The Docks of New York
The Docks of New York

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- 75/100 based on 4,834 votes

Bill Roberts works as a stoker on a coal-red barge. It's dirty, hard work and the men have to put up with a foreman, Andy, who seems to enjoy making their life miserable. When finally off the ship, Bill sees a young woman struggling in the water - apparently trying to commit suicide. He takes her to the Sandbar saloon, the sailors' hangout. The girl is Mae and Bill takes a shine to her but so does Andy. One thing leads to another and Bill asks her to marry him then and there.... (Full plot summary below)

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Full Plot Details

Bill Roberts works as a stoker on a coal-red barge. It's dirty, hard work and the men have to put up with a foreman, Andy, who seems to enjoy making their life miserable. When finally off the ship, Bill sees a young woman struggling in the water - apparently trying to commit suicide. He takes her to the Sandbar saloon, the sailors' hangout. The girl is Mae and Bill takes a shine to her but so does Andy. One thing leads to another and Bill asks her to marry him then and there. They don't have a marriage ;licence however and despite Bill promising to get one first thing the morning he decides to leave her behind. When she gets into trouble however, Bill steps in.

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Movie Reviews

CinePassion - 9/10 by Fernando F. CroceJosef von Sternberg enjoys a challenge, so he pulls into Borzage's waterfront to suppress and heighten emotionalism with sang-froid deadpans.
n+1 - 8/10 by A.S. HamrahFurthman specialized in unclassy tales of redemption in tawdry settings, featuring charming semi-brutal men and glamorous women who were a little ruined.
Village Voice - 8/10 by Nick PinkertonIn a way lost to contemporary social-work movies, von Sternberg's unsentimental poetic realism ennobles his lower-class protagonists through beauty. Classic.
Radio Times - 8/10 by Adrian TurnerThe film's romantic fatalism is compelling, and von Sternberg creates some stunning imagery out of his lowlife settings.
Variety - 6/10 by Variety StaffIt's a corking program picture, thanks to George Bancroft, a good story and Julian Johnson's titles.
User Review - 10/10 by Eric KGeorge Bancroft gives a tough, bullish, and sweet performance as a steam ship worker who saves the life of a suicidal flapper (Betty Compson), uses her, and comes to love her, all in one gloriously foggy and brilliantly lit night, in this, the last of the great Josef von Sternberg Paramount films of the silent era. Bancroft and Compson, using gestures and eyes to portray their growing love, cynical and guarded at first, tender as the night turns to day, make believers of even the most jaded anti-romantics, and on these studio-built docks, those are plenty and many, while Sternberg and lighting master Harold Rosson create a fog shrouded atmosphere that, entirely studio bound, perfectly matches the gritty, gorgeous, balletic movement of the characters and the camera. Some will suggest that the final five years of the silent era is undeniably the greatest era of visual cinema of all time, and these Sternberg films of the time certainly lend credence to that belief.
User Review - 10/10 by Chris PBrilliant! Visually stunning (I don't think Von Sternberg ever topped this), it is one of the greats of silent film. Where's the DVD, evil corporate overlords?
User Review - 10/10 by Diego FThrough the dark shadows and murky atmosphere, an incredibley brilliant little film takes place. Lovely and classic!
User Review - 10/10 by Chris DA woman attempts suicide and a dock worker saves her life. Later on that night they get married. The movie looks amazing from start to finish. The characters are fun and it was an enjoyable silent flick.
User Review - 10/10 by Art SWith an artistic and poetic approach to it, a wonderful romance, such lovable characters, terrific performances from its talented cast, deft editing, just beautiful score, playful dialogue, brilliant cinematography and a big heart at its core, The Docks of New York is a beautiful movie that is always charming and enjoyable to watch, while also being a work of art. It is an undisputed masterpiece that is one of the best silent films as well as one of the most romantic movies ever made.

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The Docks of New York