Since its release in 1954, when it scooped 8 Academy Awards, On the Waterfront has established itself as a classic American film and garnered a strong cult following. Both distinctions are largely attributable to Marlon Brando's legendary performance as Terry Malloy, the young docker and ex-fighter who, following the murder of his brother Charley, resolves to break the corrupt waterfront dominion of gang boss Johnny Friendly.