Rumble on the Docks
Rumble on the Docks is a 1956 American crime film noir directed by Fred F. Sears and starring James Darren. Plot. Jimmy Smigelski, living near the docks of Brooklyn, is quick to help when a neighborhood girl, Della, and her little brother are menaced by some thugs. Joe Brindo, a racketeer Jimmy's honest father Pete blames for an incident that crippled him, is impressed by Jimmy and takes him under his wing. Jimmy is caught in a rivalry between two local gangs. He also is asked to testify at a trial, angering his father when  the outcome benefits the gangster. Jimmy eventually changes his ways and ends up working in his father's print shop. Production. The film was based on the eponymous 1953 novel by "Frank Paley", a social worker writing under a pseudonym. "The New York Times" thought "Mr Paley's narrative powers are not up to his descriptive ones." Sam Katzman bought the film rights in 1955. The lead role was given to James Darren, who had recently been signed to a long-term contract by Columbia. It was his first movie. Katzman also introduced newcomers Laurie Connell and Sal Anthony. Filming  started 18 June 1956. Release. James Darren later said of the movie, "Fred Sears was a wonderful director. That really was my first break because I started getting 400-500 letters a month from that film. You're not talking about a major film here. So, that kind of put me on a different level at the studio and they took notice."