Starring: Marlon Brando,Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, and Rod Stieger
Hailed as one of the greatest films ever made On the Waterfront created a new form of film acting for a new generation of actors. Directed by the Academy Award winning director of A Gentlemen's Agreement Elia Kazan and starring a phenominal cast lead by Marlon Brando, On the Waterfront went on to win 8 Oscars at the 1954 Academy Awards. Of those 8 included were Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and an award for Cinematography. With stunning visuals and memorable dialogue the movie has since become a classic.
The film is about ex fighter Terry Malloy (Brando). Like his brother Charlie the Gent (Stieger), Terry follows his ways and joins the dock side mob led by Johnny Friendly (Cobb). The film although being about the corruption in the docks of New Jersey also is about the love of Terry and Edie(Saint). Edie being the sister of the man Terry betrayed. Terry's new found love for Edie makes him want to change his old ways. He eventually after being encouraged by th elocal priest (Malden) tells Edie about his envolment in her brother's death. Johnny Friendly in fear of Terry going good tells Charlie that he needs to have his brother get out of town or kill him. So Charlie gets Terry to take a ride with him in a taxi (One of the most memorable scenes in film history). Charlie tells Terry his options. Terry then replys back one of the most memorable lines of dialogue in film history. "I could of been a contender, I could have been a somebody, I could of made somthing of myself, but instead I became a bum." After this is said Charlie tells his brother to go and leave. This then results in the death of Charlie. Terry angry from his brothers tracks trys to kill Friendly. Once again encouraged by the priest Terry does the right thing and fights Friendly in court rather than physically. This all leads up to an amazing finale which has Terry And Friendly fighting. Terry gets beat up because of Friendly's thugs, but gets up to save the day marching into the docks and winning the trust of the dockworkers leading the way to a new start at the docks.
A great film that has and will always stand the test of time. Even today when shown to young and old the same response is given WOW. As one of the greatest films ever made it lives up to its reputation. It is also a very memorable film with scenes that mean more than what can be said and memorable dialogue to say what can. So as a great film in the 50's On the Waterfront stands the test of time and remains one of the greatest fims to date.
