Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.
On the Waterfront  By  cover art

On the Waterfront

By: Budd Schulberg
Narrated by: Rebecca Pidgeon, Hector Elizondo, Bruce Davison, Jeffrey Donovan
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $5.42

Buy for $5.42

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Editorial reviews

The 1954 film about conscience and courage in corrupt labor unions has deservedly attained mythic status, but it is to the credit of this fine production that eventually one begins to think less of the classic movie and to become quite absorbed in this adaptation. The strongest performances are those by Bruce Davison (as the priest), whose thrilling dockside sermon brings applause from the audience; Rebecca Pidgeon, who emphasizes Edie Doyle's intelligence as much as her vulnerability; and Hector Elizondo, who makes racketeer Johnny Friendly into a believable and lethal thug. Jeffrey Donovan plays Terry Malloy, the ex-prize-fighter in love with Edie. He is at his best in Terry's later scenes of conviction. The sound effects are rich and evocative.

Publisher's summary

Terry Malloy, the “seemingly soulless street survivor,” unwittingly lures a rebellious longshoreman to his death in Budd Schulberg’s searing drama about the New York waterfront, the racketeering unions controlling it, and the kid who “could’a been a contender.”

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in December 2002.

Director: Rosalind Ayres

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works Full-Cast Performance Featuring:

  • Scott Atkinson as Truck
  • Jake Bern as Jimmy Conroy
  • Maurice Chasse as Big Mac
  • Richard Cox as Charley Malloy
  • Kevin Daniels as Luke, Interrogator
  • Bruce Davison as Father Barry
  • Jeffrey Donovan as Terry Malloy
  • Hector Elizondo as Johnny Friendly
  • Dave Florek as Pop Doyle
  • Chris Hatfield as Skins, Glover
  • Jon Matthews as Runty Nolan
  • Nick Offerman as Barney
  • Rebecca Pidgeon as Edie Doyle
  • Stephen Ramsey as Mutt, J.P. Morgan
  • David Selby as Father Vincent
  • Josh Stamberg as Waterfront Reporter, Moose
  • Tegan West as Joey Doyle, Tommy, Bartender Associate

Associate Producer: Susan Raab

Recording Engineer/Sound Designer/Editor: David Kelly for Voicebox Studios

Sound Effects Artist: Jode Ryskiewicz

(P)2004 L.A. Theatre Works

Critic reviews

"It is to the credit of this fine production that eventually one begins to think less of the classic movie and to become quite absorbed in this adaptation...The sound effects are rich and evocative." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about On the Waterfront

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    12
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    12
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An Excellent Production of The Play, Some Change from The Original

This audiobook is a production of the play from the 1950s. It is set in the 1950s in New York as was the original play. There are numerous changes although the story is recognizable.

The acting is very good. There is intensity at times. “Terry”, the ex boxer was excellent and did sound like Marlin Brando to me. That my or may not be desirable, depending on your viewpoint. As for me, I enjoyed it.

I have the original screen play and intend to study it further and also rewatch the movie which I have seen in the past. I am glad that I listened to this play and would watch it if I ever have the chance.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Performance!

The performance keeps the listener engaged in the storyline. Very easy to listen in one session.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!