From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks

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.

...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

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.

"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.