Elia Kazan was a snitch for McCarthy. On the waterfront is his explanation for being one. The film surely presents one grim portrait of corrupted union bosses and members who are willing to do most anything to promote their own selfish interests. That's the idea. And it's about a troubled young man, ex-prize fighter, who undergoes some sort of moral conversion, a girl with Florence Nightingale syndrome who investigates the murder of her dead brother Joey (played by "a pretty and blond artisan" according to a contemporary review) and a Catholic priest who is worried about the moral state of the community. I am not surprised that even the Vatican has recommended On the waterfront as a film that commends proper values. No, this is not a good movie. Yes, the only colors in this film are black and white and then I don't mean monochromes. The outdoor scenes of the harbor and people who work there are good but everything else is fairly disappointing stuff.
If you're interested in Kazan, watch A streetcar named desire.
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