From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks

"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.

This movie features one of our American working-class heroes. It is perfectly ironic that he was an Aussie. What a lesson for those considering immigration restrictions today!

This film should be required in all secondary schools worldwide. Bravo Ian Ruskin and Haskell Wexler!

Combining drama and theater with historical footage, this film brings to life the tumultuous times when working people in America made a great leap forward. All such movements require leaders who can make others believe that their lives are worth so much more than what some boss is willing to pay them for their labor.

Indeed, there is Strength in Unity. An Injury to One is an Injury to All!

Buy this DVD; get it on the air in your community.

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!!!

With all the things happening in America today this is a film everyone needs to see.

Through the life of Harry Bridges I learned so much about the beginnings of worker rights (longshoremen specifically) and labor history; unionization. The story covers the US depression up to the '70s - including the McCarthy era, and much more. Harry was on the cover of Time Magazine twice, spied on by the FBI, the US spent 21 years trying to deport him without success, and as an Aussie immigrant he spent his life making our Democracy live up to it's promise of equality for every man.

Ian Ruskin inhabits Harry as no one else could. I came away inspired by both Harry, who made a difference, and Ian who continues to make a difference by sharing Harry's life with us.

Very funny movie with a wicked sense of humor. Great music-and hours of amazing special features-Arlo Guthie, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Jackson Browne, and more.