This scene is pivotal; it marks the awakening of Terry Malloy's conscience and Father Barry's call to arms:
Father Barry is established as key to achieving justice on the waterfront, and instrumental in empowering Terry. Although Father Barry's character is downplayed in the film, the screenplay originally had this powerful orator at the centre of the story. Kazan's inclusion of Father Barry's momentous speeches show his latent strength and allude to Christ's motivational power. Just as Christ spoke boldly despite opposition, so too Father Barry speaks undeterred by taunts, threats and physical abuse. This scene signals a turning point in the film; while Friendly's mob enforcers are clearly depicted in a position of authority, Father Barry ascends to their level in the final moments of the scene. Below in the hold, the longshoremen are deeply affected by his words. Terry is motivated to absolve his guilt and fight for justice. In this scene, Father Barry is literally the moral voice - he verbalises Terry's awakening conscience.
While you watch, please answer the following questions:
1. What is the (biblical) significance of a crucifixion?
2. What is implied by the camera angles on:
a) Father Barry
b) the longshoremen
c) the mob (Charley)
3. How are we made to understand that the longshoremen are ultimately responsible for the corruption that continues to exist on the waterfront? (Refer to Father Barry's words, and to film technique.)
4. Father Barry asks: "How does Christ who spoke up without fear against every evil feel about your silence." Analyse Terry's reaction.
5. Father Barry states: "Only you... have the power to knock them out for good." The camera cuts to the longshoremen and to Terry. What do the camera angles indicate?
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