The Docks of New York (1928)

The Docks of New York
Directed by Josef von Sternberg
Written by Jules Furthman from “The Dock Walloper” by John Monk Saunders
1928/USA
Paramount Pictures
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/YouTube
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Bill Roberts: Are you goin’ to let me have a good time in my own quiet way, or must I take this place apart?

Von Sternberg and company turn a night on the waterfront into a beautiful, if grimy, fairy tale.

Bill Roberts (George Bancroft) is a big burly hard-drinking hard-loving stoker on a steamship. He has just one night in port in New York.  Mae (Betty Compson) is a sad and delicate beauty who makes her living in the dives on the wharf. On his way to his favorite dive, George sees Mae jump in the river and rescues her.  He drinks and fights and tries to cheer her up in the bar.

He’s not having much success in brightening her spirits so he hits on the idea of marrying her.  Will the events of the night change their lives forever or will the dawn bring only giant hangovers?

Everything about this movie is superb, starting with the acting through the beautiful cinematography filled with deep shadows and fog.  It’s an unusual love story which I highly recommend.