Synopsis
A dim-witted yet kind-hearted boxer, Terry Malloy, who failed to succeed unintentionally lures a man to his death after being tricked by a criminal called Johnny Friendly whose men pick of every man who has the courage to speak up to their crimes. As he works on the waterfronts that Friendly owns, he is sent to a church meeting run by a good preacher about how to deal with the problem and runs into the dead man’s sister. Slowly, he falls in love with her and begins to feel guilt about his crime.
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Cast
- Marlon BrandoTerry Malloy
- Karl MaldenFather Barry
- Lee J. CobbJohnny Friendly
- Eva Marie SaintEdie Doyle
- Rod SteigerCharley Malloy
- Pat HenningKayo Dugan
- Leif EricksonGlover
- James WesterfieldBig Mac
- Tony GalentoTruck
- Tami MaurielloTillio
Recommendations
- 100
Chicago Sun-Times
The acting and the best dialogue passages have an impact that has not dimmed; it is still possible to feel the power of the film and of Brando and Kazan, who changed American movie acting forever. - 100
TV Guide Magazine
A draining experience from beginning to end, relentless in its portrayal of inhumanity. - 100
Boston Globe
The chance to watch a four-star classic the way it was meant to be seen -- fresh print, big screen -- is so rare as to be worth the trip. - 100
Los Angeles Times
As unspoiled in its key elements as the day it was made, "On the Waterfront" is indisputably one of the great American films, its power undiminished. Even more today than half a century ago, it demands to be seen. - 88
ReelViews
On the Waterfront may have baggage, but that doesn't prevent it from being one of the great American productions of the mid-20th century. - 80
Chicago Reader
It's hard to deny that Marlon Brando's performance as a dock worker and ex-fighter who finally decides to rat on his gangster brother (Rod Steiger) is pretty terrific. - 80
The New York Times
Moviemaking of a rare and high order. (Review of Original Release) - 80
Variety
Under Elia Kazan's direction, Marlon Brando puts on a spectacular show, giving a fascinating, multi-faceted performance.
