English 101 Bellah

On the Waterfront (1954) Directed by Elia Kazan Screenplay by Budd Schulberg Starring Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger, Karl Malden

Schulberg’s screenplay, inspired by newspaper accounts of organized crime on east coast waterfronts, focuses on the dilemma faced by ex-fighter Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando). Malloy could have been a winner in life but now works as a longshoreman for union boss Johnny Friendly. After luring a co-worker to his death, Malloy becomes guilt-stricken, and prompted by an activist Catholic priest and the dead man’s sister, he determines to bring down the union by cooperating with a government investigation of corruption. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando.

Some provocative quotes that relate to the issues raised by this film:

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

English novelist George Eliot

“A good reputation is more valuable than money.”

Latin philosopher Publius

“Lying is done with words and also with silence.”

American poet Adrienne Rich

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Baseball great Yogi Berra

“I could have had class. I could have been a contender. I could have been somebody instead of a bum.”

Screenwriter Budd Schulberg for Terry Malloy

“The secret to avoiding mindless conformity is to resist whatever pleading, teasing, and prodding others exert to make you think and speak and act as they do. Instead of succumbing, ask yourself what is reasonable and right and follow that path.

Vincent Ruggiero