The Docks of New York
Encyclopedia
The Docks of New York is a silent film
directed by Josef von Sternberg
and starring George Bancroft
, Betty Compson
and Baclanova
. It tells the story of a prostitute who tries to rise above her life on the docks by finding love. The story involves an incredibly strong ship stoker (Bancroft) and the beautiful prostitute (Compson) he saves from drowning.
The movie was adapted by Jules Furthman
from the John Monk Saunders
story "The Dock Walloper". In 1999, the film was deemed "culturally historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress
and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry
.
Silent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
directed by Josef von Sternberg
Josef von Sternberg
Josef von Sternberg — born Jonas Sternberg — was an Austrian-American film director. He is particularly noted for his distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting and soft lens, and seven-film collaboration with actress Marlene Dietrich.-Youth:Von Sternberg was born Jonas Sternberg to a Jewish...
and starring George Bancroft
George Bancroft (actor)
George Bancroft was an American Hollywood film actor of the 1920s and '30s.-Biography:Bancroft was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1882. During his early days as a sailor he staged plays on board ship. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy, but left the Navy to become a "black...
, Betty Compson
Betty Compson
Betty Compson was an American actress. Born Eleanor Luicime Compson in Beaver, Utah, she had an extensive film career. Her father died when she was young, and she was forced to drop out of school and earn a living for herself and her mother...
and Baclanova
Olga Baclanova
Olga Vladimirovna Baclanova, or Baklanova, was a Russian-born actress, who achieved prominence during the silent film era. She was billed as the Russian Tigress and remains most noted by modern audiences for portraying the leading lady in Tod Browning's unique horror movie Freaks , which features...
. It tells the story of a prostitute who tries to rise above her life on the docks by finding love. The story involves an incredibly strong ship stoker (Bancroft) and the beautiful prostitute (Compson) he saves from drowning.
The movie was adapted by Jules Furthman
Jules Furthman
Jules Furthman was a magazine and newspaper writer before working as a screenwriter.Born in Chicago, Illinois, during World War I he wrote under the name "Stephen Fox." Furthman wrote screenplays for a number of important or popular films, including: The Docks of New York , Thunderbolt , Merely...
from the John Monk Saunders
John Monk Saunders
John Monk Saunders was an American novelist, screenwriter and film director.-Early life and career:...
story "The Dock Walloper". In 1999, the film was deemed "culturally historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and...
and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry
National Film Registry
The National Film Registry is the United States National Film Preservation Board's selection of films for preservation in the Library of Congress. The Board, established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, was reauthorized by acts of Congress in 1992, 1996, 2005, and again in October 2008...
.
Cast
- George BancroftGeorge Bancroft (actor)George Bancroft was an American Hollywood film actor of the 1920s and '30s.-Biography:Bancroft was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1882. During his early days as a sailor he staged plays on board ship. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy, but left the Navy to become a "black...
... Bill Roberts - Betty CompsonBetty CompsonBetty Compson was an American actress. Born Eleanor Luicime Compson in Beaver, Utah, she had an extensive film career. Her father died when she was young, and she was forced to drop out of school and earn a living for herself and her mother...
... Mae - Olga BaclanovaOlga BaclanovaOlga Vladimirovna Baclanova, or Baklanova, was a Russian-born actress, who achieved prominence during the silent film era. She was billed as the Russian Tigress and remains most noted by modern audiences for portraying the leading lady in Tod Browning's unique horror movie Freaks , which features...
... Lou (billed as 'Baclanova') - Clyde Cook ... 'Sugar' Steve
- Mitchell Lewis ... Andy, the Third Engineer
- Gustav von Seyffertitz ... 'Hymn Book' Harry
- Guy Oliver ... The Crimp
- May Foster ... Mrs. Crimp
- Lillian WorthLillian WorthLillian Worth was an American actress. She appeared in 32 films between 1919 and 1937.-External links:...
... Steve's Girl