The Docks of New York (1928)

Strong and Moving!

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I was interested to read, after finding this silent film in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, that it flopped, due to the earlier release of The Jazz Singer, the first talkie, nevertheless this picture has been rediscovered and is recognised as one of the last few great non-speaking films, directed by Josef von Sternberg (The Blue Angel, Shanghai Express). Basically Bill Roberts (George Bancroft) works as a stoker on a coal-red barge, his ship has just pulled into port in New York City, the crew are given one night for shore leave. While the ship was pulling in, Bill saves the life of beautiful prostitute Mae (Betty Compson) from drowning, she was attempting suicide as she lost all her money, had almost no clothing and felt remorse about her life up to then. Bill steals some clothes for Mae to wear and invites her out of a "good night", they go together to a bustling wharf pub. While there Bill almost gets into a fight with one of the pub-goers, after only a short time of knowing each other, Bill spontaneously proposes marriage to her, and to prove he is serious he asks the minister invited to conduct it, to make it legitimate. Mae is surprised by this quick but heartwarming gesture, but she is the disappointed the next morning when he must return to the ship, he says to her that he couldn't be serious about staying with her and fulfilling his marriage vows, because his job keeps him at sea. The ship sets out to sea, but Bill makes a decision before it leaves the city harbour, following events, he cannot leave Mae, so he swims ashore to find her. Going to a tavern, a patron directs him to the local Night Court, Mae is accused of stealing the clothes that had in fact been stolen for her. The judge sentences Mae to spend 30 days in jail, but Bill shows up in time to confess that it was in fact him that stole the clothes. The irritated judge gives him 60 days in jail for theft, Bill says to Mae that he will do the time for her, as Bill is taken away Mae pledges to "wait forever" for him. Also starring Olga Baclanova as Lou, Clyde Cook as "Sugar" Steve, Mitchell Lewis as Andy the Third Engineer and Gustav von Seyffertitz as "Hymn Book" Harry. It is a slightly odd fast-paced love story, a ship worker falling for a street walker who he rescued from the waters, but the inevitable events that occur make for interesting watching, there is some memorable imagery, a worthwhile silent drama. Very good!

Docks of New York (1928) is a prime example of the power of silent film at its height. After 1928, the medium would be crushed underneath the rise of sound technology, which was a shame considering how technically dazzling and sophisticated they had become by the latter half of the 1920s.The film is a character study of a rough stoker and a suicidal woman. The two fall in love after he rescues her from an attempt to take her own life, though there is a chance they may be separated by the stoker's aversion to commitment and responsibility. The characters are all flawed, compelling people, each one brought to life with subtle performances from the leading actors. The atmosphere is appropriately seedy and dark, with chiaroscuro lighting and crowded spaces. It's a slow film, one that will not please those who prefer more plot or action, but it is worth your time, showcasing silent cinema at its loftiest heights. It is films like Docks of New York which make one wish the silent era had lingered on a little while longer.

This film is perfect. It's about 2 people meeting, falling into something like love, and deciding to spend their future together. It had a few more subtitles than needed, a common irritant with silents, but some of the dialogue cards actually - surprise - enhanced the viewing experience by highlighting Bill and Mae's basically decent characters.This is one of the 3 Von Sternberg silents reissued by Criterion. I like 'Underworld' a lot, but I'm head-over-heels with 'Docks', due primarily to George Bancroft. No one else could have played Bill as well. Not Beery, not McLaglen. This is an example of an actor and a role fitting like a glove. And the same goes for Betty Compson playing Mae, a gal who, to put it mildly, is down on her luck. Mutually attracted as they are, but each cautious, they circle around, taking the other's measure. As Mae says, "You ain't so bad, Bill." And she's spot on in summing him up.Bill is a hard-drinking, brawling big hunk of masculinity who's confident in who he is, his physical strength, and his chosen life. He's a no longer young man who's at peace with himself and his place in the world. He has a work ethic - "I've never missed a ship sailing in my life" - and pride in his job, back-breaking labor that will use him up before he's 40. When Bill says to Mae, "I never done a decent thing in my life", he looks like he means it when he says it, but we know differently.A few years earlier female hearts beat faster watching Valentino sweep Vilma Banky off her feet. But Valentino, wonderfully watchable as he is, is make believe, whereas Bancroft is the real thing. But how will Bill make a living after giving up his life at sea? That's not in the script, but because we care what happens to these 2, my guess is he and Mae will scrape together a few dollars somehow and open their own bar along the docks of New York.

It's the fine directing and good performances that really make the film worth watching. The story is interesting enough, covering one night ashore in the life of ship stoker, Bill Roberts (George Bancroft), and the mysterious beauty he meets (Betty Compson). Bancroft is all masculinity as Roberts, a man who won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of what he wants. He meets his match, though, in Compson, who is all sex appeal as Mea, the seductive but troubled blonde with a dark past. These two are backed up with good supporting performances from the rest of the cast, the only exception being Olga Baclanova, who hams it up more than necessary. Director Josef Von Sternberg handles the ensemble cast well, giving each character importance. He also does a good job of portraying and letting us experience the seedy life they live. Nonetheless, some of the main characters aren't fleshed out enough for us to understand their actions. The film also tries too hard at times to be shocking and edgy. All in all, it's not the best film ever, but it has enough good qualities to be enjoyable.