On the Waterfront (1954)

Karl Malden: Father Barry

Photos 

Quotes 

• Father Barry : Some people think the Crucifixion only took place on Calvary. They better wise up! Taking Joey Doyle's life to stop him from testifying is a crucifixion. And dropping a sling on Kayo Dugan because he was ready to spill his guts tomorrow, that's a crucifixion. And every time the Mob puts the pressure on a good man, tries to stop him from doing his duty as a citizen, it's a crucifixion. And anybody who sits around and lets it happen, keeps silent about something he knows that happened, shares the guilt of it just as much as the Roman soldier who pierced the flesh of our Lord to see if he was dead.

• Terry Malloy : If I spill, my life ain't worth a nickel.

  Father Barry : And how much is your soul worth if you don't?

• [Terry has just been badly beaten by Johnny Friendly and his goons] 

  Terry Malloy : Get me on my feet.

  [Father Barry and Edie help Terry stand up] 

  Father Barry : How're you doing?

  Terry Malloy : Am I on my feet?

• Father Barry : You want to know what's wrong with our waterfront? It's the love of a lousy buck. It's making love of a buck - the cushy job - more important than the love of man!

• Father Barry : Boys, this is my church! And if you don't think Christ is down here on the waterfront you've got another guess coming!

• Father Barry : You'd better get rid of that gun, unless you haven't got the guts, and if you don't, you'd better hang on to it!

• Father Barry : Isn't it simple as one, two, three? One: The working conditions are bad. Two: They're bad because the mob does the hiring. And three: The only way we can break the mob is to stop letting them get away with murder.

• Father Barry : Some people think the Crucifixion only took place on Calvary. Well, they better wise up!