| Rumble on the Docks | |
| Director: | Fred F. Sears |
| Producer: | Sam Katzman |
| Screenplay: | Lou Morheim Jack DeWitt |
| Based On: | Rumble on the Docks by Frank Paley |
| Starring: | James Darren Laurie Carroll Michael Granger Robert Blake |
| Cinematography: | Benjamin H. Kline |
| Editing: | Jerome Thoms |
| Color Process: | Black and white |
| Studio: | Clover Productions |
| Distributor: | Columbia Pictures |
| Runtime: | 82 minutes |
| Country: | United States |
| Language: | English |
Rumble on the Docks is a 1956 American crime film noir directed by Fred F. Sears and starring James Darren, Laurie Carroll, Michael Granger and Robert Blake.[1] The film was based on the novel of the same title by Frank Paley. It was produced by Sam Katzman for release by Columbia Pictures.
Jimmy Smigelski, living near the docks of Brooklyn, is quick to help when a neighborhood girl, Della, and her little brother are menaced by some thugs. Joe Brindo, a racketeer Jimmy's honest father Pete blames for an incident that crippled him, is impressed by Jimmy and takes him under his wing.
Jimmy is caught in a rivalry between two local gangs. He also is asked to testify at a trial, angering his father when the outcome benefits the gangster. Jimmy eventually changes his ways and ends up working in his father's print shop.
The film was based on the eponymous 1953 novel by "Frank Paley", a social worker writing under a pseudonym.[2] The New York Times thought "Mr Paley's narrative powers are not up to his descriptive ones."[3]
Sam Katzman bought the film rights in 1955.[4]
The lead role was given to James Darren, who had recently been signed to a long-term contract by Columbia. It was his first movie.[5] Katzman also introduced newcomers Laurie Carroll and Sal Anthony.[6] Carroll was discovered by Katzman when she appeared on The Johnny Carson Show.
Filming started 18 June 1956.[7]
James Darren later said of the movie, "Fred Sears was a wonderful director. That really was my first break because I started getting 400-500 letters a month from that film. You're not talking about a major film here. So, that kind of put me on a different level at the studio and they took notice."[8]