On the Waterfront (1954)

Last updated:
October 6, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

On the Waterfront is a 1954 American crime drama film directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. The film stars Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, and Rod Steiger. Set on the docks of Hoboken, New Jersey, the film explores themes of corruption, redemption, and the struggle for integrity amidst oppressive conditions.

The Story Unfolds

Terry Malloy’s Dilemma

The film follows Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), a former prizefighter who now works as a longshoreman on the docks controlled by corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb). Terry’s brother Charley (Rod Steiger) is Friendly’s right-hand man, further entangling Terry in the corrupt operations. The story begins with Terry unwittingly participating in a setup that leads to the murder of fellow longshoreman Joey Doyle, who was about to testify against Friendly’s illegal activities.

Meeting Edie and Father Barry

Terry meets Joey’s sister, Edie Doyle (Eva Marie Saint), and becomes increasingly conflicted as he falls in love with her. Father Barry (Karl Malden), a local priest, encourages the dockworkers to stand up against the corruption. He becomes a moral compass for Terry, urging him to testify against Friendly and bring justice for Joey’s murder.

The Climax and Resolution

The Turning Point

Terry’s internal struggle reaches a climax when he confesses to Edie his role in her brother’s death. Devastated, Edie initially rejects him but eventually understands the complexity of his situation. The turning point comes when Friendly, feeling threatened by Terry’s potential cooperation with the authorities, orders Charley to persuade or silence his brother. Charley, unable to convince Terry, is killed by Friendly’s thugs. This event propels Terry to take a stand.

The Courtroom and the Docks

Terry testifies against Friendly in court, exposing the corruption and leading to Friendly’s indictment. Despite the threats and the ostracism from the other longshoremen, Terry remains resolute. In the film’s powerful conclusion, Terry confronts Friendly on the docks. After a brutal fight, Terry, beaten but unbroken, rises and leads the longshoremen to work, symbolizing his moral victory and the collective empowerment of the workers.

The Conclusion

Terry’s Redemption

The film concludes with Terry leading the workers back to the docks, having reclaimed his integrity and inspired his fellow longshoremen to stand up against oppression. This final act of defiance and leadership underscores the film’s themes of personal and social redemption.

Movie Ending

On the Waterfront ends with Terry Malloy’s moral and physical triumph over the corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly. Terry’s courage to testify and confront Friendly galvanizes the other workers, leading to a hopeful, if hard-won, sense of justice and community solidarity.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in On the Waterfront.

Type of Movie

On the Waterfront is a crime drama that combines elements of social realism, character study, and moral allegory, focusing on themes of corruption, redemption, and the struggle for personal integrity.

Cast

Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy
Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle
Karl Malden as Father Barry
Lee J. Cobb as Johnny Friendly
Rod Steiger as Charley Malloy
Pat Henning as Kayo Dugan
Leif Erickson as Glover

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Leonard Bernstein, whose dramatic and emotive music enhances the film’s intense and poignant atmosphere. Bernstein’s score is noted for its powerful orchestration and thematic depth, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional impact.

Filming Locations

On the Waterfront was filmed on location in Hoboken, New Jersey. The use of real docks, alleyways, and buildings adds authenticity to the film’s depiction of the harsh, gritty environment of the waterfront community.

Awards and Nominations

On the Waterfront received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

Academy Awards: Won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Elia Kazan), Best Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Supporting Actress (Eva Marie Saint), Best Screenplay (Budd Schulberg), Best Cinematography (Boris Kaufman), Best Art Direction, and Best Film Editing. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Lee J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger) and Best Music (Leonard Bernstein).
Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor.
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film and Best Foreign Actor (Marlon Brando).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Marlon Brando’s performance as Terry Malloy is widely considered one of the greatest in film history. His method acting approach brought a raw authenticity to the character.
The film’s production was influenced by Elia Kazan’s personal experiences and his controversial testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). The themes of standing up against corruption and the cost of integrity are often seen as reflections of Kazan’s own struggles.
The use of real locations and non-professional actors in minor roles added to the film’s realism and immersive quality.

Inspirations and References

On the Waterfront was inspired by a series of articles written by Malcolm Johnson in the New York Sun about corruption and racketeering on the New York waterfront. These articles, which won the Pulitzer Prize, provided the basis for Budd Schulberg’s screenplay. The film also reflects broader social and political issues of the 1950s, including labor relations and the fight against organized crime.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of On the Waterfront closely follows Schulberg’s original script. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The opening scene where Joey Doyle is thrown off the roof.
Terry’s confession to Edie about his role in her brother’s death.
Father Barry’s impassioned speech in the hold of the ship after Kayo Dugan’s death.
The confrontation between Terry and Charley in the taxi cab, featuring the famous line, “I coulda been a contender.”
The final confrontation between Terry and Johnny Friendly on the docks.

Iconic Quotes

“I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.” – Terry Malloy
“You don’t understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it.” – Terry Malloy
“You know this city’s full of hawks? They hang around on top of the big hotels and they spot a pigeon in the park. Right down on him.” – Terry Malloy
“When you stand up to the mob, you get their attention.” – Father Barry

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film’s use of real Hoboken dockworkers in minor roles adds authenticity and depth to the portrayal of the waterfront community.
The character of Johnny Friendly is based on real-life mobster Albert Anastasia, a notorious figure in the world of organized crime during the 1940s and 1950s.

Trivia

The film’s budget was approximately $910,000, and it grossed over $9 million worldwide.
Marlon Brando initially resisted the role of Terry Malloy, and the part was almost given to Frank Sinatra. Brando’s performance later became one of his most celebrated roles.
Eva Marie Saint made her film debut in On the Waterfront, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

Why Watch?

On the Waterfront offers a powerful and timeless exploration of personal integrity, courage, and the struggle against corruption, featuring standout performances, particularly by Marlon Brando, and masterful direction by Elia Kazan. Its blend of intense drama, social commentary, and emotional depth makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and character-driven stories.

Director’s Other Movies

Elia Kazan also directed:

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
East of Eden (1955)
Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)
Splendor in the Grass (1961)
America, America (1963)