Films & music, Theology

When the church leaves the building…

This is my favourite scene from the Oscar-winning 1954 film On the Waterfront, starring Marlon Brando.  One of the key characters is a priest who is encouraging the dock workers to stand up against the corruption of the Union bosses.  One docker, Kayo Dougan, is prepared to testify in court against the violence and extortion. But the day before he is due in court, an ‘accident’ happens at work and he is killed by falling cargo.

The priest comes to bless his body and delivers a great sermon to the dockers.  The best line is when someone shouts aggressively “Get back to your church Father” and he replies:

“Boys this is my church!  And if you don’t think Christ is down here on the Waterfront, then you got another guess coming.”

2 thoughts on “When the church leaves the building…”

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