Powerful, gripping, moving and seemingly authentic drama set in New York's docklands, where gangsters control the longshoremen's union and stevedore Terry Malloy (stunningly played by Marlon Brando) faces the terrible dilemma of whether or not to turn informer.

Full of classic exchanges, especially the 'contender' dialogue between Brando and Rod Steiger as his brother, the film also boasts Lee J Cobb's magnificent, brutal study of a vindictive gangster union-boss and a thundering ending.

The electrifying energy of these performances, particularly Brando's, remains undiminished. The film won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actor (Brando), and Supporting Actress (Eva Marie Saint).