An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.
- Director
- Writers
- Budd Schulberg(screenplay)
- Malcolm Johnson(suggested by articles by)
- Robert Siodmak(uncredited)
- Stars
- Director
- Writers
- Budd Schulberg(screenplay)
- Malcolm Johnson(suggested by articles by)
- Robert Siodmak(uncredited)
- Stars
- See more at IMDbPro
- Won 8 Oscars
- 30 wins & 9 nominations total
Videos1
- 'Pop' Doyleas 'Pop' Doyle
- (as John Hamilton)
- Gilletteas Gillette
- (uncredited)
- Sidneyas Sidney
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Budd Schulberg(screenplay) (based upon an original story by)
- Malcolm Johnson(suggested by articles by)
- Robert Siodmak(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
Storyline
- Taglines
- The Man Lived by the Jungle Law of the Docks!
- Genres
- Certificate
- Approved
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaShortly after the film's debut in 1954, the AFL-CIO expelled the East Coast longshoremen's union because it was still run by the mob.
- GoofsWhen Father Barry (Karl Malden) gets hit in the head with a beer can, he gets a cut on his forehead, which bleeds visibly in the scene. In subsequent scenes, there is no sign of the cut or of a bandage to show that he had been hurt.
- Quotes
Charlie: Look, kid, I - how much you weigh, son? When you weighed one hundred and sixty-eight pounds you were beautiful. You coulda been another Billy Conn, and that skunk we got you for a manager, he brought you along too fast.
Terry: It wasn't him, Charley, it was you. Remember that night in the Garden you came down to my dressing room and you said, "Kid, this ain't your night. We're going for the price on Wilson." You remember that? "This ain't your night"! My night! I coulda taken Wilson apart! So what happens? He gets the title shot outdoors on the ballpark and what do I get? A one-way ticket to Palooka-ville! You was my brother, Charley, you shoulda looked out for me a little bit. You shoulda taken care of me just a little bit so I wouldn't have to take them dives for the short-end money.
Charlie: Oh I had some bets down for you. You saw some money.
Terry: 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. It was you, Charley.
- Crazy creditsOpening credits are shown over a bamboo-type mat background.
- Alternate versionsCriterion Collection Blu-ray Disc release exhibits the film in 1.66:1, which is widely regarded to be the "correct" aspect ratio for the film. However, a second disc includes the film in 1.33:1 AND 1.85:1, so that viewers can watch the film in the different ratios.
- ConnectionsEdited into Un Américain nommé Kazan (2018)
In this same political vein, Director Kazan was never forgiven by large segments of the Hollywood left for naming names before the HUAC sub-committee on communist influence in the US. Apparently, he looked upon this movie as a defense of his role before the committee. After all, it's Terry's (Brando) willingness to testify about underworld control of the union that breaks their hold. But, of course, the movie couldn't end on a bland courtroom proceeding, so we get the powerful showdown on the docks, where Terry undergoes a purifying beating for his earlier collaboration with Friendly.
It's hard to say enough about the effectiveness of the decision to film on actual dockside in New Jersey. The uncompromising nature of that filming lends necessary grit to an explosive drama. Note too the ongoing sounds of the waterfront that keep reminding us.
Maybe I missed something, but I can't understand why the mob killed Charley (Steiger) instead of Terry once they knew Terry would inform. After all, what's going to motivate a guy to retaliate more than killing his brother. Charlie's dangling corpse does make for a powerful scene, as does Terry and Edie's expressionist flight down the shadowy alleyway. But the choice to kill Charlie still seems murky to me.
Anyway, these are a few side remarks on a much reviewed film that remains an undiminished classic, even after 60-years.
- dougdoepke
- Mar 9, 2014
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- The Hook
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $910,000 (estimated)
- Runtime
- 1h 48min
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
- 1.66 : 1
- 1.85 : 1
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