These symbols are associated with Terry’s boxing past and his current life as a dockworker.
Conclusion
On the Waterfront is a masterpiece of American cinema, known for its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and its ability to expose the dark underbelly of union corruption. The film’s influence can be seen in many subsequent movies and TV shows that deal with similar themes. The movie poster, with its dramatic image and classic design, is a testament to the film’s enduring legacy. Whether viewed as a framed print or canvas print, the artwork remains a compelling reminder of the film’s impact on popular culture.
