Rent On the Waterfront (1954)

A 100% classic - On the Waterfront review by PT

" I could have been a contender, I could have had class, I could have been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am let's face it". The above is part of, arguably, the greatest monologue ever spoken in a film. This film has it all, brilliant script, direction and amazing performances from all the protagonists. Terry Malloy (Brando) battles with his conscious to do the right thing. The only trouble is the right thing in question means ratting on the father like figure of Johnny Friendly (Lee J Cob). Under pressure from the mob on one side, and his girl Edie Doyle and priest Father Barry on the other, the film basically charts Malloy's internal/external mental battle, brilliantly shown by Malloy's jorney. This film is the ultimate classic.

Ahead Of It's Time - A True Film Classic - On the Waterfront review by GI

This remains one of the finest of American motion pictures notable for introducing Marlon Brando's genius to the screen. He plays Terry Malloy, a low level dock worker who once had a chance at a major boxing title but being under the control of corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) cost him his chance. When Terry inadvertently lets Friendly's thugs find and murder Joey, an informer, Terry's conscience is awakened. When he begins to fall for Joey's sister Edie (Eva Marie Saint) and his brother Charlie (Rod Steiger) is also murdered and influenced by a local priest (Karl Malden) Terry agrees to testify against Friendly at risk to his own life. This is ahead of its time for a Hollywood film, a story of corruption and social injustice and a crime/social drama that it's difficult to top. A gritty realistic portrayal of organised crime, the ineffectiveness of the justice system and the story of the small man rapped behind a culture of violence and suppression. A key American film and a must see. All the performances are topnotch and the film won 8 Oscars including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

On the Waterfront - Classic Elia Kazan film about trade union corruption - On the Waterfront review by OL

A great film with Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint in her first film role. Rod Steiger in a supporting role. Lifts a lid on the mob link with the Unions. Onto the film. Perhaps overrated like Marlon Brando.

A bit slow to get into but classic lines more than make for it. Film lovers should watch.