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Summary in 1 sentence
On the Waterfront is a drama about a former boxer turned longshoreman who struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.
Summary in a Twitter post
Ex-boxer Terry Malloy battles corruption on the docks, grappling with his conscience and loyalty in Elia Kazan's gritty, Oscar-winning drama, On the Waterfront. #ClassicCinema #MarlonBrando #SocialJustice
Summary in an SMS/text message
Ex-boxer Terry Malloy gets tangled in corrupt union politics at NY's waterfront. He struggles with his conscience, falls for Edie, and ultimately testifies against the mob. Redemption and justice win!
Summary in a Facebook post
Just watched "On the Waterfront" - a gripping tale of corruption, conscience, and redemption set in the gritty world of dockworkers. Marlon Brando's performance as Terry Malloy, a conflicted ex-boxer caught in the web of union corruption, is absolutely riveting! A must-watch for fans of classic cinema. #OldHollywood #MarlonBrando #OnTheWaterfront
Summary in a 1 minute read
On the Waterfront is a 1954 crime drama directed by Elia Kazan. The film follows the story of Terry Malloy, a former boxer turned longshoreman who becomes entangled in the corrupt and violent world of the New York City docks. Terry's life is turned upside down when he witnesses a murder committed by his boss, Johnny Friendly, and his gang of corrupt union officials. Despite pressure from his brother, a powerful union leader, and the local priest, Terry decides to testify against Friendly and expose the corruption within the union. Along the way, he falls in love with Edie, the sister of the murdered man, and must confront his own guilt and loyalty to his fellow workers. Through Terry's journey, the film explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and standing up against injustice. On the Waterfront is a powerful and emotional film that showcases the talents of its director and cast, including Marlon Brando in his iconic role as Terry.
Summary in 1 page
- Terry Malloy is a former boxer who now works as a longshoreman on the waterfront in Hoboken, New Jersey. He is a tough and loyal member of the local union, which is controlled by corrupt union boss Johnny Friendly.
- Edie Doyle is a young woman who lives with her brother Joey, a dockworker who was killed by Friendly’s men for planning to testify against the union.
- Father Barry is a Catholic priest who is determined to fight against the corruption and violence on the waterfront.
- Johnny Friendly is the powerful and ruthless leader of the union, who uses violence and intimidation to maintain his control over the workers.
- Charley Malloy is Terry’s older brother and a high-ranking member of the union, who is torn between his loyalty to Friendly and his love for his brother.
- Edie’s father is a former union member who was killed by Friendly’s men for speaking out against the corruption.
The movie begins with Terry witnessing the murder of Joey Doyle, which he is ordered to keep quiet about by Friendly. However, Terry’s conscience is troubled by the death of his friend and he begins to question his loyalty to the union. He meets Edie, who is determined to find out the truth about her brother’s death, and they form a bond.
Father Barry also becomes involved in the investigation and encourages the dockworkers to stand up against the corrupt union. However, they are too afraid to speak out and continue to follow Friendly’s orders.
Terry’s relationship with Edie grows stronger and he starts to fall in love with her. He also begins to open up to Father Barry and reveals the truth about Joey’s murder. Father Barry convinces Terry to testify against Friendly and the union in court.
During the trial, Terry testifies against Friendly and his men, exposing their corrupt practices and the violence they use to control the workers. Charley, feeling betrayed by his brother’s testimony, confronts Terry and tries to convince him to retract his statement. However, Terry stands firm and Charley realizes the error of his ways.
As a result of Terry’s testimony, Friendly and his men are arrested and the union is reformed. The workers are now free to speak out against the corruption and violence on the waterfront. Terry and Edie’s relationship also blossoms and they plan to leave Hoboken together.
In the final scene, Terry confronts Friendly on the rooftop of the building where Joey was killed. They engage in a brutal fight, with Terry ultimately emerging as the victor. He then throws Friendly off the roof, symbolizing the end of his control over the workers.
The movie ends with Terry walking away from the waterfront, leaving behind his past life and the corruption that once consumed him. He is now free to start a new life with Edie, and the workers are also free from the tyranny of the corrupt union.
In conclusion, On the Waterfront is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of loyalty, corruption, and redemption. Through the character of Terry Malloy, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery and the fight against injustice. With its gripping storyline and stellar performances, this movie remains a classic in the history of cinema.
FAQ
- What is the movie On the Waterfront about?
The movie follows the story of a former boxer who becomes involved in corruption and organized crime on the New Jersey waterfront. - Who directed On the Waterfront?
The movie was directed by Elia Kazan. - When was On the Waterfront released?
The movie was released in 1954. - Who stars in On the Waterfront?
The movie stars Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, and Karl Malden. - Is On the Waterfront based on a true story?
Yes, the movie was inspired by real-life events and corruption on the New Jersey waterfront. - Did On the Waterfront win any awards?
Yes, the movie won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Marlon Brando. - What is the famous line from On the Waterfront?
The famous line is “I coulda been a contender,” spoken by Marlon Brando’s character, Terry Malloy. - What is the significance of the title On the Waterfront?
The title refers to the setting of the movie, the docks and warehouses on the New Jersey waterfront. - Is On the Waterfront a drama or a thriller?
The movie is considered a crime drama. - What is the rating for On the Waterfront?
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and language. - Is On the Waterfront available to stream?
Yes, the movie is available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Hulu. - What is the running time of On the Waterfront?
The movie has a running time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. - Is On the Waterfront in black and white or color?
The movie is in black and white. - What is the significance of the pigeons in On the Waterfront?
The pigeons symbolize freedom and hope for the characters in the movie. - What is the theme of On the Waterfront?
The movie explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and standing up against corruption. - What is the setting of On the Waterfront?
The movie is set in the 1950s on the docks and warehouses of the New Jersey waterfront. - Is On the Waterfront a romantic movie?
While there is a romantic subplot, the movie is primarily a drama about corruption and crime. - What is the role of the Catholic Church in On the Waterfront?
The Catholic Church plays a significant role in the movie as a symbol of morality and justice. - What is the conflict in On the Waterfront?
The main conflict is between the corrupt union bosses and the honest longshoremen who want to stand up against them. - What is the climax of On the Waterfront?
The climax is when Terry Malloy testifies against the corrupt union bosses in court. - Is On the Waterfront a political movie?
The movie does touch on political themes, but it is primarily a drama about personal struggles and morality. - What is the message of On the Waterfront?
The movie’s message is about standing up against corruption and fighting for what is right. - Is On the Waterfront a classic movie?
Yes, the movie is considered a classic and is often included in lists of the greatest films of all time. - What is the significance of the glove in On the Waterfront?
The glove symbolizes the control and manipulation of the corrupt union bosses over the longshoremen. - What is the role of Terry’s brother, Charley, in On the Waterfront?
Charley serves as a conflicted and tragic character, torn between loyalty to the corrupt union bosses and his love for his brother. - Is On the Waterfront a must-watch movie?
Many consider it a must-watch for its powerful performances and themes.
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