On the Waterfront

If you saw "On the Waterfront" with Marlon Brando you can appreciate the tough working conditions of these longshoremen back in the 1950s B.C. (before container). In my frequent visits to the docks I had occasion to observe them in the flesh - loud, profane but fearless as they practiced their hazardous occupation. I can only think of two things that could unnerve them - one - to see a hearse rolling slowly down the pier stringpiece -all the chattering ceased and that coffin got on board faster than any other cargo. And second, when the Bloodmobile appeared  - and the unsuspecting volunteers saw those needles come out. The white folks grew paler and the dark folks grew lighter. But all their blood was accepted and they received some coffee and danish and went back to work.
tjs
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