On the Waterfront (1954)

100% of critics liked it
(50 reviews)
94% of users liked it
(47,030 ratings)

This classic story of Mob informers was based on a number of true stories and filmed on location in and around the docks of New York and New Jersey. Mob-connected union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) rules the waterfront with an iron fist. The police know that he's been responsible for a number… More This classic story of Mob informers was based on a number of true stories and filmed on location in and around the docks of New York and New Jersey. Mob-connected union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) rules the waterfront with an iron fist. The police know that he's been responsible for a number of murders, but witnesses play deaf and dumb ("plead D & D"). Washed-up boxer Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) has had an errand-boy job because of the influence of his brother Charley, a crooked union lawyer (Rod Steiger). Witnessing one of Friendly's rub-outs, Terry is willing to keep his mouth shut until he meets the dead dockworker's sister, Edie (Eva Marie Saint). "Waterfront priest" Father Barry (Karl Malden) tells Terry that Edie's brother was killed because he was going to testify against boss Friendly before the crime commission. Because he could have intervened, but didn't, Terry feels somewhat responsible for the death. When Father Barry receives a beating from Friendly's goons, Terry is persuaded to cooperate with the commission. Featuring Brando's famous "I coulda been a contendah" speech, On the Waterfront has often been seen as an allegory of "naming names" against suspected Communists during the anti-Communist investigations of the 1950s. Director Elia Kazan famously informed on suspected Communists before a government committee -- unlike many of his colleagues, some of whom went to prison for refusing to "name names" and many more of whom were blacklisted from working in the film industry for many years to come -- and Budd Schulberg's screenplay has often been read as an elaborate defense of the informer's position. On the Waterfront won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Brando, and Best Supporting Actress for Saint. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Elia Kazan
Written By: Budd Schulberg
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Jul 28, 1954 Wide
On DVD: Oct 23, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
On the Waterfront has a script that is a work of love and shows it.
Variety Staff, Variety
Under Elia Kazan's direction, Marlon Brando puts on a spectacular show, giving a fascinating, multi-faceted performance as the uneducated dock walloper and former pug, who is basically a softie with a special affection for his rooftop covey of pigeons.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, 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.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
You miss this, you're buyin' a one-way ticket to Palookaville.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Indisputably one of the great American films, its power undiminished.
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
So when does it hit you that you're in the presence of movie greatness?
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Raises important issues about the nature of power.
, Film4
Elia Kazan's seminal American classic.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Marlon Brando is outstanding as a former boxing champ torn between family and duty in the magnificent On the Waterfront
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The film is shot on location in black-and-white, semi-docu style, which suits the realistic subject and commonplace characters, particularly Terry Malloy, the passive dock worker forced to become a crusader-fighter, splendidly played by Brando.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
It's pretty electrifying.
, Bullz-Eye.com
This movie has to be considered one of the very best of all time.
Luke Y. Thompson, LYTRules.com
Do the politics make it bad? Not at all. It's a fictional story, not a soapbox.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
The difference between pre- and post-1950s cinema - before and after Brando - is as pronounced as moving from black and white to color.
David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor
Brando made one of his most indelible impressions in this relentlessly dramatic, ever-controversial tale of loyalty and betrayal in the world of working-class unions, first released in 1954.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Daniel P

Long ago, the first time I saw this movie, I promised that I would have more to say after a second watching. That came and went, and still, II don't know what to say that hasn't been said. It's good on so many levels, in fact, that I might just not know what to say at… More
Long ago, the first time I saw this movie, I promised that I would have more to say after a second watching. That came and went, and still, II don't know what to say that hasn't been said. It's good on so many levels, in fact, that I might just not know what to say at all. A singular, compelling film that everyone should see and see again. Maybe I'll break it down more after a third time...
Bruce B

A huge early Marlon Brando Movie, at least I think its huge. Lots of stars in this one. Lee Cobb, Rod Steiger, Martin Balsam, James Westerfield, and Karl Malden. All the guys needed from the fifties to make a good mob story. Brando plays Terry Malloy who sets up a guy to be killed by… More
A huge early Marlon Brando Movie, at least I think its huge. Lots of stars in this one. Lee Cobb, Rod Steiger, Martin Balsam, James Westerfield, and Karl Malden. All the guys needed from the fifties to make a good mob story. Brando plays Terry Malloy who sets up a guy to be killed by the union mob before he testifies in court. Terry falls in love with his sister, the beautiful Eve Marie Saint, so is he going soft, will he testifies against the mob. Watch to find out, excellent acting by all. 5 stars
Thomas J

I see why Marlon Brando was so beloved! Great movie and glad I finally got around to watch it!
Michael G

If this isn't a perfect movie, I don't know what is. On the Waterfront spares any glossiness that other classic Hollywood movies were pitching and just drenches the audience in humanity. This movie's characters' likability is merely incidental and despite what you… More
If this isn't a perfect movie, I don't know what is. On the Waterfront spares any glossiness that other classic Hollywood movies were pitching and just drenches the audience in humanity. This movie's characters' likability is merely incidental and despite what you may think of Elia Kazan, he knocked this one out of the park. The cast is amazing and everything just came together with this one. Absolutely essential...
AJ V

A brilliant movie from a great director and starring a perfect cast. Every scene is full of drama, intrigue, and excitement. The story is based on true events too. I highly recommend this movie.
Mark W

An absolute classic and one that is still revered and endlessly quoted to this day, with one scene in particular "I coulda been a contender..." that has went down in cinema history. Unfortunately, there was some more dark history behind it all, from director Elia Kazan and… More
An absolute classic and one that is still revered and endlessly quoted to this day, with one scene in particular "I coulda been a contender..." that has went down in cinema history. Unfortunately, there was some more dark history behind it all, from director Elia Kazan and writer Budd Schulberg. Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) works on the docks run by corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb). As long as everyone does what Friendly tells them, then there are no problems. However, Terry witnesses the murder of a young man who crosses Friendly and can't quite let his conscience ignore it, feeling the need to testify against the local criminal and bring him to justice, despite causing more trouble for himself in the process. It's hard to be subjective in my opinion of this film in the knowledge that writer Budd Schulberg and director Elia Kazan had been informants during the 1950's "Communist Witch-Hunt" and named several of their friends to right-wing senator Joseph McCarthy as being involved in "Un-American activities" and destroyed peoples lives and careers in the process. This is a major problem in the telling of this story, as it is obvious that both Schulberg and Kazan were justifying their deplorable actions through the "heroic" character of Terry Malloy. Despite this, however, there is no denying the talent involved in this film. Brando finally bagged a deserving Oscar for his role as angst ridden ex-pugalist Terry, with great support from Rod Steiger as his conflicted brother Charley, Karl Malden as the local priest and voice of reason Father Barry and a snarling Lee J. Cobb as union boss Johnny Friendly. It's all beautifully shot by Kazan and despite his personal exploits (like Roman Polanski), there is no denying the man has talent but I just can't bring myself to give it five stars or forgive his audacity at "naming names", blatantly showing no remorse for it and passing it off as entertainment. Kazan has crafted a wonderful film with superb performances but a very dubious message throughout,
Conner R

A great performance piece from Marlon Brando. It is a highly entertaining and endearing film, with a great story and social commentary on crime and corruption. It has a beautiful landscape, and a unique film experience. It crosses genres quite flawlessly, having a lot of film noir… More
A great performance piece from Marlon Brando. It is a highly entertaining and endearing film, with a great story and social commentary on crime and corruption. It has a beautiful landscape, and a unique film experience. It crosses genres quite flawlessly, having a lot of film noir techniques to go along with it.
Derek A

"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." Classic film on the AFI top 100 list (#19). Released in 1954, On the Waterfront is… More
"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." Classic film on the AFI top 100 list (#19). Released in 1954, On the Waterfront is just as powerful today. Brilliantly crafted by Elia Kazan, this film tells the story of an ex-Prize Fighter (Terry Malloy played by the great Marlon Brando) who works for a corrupt gang leader named Johnny Friendly. When a dock worker speaks out against Friendly, Terry and some other thugs are sent out to silence the snitch. By chance, Terry meets the guy's sister, and a forbidden relationship ensues that will change life on the waterfront forever. Marlon Brando gives a breakout performance here in what is probably his greatest performance of all time. Even if you haven't seen this film, you have probably heard the "I could been a contenda" speech which speaks volumes about it's everlasting impact through time. On the Waterfront justifiably dominated the Oscars in 1955 winning 8 Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Brando), and Best Actress. A gritty tale of revenge and relevance... the little guy sticking it to the big guy. Often brutal to watch, but On the Waterfront is a film that everyone should see. "Hey, you wanna hear my philosophy of life? Do it to him before he does it to you."
Tim S

I coulda been somebody. I could been a contender. All hail Elia Kazan and Marlon Brando. Before DeNiro and Scorcese, this was the director/actor team that set the standard. Brando is what every living actor wants to be in this film, a complete performance with nothing holding back.… More
I coulda been somebody. I could been a contender. All hail Elia Kazan and Marlon Brando. Before DeNiro and Scorcese, this was the director/actor team that set the standard. Brando is what every living actor wants to be in this film, a complete performance with nothing holding back. And this is another example that Karl Malden is one of the most underrated actors of all time. The entire cast is great. (If I had a time machine, I would constantly cheat on my wife because I am extremely attracted to the women of the golden age of cinema). If you haven't seen this movie, you are missing a cornerstone.
Lanning :

Shouldn't everybody care about everybody else? When that philosophy comes up against the "I only care about me" philosophy, and especially if love's involved, you know something has gotta give. Not my all-time favorite Brando, but it's hard to… More
Shouldn't everybody care about everybody else? When that philosophy comes up against the "I only care about me" philosophy, and especially if love's involved, you know something has gotta give. Not my all-time favorite Brando, but it's hard to knock the greatness of this movie. Possibly Lee J. Cobb's most memorable role. Rod Steiger is excellent in this.
Jon L

Great movie! It was really entertaining and kept me thinking.
E.J. B

Marlon Brando's portrayal of "coulda-been-a-contender" Terry Malloy is his best work. Too many this film is nothing more than Elia Kazan's self-defense of testifying to the HUAC. I think the movie has less to do with that than with expressing the theme of… More
Marlon Brando's portrayal of "coulda-been-a-contender" Terry Malloy is his best work. Too many this film is nothing more than Elia Kazan's self-defense of testifying to the HUAC. I think the movie has less to do with that than with expressing the theme of standing up for your own principles
Shauna R

Magnificent, powerful and gripping drama. Wonderful musical score and excellent use of black-and-white cinematography. This has been sitting in my collection for a while now, and I've finally just got around to watching it, and I must say I definately regret the long wait.… More
Magnificent, powerful and gripping drama. Wonderful musical score and excellent use of black-and-white cinematography. This has been sitting in my collection for a while now, and I've finally just got around to watching it, and I must say I definately regret the long wait. Brando excels in his performance giving a truly moving portrayal of Terry Malloy, definately worth of his Oscar. Eva Marie Saint is also sensational but angelic in a supporting role. The chemistry between the two, sizzles. Good story, powerful acting, superbly directed, although it needs to be watched with patience. Highly recommended.
danny d

this film is amazing for the stunning performances if for no other reason, and there are many other reasons to love this movie. brando gives possibly his best performance and every other actor from the biggest roles to the smallest roles was at the peak of acting. possibly one of… More
this film is amazing for the stunning performances if for no other reason, and there are many other reasons to love this movie. brando gives possibly his best performance and every other actor from the biggest roles to the smallest roles was at the peak of acting. possibly one of the best acted movies in history. the sermon given by the priest at the dock was possibly the best movie speech ive ever seen and the plot was very good. i do think that the story was a bit shifty at the end keeping this film from being perfect, but it was as close to perfect as a film can get. wonderful picture.
Pierluigi P

I know Elia Kazan did something wrong, but it doesn't have anything to do with this powerful, moving, indisputable masterpiece. Marlon Brando stands out in the role of his life.
Jennifer X

OMG Marlon Brando LOVE! Eva Marie Saint is just eh.
Ross C

Yankee dockworkers in the 50s unite against mobsters. Not a movie I can easily identify with, and I find the style of film-making in that era both boring and irritating.
Aaron N

Father Barry: Isn't it simple as one, two, three? One: The working conditions are bad. Two: They're bad because the mob does the hiring. And three: The only way we can break the mob is to stop letting them get away with murder. This is a great film. Everything is top notch.… More
Father Barry: Isn't it simple as one, two, three? One: The working conditions are bad. Two: They're bad because the mob does the hiring. And three: The only way we can break the mob is to stop letting them get away with murder. This is a great film. Everything is top notch. The acting, the direction, the screenplay, the characters, the cinematography, the music. All of it works. Terry: You know this city's full of hawks? That's a fact. They hang around on the top of the big hotels. And they spot a pigeon in the park. Right down on him. Brando is perfection in this role. He is Terry Malloy, a washed up fighter, who is now an underling for the mob. The story is extremely simple, so simple that because of all the other things going on in the film, you feel you may have missed something, but you haven't, its just giving you good atmosphere concerning the lives of these characters. Brando inadverdantly gets a friend of his killed, the sister of this friend wants to find out who's responsible and tries to get Brando to go against the mob, resulting in Brando's brother getting killed by not killing Brando, then Brando fights back. Its simple. It's not an action movie, but there is some action. It's not a noir, but there are definetely noir elements. It's not a comedy or satire, but it has little moments. Its a drama, but nothing really depressing. Its just a really good movie. I can't emphasize enough the natural quality that Brando brings to the role, he's just really good. Terry: Conscience... that stuff can drive you nuts!
Kalel J

The film that is home to the famous "I coulda been somebody speech" showcases what has to be considered one the best films made and one Brando's greatest roles. One the Waterfront gives the audience the classic tale of the hardened 'fighter turned bum', who… More
The film that is home to the famous "I coulda been somebody speech" showcases what has to be considered one the best films made and one Brando's greatest roles. One the Waterfront gives the audience the classic tale of the hardened 'fighter turned bum', who becomes a figure that is pressed upon by corrupt bosses, but upon finding love and dignity decides for a change in life. This picture, directed very well by Elia Kazan, is a film that focuses itself solely on it's performances and like most other Kazan productions - the performances are exquisite. Brando gives his character everything needed, from the blatant 'simple mentality' to the nuances of a man hiding secrets and wants, and next to Brando we witness a stunning performance by Saint, who makes her screen debut. For the time, this film would have been groundbreakingly good, and these aspects are shown through Kazan's direction of a terrific story, but there are certain elements to the film (namely in it's general rythm) that have become dated. Nevertheless, On the Waterfront is a film just shy of a masterpiece that is one the best films from an acting perspective.
Jeremy S

Crushing Classic, the Great Gritty drama of union corruption memorable, mainly, for Brando's best performance. The end scene on the docks is unforgettable. A must see Classic. Won Best Picture. "You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I… More
Crushing Classic, the Great Gritty drama of union corruption memorable, mainly, for Brando's best performance. The end scene on the docks is unforgettable. A must see Classic. Won Best Picture. "You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am."