Rumble on the Docks
| Rumble on the Docks | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Fred F. Sears |
| Screenplay by | Lou Morheim Jack DeWitt |
| Produced by | Sam Katzman |
| Starring | James Darren |
| Cinematography | Benjamin H. Kline |
| Edited by | Jerome Thoms |
Production company | Clover Productions |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 82 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Rumble on the Docks is a 1956 American crime film noir directed by Fred F. Sears and starring James Darren.[1]
Plot
Jimmy Smigelski, living near the docks of Brooklyn, is quick to help when a neighborhood girl, Della, and her little brother are menaced by some thugs. Joe Brindo, a racketeer Jimmy's honest father Pete blames for an incident that crippled him, is impressed by Jimmy and takes him under his wing.
Jimmy is caught in a rivalry between two local gangs. He also is asked to testify at a trial, angering his father when the outcome benefits the gangster. Jimmy eventually changes his ways and ends up working in his father's print shop.
Cast
- James Darren as Jimmy Smigelski
- Laurie Carroll as Della
- Michael Granger as Joe Brindo
- Jerry Janger as Rocky
- Robert Blake as Chuck
- Edgar Barrier as Pete Smigelski
- Celia Lovsky as Anna Smigelski
- David Bond as Dan Kevlin
- Timothy Carey as Frank Mangus
- Dan Terranova as 'Stomper' Tony Lightning
- Barry Froner as Poochie
- Don Devlin as Wimpy
- Stephen H. Sears as Cliffie
- Joseph Vitale as Ferd Marchesi
- David Orrick McDearmon as Lawyer Gotham (as David Orrick)
- Larry J. Blake as Officer Fitz
- Robert C. Ross as Gil Danco
- Steve Warren as Sully
- Don Garrett as Bo-Bo
- Joel Ashley as Dist. Atty. Fuller
- Salvatore Anthony as Kid with Wallet
- Freddie Bell as Himself, Freddie Bell (as Freddie Bell and His Bellboys)
- The Bellboys as Themselves, The Bellboys (as Freddie Bell and His Bellboys)
Production
The film was based on a 1953 novel by "Frank Paley", a social worker writing under a pseudonym.[2] The New York Times thought "Mr Paley's narrative powers are not up to his descriptive ones."[3]
Sam Katzman bought the film rights in 1955.[4]
The lead role was given to James Darren, who had recently been signed to a long term contract by Columbia. It was his first movie.[5] Katzman also introduced newcomers Laurie Connell and Sal Anthony.[6]
Filming started 18 June 1956.[7]
Release
James Darren later said of the movie, "Fred Sears was a wonderful director. That really was my first break because I started getting 400-500 letters a month from that film. You're not talking about a major film here. So, that kind of put me on a different level at the studio and they took notice."[8]
References
- ^ "Rumble on the Docks (1956) - Articles - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies.
- ^ IN AND OUT OF BOOKS By HARVEY BREIT. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 12 July 1953: BR8.
- ^ Mistaken Loyalties: RUMBLE ON THE DOCKS. By Frank Paley. 367 pp. New York: Crown Publishers. $3.75. Whitman, Alden. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 03 Jan 1954: BR24.
- ^ NEW FILM PROCESS IS SHOWN BY FOX: 55-mm. CinemaScope Scenes From 'Carousel' Have More Depth, Striking Brilliance By THOMAS M. PRYOR Special to The New York Times.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 16 Nov 1955: 43
- ^ KIM NOVAK IS CAST AS JEANNE EAGELS: Will Portray Title Figure of Famous Actress in Film for Columbia Pictures Seltzers Plan 'Mr.Tex' By OSCAR GODBOUT Special to The New York Times.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 04 July 1956: 14.
- ^ Drama: Rex and Rhodes Reason Both Strike New Paths; Paris Bids for Menjou Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 10 July 1956: A9.
- ^ Of Local Origin New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 29 May 1956: 32.
- ^ Productions, Pore-Lee-Dunn. "Interview With James Darren". www.classicbands.com.
