On the Waterfront

1954  NR  DRAMA  1h 48min

CAST— Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, Pat Henning, Eva Marie Saint, Leif Erickson, Tony Galento, John Hamilton, Nehemiah Persoff

MUSIC— Leonard Bernstein  DIRECTOR— Elia Kazan  BASED ON— Articles by Malcolm Johnson

     Marlon Brando gives an award-winning performance in this powerful film concerning the influence of a corrupt workers union. Brando plays an ex-prize fighter, now working on the loading docks of NYC. He and his brother are affiliated with the local union, a den of murderous thugs. When a local dock worker is murdered for squealing on their racket everyone clams up when approached by the investigative committee. But Brando begins to develop a conscience after falling in love with the victim’s sister. Will he have the courage to stand up to the union, and if so, at what cost? Wonderful, realistic performances shine through in this highly acclaimed drama that classic film buffs shouldn’t miss. Oscar-winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Brando), Best Supporting Actress (Eva Marie Saint), Best Story & Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Best Editing. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

OUR RATING— ** ½