Rumble on the Docks

Fred F. Sears directs James Darren in his first role, before his good looks (and singing talent) brought him fame in later films as diverse as The Guns of Navarone, The Brothers Rico and Gidget (as Moondoggie). In this gritty story about street-gang toughs, Darren plays Jimmy Smigelski, who sides off against his own father when one of the local longshoreman's protection racket's goons takes him under his wing. Jimmy's association with the gang brings him into fast company, and soon, Jimmy's family, friends and girlfriend are afraid that Jimmy will go too far, and even become an accessory to murder. Timothy Carey and Robert Blake round out the cast. Newly remastered.

This tense tale of waterfront corruption was clearly inspired by the success of ON THE WATERFRONT; there's even a character named Joe Brindo, played by Michael Granger. Newcomer James Darren plays Jimmy Smigelski, a budding juvenile delinquent who is hired as a "muscle man" for corrupt union leader Brindo. Kicked out of his house by his father, who despises all forms of gangsterism, Smigelski begins regarding Brindo as a surrogate dad. Thus, it takes a lot out of him when Jimmy discovers that his father-figure is a no-good louse. Agreeing to testify before an investigating committee, Jimmy is marked for death by his former benefactor. Once again, producer Sam Katzman uses a timely topic and lurid title to turn a quick profit.