Rumble on the Docks is a 1956 American crime film noir directed by Fred F. Sears and starring James Darren, Laurie Carroll, Michael Granger and Robert Blake.[1] The film was based on the novel of the same title by Frank Paley. It was produced by Sam Katzman for release by Columbia Pictures.
| Rumble on the Docks | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Fred F. Sears |
| Screenplay by | Lou Morheim Jack DeWitt |
| Based on | Rumble on the Docks by Frank Paley |
| Produced by | Sam Katzman |
| Starring | James Darren Laurie Carroll Michael Granger Robert Blake |
| Cinematography | Benjamin H. Kline |
| Edited by | Jerome Thoms |
| Color process | Black and white |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 82 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editJimmy 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
edit- 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
editThe film was based on the eponymous 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 Carroll and Sal Anthony.[6] Carroll was discovered by Katzman when she appeared on The Johnny Carson Show.
Filming started 18 June 1956.[7]
Release
editJames 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
edit- ^ "Rumble on the Docks (1956) – Articles – TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies.
- ^ HARVEY BREIT (July 12, 1953). "IN AND OUT OF BOOKS". New York Times. p. BR8.
- ^ "Mistaken Loyalties: RUMBLE ON THE DOCKS. By Frank Paley. 367 pp. New York: Crown Publishers. $3.75." Whitman, Alden. New York Times 3 Jan 1954: BR24.
- ^ THOMAS M. PRYOR (Nov 16, 1955). "NEW FILM PROCESS IS SHOWN BY FOX: 55-mm. CinemaScope Scenes From 'Carousel' Have More Depth, Striking Brilliance". New York Times. p. 43.
- ^ OSCAR GODBOUT (July 4, 1956). "KIM NOVAK IS CAST AS JEANNE EAGELS: Will Portray Title Figure of Famous Actress in Film for Columbia Pictures Seltzers Plan 'Mr.Tex'". New York Times. p. 14.
- ^ Schallert, Edwin (July 10, 1956). "Drama: Rex and Rhodes Reason Both Strike New Paths; Paris Bids for Menjou". Los Angeles Times. p. A9.
- ^ "Of Local Origin". New York Times. May 29, 1956. p. 32.
- ^ Productions, Pore-Lee-Dunn. "Interview With James Darren". www.classicbands.com.