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On the Waterfront Overview:

On the Waterfront (1954) was a Crime - Drama Film directed by Elia Kazan and produced by Sam Spiegel.

The film was based on the newspaper article Crime on the Waterfront from the New York Sun, 24-part series written by Malcolm Johnson published in Nov-Dec 1948.

SYNOPSIS

One of the most powerful film dramas of all time springs from the lives of hard men who work the docks and their resistance to the brass-knuckle politics of the waterfront unions. Union corruption wasn't a popular film subject, and neither were director Kazan and writer Schulberg after testifying to the HUAC. But the product of their collaboration forged a powerful impression on generations of moviegoers. Brando gives a remarkable, intuitive, physical performance as a washed-up boxer turned errand boy for the corrupt union boss. But when he contributed to a killing and falls in love with the victim's sister (Saint), he begins to see the consequences of the union grip on the waterfront. Under the wing of crusading priest Malden, Brando begins to challenge the mob, eventually becoming a bloody symbol of resistance. Stirring, important filmmaking.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

On the Waterfront was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1989.

Academy Awards 1954 --- Ceremony Number 27 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorMarlon BrandoWon
Best Supporting ActorLee J. CobbNominated
Best Supporting ActorKarl MaldenNominated
Best Supporting ActorRod SteigerNominated
Best Supporting ActressEva Marie SaintWon
Best Art DirectionRichard DayWon
Best CinematographyBoris KaufmanWon
Best DirectorElia KazanWon
Best Film EditingGene MilfordWon
Best Music - ScoringLeonard BernsteinNominated
Best PictureSam Spiegel, ProducerWon
Best WritingBudd SchulbergWon
See More Oscar Winners

On the Waterfront BlogHub Articles:

“TCM Big Screen Classics: On the Waterfront” Movie Event Ticket Giveaway (April 1 – April 16)

By Annmarie Gatti on Apr 1, 2016 From Classic Movie Hub Blog

Win Tickets to see “On the Waterfront” on the Big Screen! in Select Cinemas Nationwide April 24 & April 27! Okay, here we go… our next round of monthly movie ticket giveaways, courtesy of Fathom Events! That said, this month, we’ll be giving away SIX PAIRS of tickets to see “TC... Read full article

Chicago Film Club field trip: “On the Waterfront” April 24 at ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Road

By Stephen Reginald on Mar 30, 2016 From Classic Movie Man

Chicago Film Club field trip: “On the Waterfront” April 24 at ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Road Where: ShowPlace ICON, 150 W Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60605 When: April 24 Time: 2:00 p.m. Hosted by Stephen Reginald Run Time: 2 hours (approximate) Ticketing: Tickets are avail... Read full article

On the Waterfront (1954)

By Beatrice on Dec 27, 2015 From Flickers in Time

On the Waterfront Directed by Elia Kazan Written by Budd Schulberg based on his original story suggested by articles by Malcolm Johnson 1954/USA Columbia Pictures Corporation/Horizon Pictures Repeat viewing/Netflix rental #281 of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Terry: Edie, you love me&#8... Read full article

On the Waterfront (1954, Elia Kazan)

By Andrew Wickliffe on Jul 3, 2015 From The Stop Button

On the Waterfront is relentlessly grim until the strangest moment in the finale. As the film finally reaches the point of savage, physical violence–it opens with the implication, but not the visualization of such violence–a supporting character (familiar but mostly background) makes a wi... Read full article

On the Waterfront, 1954, Elia Kazan

By Aaron West on May 17, 2015 From Criterion Blues

May 17 Posted by aaronwest Waterfront Week was quite an experiment. This is not something I’ve done before but I’ll most likely do it again for important films as they come along. Here are the posts from the week: Kazan Naming Names – This is about Elia Kazan’s experiences w... Read full article

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On the Waterfront Quotes:

Edie: I've never met anyone like you. There's not a spark of sentiment or romance or human kindness in your whole body.
Terry: What good does it do you but get you in trouble?
Edie: Shouldn't everybody care about everybody else?
Terry: Boy, what a fruitcake you are!
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.
Father Barry: Some people think the Crucifixion only took place on Calvary. Well, they better wise up!
Terry: Yeah his racket, everybody's got a racket.
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On the Waterfront Facts
While preparing for the role, Marlon Brando became friendly with a young Al Lettieri, who was an acquaintance of real-life Mafiosos. Brando based much of his performance on Lettieri, who became his co-star in The Night of the Following Day and The Godfather.
Selected as number 8 on AFI's 100 YEARS...100 MOVIES
The DVD version of the film has a Special Features section which shows some of the original promotional posters which state that the film is about "the redemption of Terry Malone". Marlon Brando's character's name was changed to Terry Malloy by the final draft.
In 1955, screenwriter Budd Schulberg - who won an Oscar for his screenplay - published his novel "Waterfront", which focuses on the causes of waterfront corruption and elucidates the involvement of the shipping companies, the mayor's office, police, and the church.
The scene where Eva Marie Saint drops her glove and Marlon Brando picks it up and puts it on his hand was unplanned. Saint dropped her glove accidentally in rehearsal and Brando improvised the rest. Elia Kazan loved the new business and asked them to repeat it for the take.
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