EDGE OF THE CITY (1957)

In this tense, existentialist-type drama (Martin Ritt's directoral debut), Axel North (John Cassavetes), on the lam as an Army deserter, lands a job on the NYC waterfront, working for thuggish, racist, corrupt crew boss Charlie Malick (Jack Warden, perfect for this role). He's immediately befriended by Tommy Tyler (Sidney Poitier), another crew boss who's not afraid of Malik. Axel only gradually warms to Tommy and his wife (Ruby Dee, always good). The film strongly evokes "On the Waterfront" but more than stands on its own. Cassavetes and Poitier are outstanding, and the filming, on NYC streets, adds grit and realism. Very good.