From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks

«From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks» is one of the last documentaries directed by Haskell Wexler (1922-2015), the renowned Jewish-American cinematographer who shot such classics as «One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest», «The Conversation» AND «Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?», for which he won his first Oscar.

It is no news to anyone that Wexler was a liberal activist, who was never lacking in accusations of being radical, communist, or rebellious, for addressing issues that were not liked by the Los Angeles film industry, such as poverty, racism, civil riots, the wars in Vietnam and Central America, the assassinations of leaders, and other controversial facts in the United States. It is consistent, therefore, that Wexler was drawn to the life of socialist and anti-fascist folk singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie (in «Bound for Glory», for which he won his second Oscar for photography); or that of the prominent Australian trade unionist and labor leader Harry Bridges, who was a key figure in the creation of the North American port unions.

The result was the entertaining film «From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks» (2007). The starting point was playwright and actor Ian Ruskin's monologue, a funny and fast-paced retelling of the activist's life, which Bridges himself (played by Ruskin) recounts to the audience. Always with a high spirit, humor and irony, Bridges recounts incidents and anecdotes of his life, reads letters, press releases and court verdicts, in which he gives an account of the almost three decades in which influential figures in North American political and economic scenes tried to deport him, for his defense of the six-hour work schedule, better wages, the defense of the right to work of African-Americans, labor participation in the contracts. And other achievements.

Wexler filmed the performance of the monologue at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro, California; and illustrated various moments with photos, films clips, and a couple of re-enactments of Bridges' meetings with dockworkers. In just 78 minutes, Wexler, Ruskin, and the assembled team, with the songs of Pete Seeger, performed by Jackson Browne, the Guthries (Woody, Arlo, and Sarah), David Mora, Ciro Hurtado and Tim Reynolds, tell us with simplicity and wit a chapter of the organization of the workers of the world for labor dignity and raising their standard of living.

A moving and inspiring story based on the struggles of the working class especially the Longshoreman.

You learn the harsh reality of what it took and how much was sacrificed for workers rights to gain the benefits that are so much a part of not just the longshoreman but everyones rights in the workplace today. Anyone who strives for fairness, honesty and equality in their own life and in the lives of everyone around them should see this movie.

Ian Ruskin's performance as Harry Bridges was a true portrayal of the man and his character. You find it hard to believe it is not Harry himself you are spending time with.

...and become the basis for a year long course that would touch on history, sociology, politics, economics, law, and media literacy. There could also be a college level version of the course also, the controversy generated would be just as educational as the content....as, no doubt, there are still many American's who still don't "get" what the organized labor movement was/is all about.

This is a movie of a play on the life of labor leader Harry Bridges with some additional filmed scenes that was broadcast over PBS TV on Labor Day. The play is essentially a one man show in which THE MAN is Ian Ruskin, whose performance reincarnates the words and the spirit of a great working man.

The play is beautifully captured on film by director by Academy Avard winner Haskell Wexler.

Go see it for yourself, any way you can!!!

This is very topical at the moment. Global warming is frightening the politicians, who have passed horrific terrorism laws and biker gang laws, that can be used against the ordinary working man. No doubt to be used when things get worse. The bankers have collected the peoples money and houses. A look back at the history of the struggles, through the depression and union repression, can show us what is being planning for us. You will be glad that Harry Bridges overcame working mens' enemies and stopped the deportation plot. He is one of many United States heroes that paved the way to a future. That of course hasn't stopped the anti worker plots, it has just made them more devious. Folksingers such as Pete Seeger, Arlo and Woodie Guthrie are well worth having a look at afterward's on You Tube with songs like Harry Simms, Joe Hill etc about other working men heroes. One can only thank the union and the Harry Bridges Project for their sterling work in presenting this. Watch it, enjoy and learn how to protect us from the greedy men. Harry Bridges Project Harry Bridges Project Harry Bridges Project Harry Bridges Project

"Wharf Rats" is a very cleverly written and flawlessly performed documentary of the life of labor leader, Harry Bridges. It is a touching and inspirational film.

From his childhood in Australia, to his life as a merchant mariner, labor leader and his retirement, Ian Ruskin, the writer and star of the one-man play, has captured the essence of Harry Bridges and the times in which he lived.

The film captures the joys, sorrows, trials and tribulations of Harry Bridges and the labor movement from some of its darkest hours to one of its major triumphs. It also reveals the internal strife that is the labor movement and the beauty and weakness of the democratic process.

It is both a condemnation of the political/legal process and a testimony to the importance of the U.S. Constitution as the protector of the rights of the people.