On the Bowery
Directed by Lionel Rogosin
Written by Lionel Rogosin, Richard Bagley and Mark Sufrin (all uncredited)
1956/USA
Rogosin Films
First viewing/Amazon Instant

[box] “This is a good place,” he said. “There’s a lot of liquor,” I agreed.” ― Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises[/box]

This ground-breaking documentary of how drunks try to survive on skid row is marred by an obviously fictional story and amateur acting.  Nevertheless, Rogosin’s photography of the real thing is stunning and profound.

The story follows Ray as he arrives in the Bowery after a summer working on the railroad with his savings and s suitcase.  We follow the clean cut man as he slowly deteriorates into a bum who has hocked his clothes for his last drink and now must be fed a concoction of Sterno to stave off the DT’s.  Ray’s older friend Gorman, a fellow drunk and long-time Bowery resident, tries to help him.

The scenes of life in the Bowery are absolutely harrowing.  The faces of the drunks are heartbreaking.  Despite the horror, the photography is hauntingly beautiful.  The film was recently lovingly restored.  Recommended.

On the Bowery was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Features.

Trailer