Dim-witted-yet-kind-hearted dockworker Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) had once been an up-and-coming boxer until a powerful local mobster (Lee J. Cobb) persuaded him to throw a fight. While working on the New Jersey docks one night, he unintentionally lures a man to his death and teams up with the dead man’s sister (Eva Marie Saint) to stand up to his corrupt union bosses once and for all.

Far from just being a contender, On the Waterfront was smash hit with critics and audience members alike upon its release 70 years ago in 1954. It went on to win eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Brando’s spellbinding performance in particular is still widely regarded as a watershed moment in cinematic history, redefining the possibilities of acting for film.

Fun fact: this film is notable for featuring composer Leonard Bernstein’s only original film score not adapted from a stage production. You can also hear it featured in Maestro on February 23.