On the Waterfront

1954, Elia Kazan, USA, 108 min

Selected and introduced by writer, filmmaker, and daughter of composer Leonard Bernstein, Jamie Bernstein

Marlon Brando gives the performance of his career as the tough prizefighter-turned-longshoreman Terry Malloy in this masterpiece of urban poetry, which went on to win eight Oscars. An emotional tale of individual failure and social corruption, On the Waterfront follows Terry’s deepening moral crisis as he must decide whether to remain loyal to the mob-connected union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) and Johnny’s right-hand man— Terry’s brother—Charley (Rod Steiger), as the authorities close in on them.

“An uncommonly powerful, exciting, and imaginative use of the screen”¦ On the Waterfront is moviemaking of a rare and high order.” — New York Times, 1954

Why did you select On the Waterfront for the Cabaret Cinema: Soundtrack series?

“I would be more than delighted to talk about my dad’s score to On the Waterfront—which I think is an amazing film (with an amazing soundtrack) that doesn’t get enough attention these days.” — Jamie Bernstein

Cabaret Cinema: Soundtrack

You can probably name the best movie you’ve seen, but what about the best movie you’ve heard? It might be your favorite because of its sound effects, sound engineering, score, or another element of the audio experience. Watch—and hear—a series of films that caught the ear of notable New Yorkers.

About the Introducer Jamie Bernstein is a writer, concert narrator, and filmmaker. In addition to writing many articles and concert narrations, Jamie travels extensively, speaking on musical topics and often discussing her father, composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein. Jamie’s recently completed film documentary, Crescendo: the Power of Music,—follows three American children participating in youth orchestras for social change, inspired by Venezuela’s groundbreaking El Sistema model. Her memoir will be published next year by HarperCollins. More about Jamie’s multifaceted life can be found on her website.