In the 1950’s, during the McCarthyism and the Depression eras, Director Elia Kazan was accused of being a supporter of the Communist party. The House Un-American Affairs Committee (HUAC), coerced Kazan to ’’name names’’ of those who would become the blacklisted Hollywood 10. Kazan, a former communist himself, regretted his involvement with the Party, and evidently decided it was politically advantageous to name his former associates. He also professed him self as an “innocent” although he was clearly anything but…!
In retaliation, Kazan made the movie On the Waterfront, which mirrored the same situation that he himself endured. Marlon Brando starred in this 1954 film, as a conscious-stricken ex-prizefighting boxer, Terry Malloy, who stands up to the corrupt union boss, Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) after un-wittingly participating in the murder of a fellow longshoreman on the docks.
The movie begins with the murder of Joey Doyle, who was an informant against the Union Boss and his mob. During this time, the Longshoremen were at the mercy of the mob, dependent upon them for shifts at the docks and good pay as rewards for remaining “D&D” (Deaf and Dumb).
With the death of Joey, his sister, Edie (Eva Marie Saint) is at the center of the inquiry: Who killed Joey? But the answer is clear and the culprit is no secret. The real issue is who will speak up against the mob and stop the Mobsters from running the docks? The Church is even at the head of the inquiry with Father Barry (Karl Malden), providing a safe haven for those who will tell what happened. That promise is short-lived as the mob supporters attack the church and those inside. Brando who has been “bribed” attends the church meeting, leaves unscathed but will not divulge the goings-on. To complicate matters, Malloy falls in love with the naïve Edie.
Malloy’s brother, Charlie (Rod Steiger-with hair!) is sent to discuss a job opportunity with the Union with Malloy and when Malloy resists, pulls a gun. Brando is shocked that his brother would go this far. Speaking of a time when Malloy threw a fight for his brother’s interest, Brando gives the academy award winning speech:
“I looked up to you. You should have taken better care of me. Tonight’s not your night. You don’t understand. I could have had class. I could have been a contender. I could have been somebody instead of a bum. This is what I am.” Charlie gives Malloy his gun and says, “ You’re gonna need it…”
I found this movie to be timeless. It certainly shed some light on the deeper meaning behind the making of this film, but the acting was truly amazing for the time. Acting by all was superb. Even the academy approved of the performances and honored awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Movie and even Best Director. Marlon Brando was nominated for a Best Actor award five times and in this performance, he actually won!
Music was very good and should be with Leonard Bernstein as conductor. Elia Kazan regretted making the film later as a rebuff to the HUAC, but I am sure that he was very pleased with the commendations this film received.
Even with the in continuity and many little goofs of this classic film (and there were a number!) I highly recommend this for content, theory, and entertainment.