On the Waterfront | Watch Videoclip Most Famous "I coulda been a contender" Scene

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On the Waterfront is a 1954 American drama film about union violence and corruption among longshoremen. The film was directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. It stars Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Rod Steiger, Karl Malden and Lee J. Cobb. The soundtrack score was composed by Leonard Bernstein. It is claimed it was based on a series of articles written in the New York Sun by Malcolm Johnson. However, in 1950, playwright Arthur Miller approached Kazan with the script THE HOOK. They took it to the major Hollywood studios, where Miller would meet Marilyn Monroe for the first time. The script was checked by the F.B.I. and they concluded the script should be re-written with the crooks as Communists. Miller withdrew, and Columbia boss Harry Cohen called Miller anti-American. Kazan confessed to a past with the communist party, gave names to HUAC, and was assured he could continue with the studio. On the Waterfront is an adaptation of The Hook, except Kazan made Brando out as the guy who snitches but keeps his honour, as he wished himself to be seen as that person.

The film received eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. It is Leonard Bernstein's only original film score not adapted from a stage production with songs.

Charlie: Look, kid, I - how much you weigh, son? When you weighed one hundred and sixty-eight pounds you were beautiful. You coulda been another Billy Conn, and that skunk we got you for a manager, he brought you along too fast. 

Terry: It wasn't him, Charley, it was you. Remember that night in the Garden you came down to my dressing room and you said, "Kid, this ain't your night. We're going for the price on Wilson." You remember that? "This ain't your night"! My night! I coulda taken Wilson apart! So what happens? He gets the title shot outdoors on the ballpark and what do I get? A one-way ticket to Palooka-ville! You was my brother, Charley, you shoulda looked out for me a little bit. You shoulda taken care of me just a little bit so I wouldn't have to take them dives for the short-end money. 

Charlie: Oh I had some bets down for you. You saw some money.  

Terry: You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley. 

Watch Video of Marlon Brando winning an Oscar® for "On the Waterfront" The best part is absurd outfit Bette Davis wears as a presenter.